Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel: Agents of SHIELD…If I did, Grant Ward would not have been an idiot and ended up in solitary, almost ruining everything (key word there 'almost'). I am so happy he escaped (even though it was way too easy for it not to be planned somehow). Now he can start to make things right and prove to the team that he never meant to hurt them. I hope Christian gets what's coming to him (the bastard deserves to die a slow and painful death) but I don't think Ward will kill him because that would ruin everything all over again. Whatever happens, I love him anyway…But I still want to shoot him in the ass with an ICER.

I hope Skye gets her hands on his whole classified file and finally comes to understand what he's been through and she realizes that in the end, when everything fell apart, that he tried to save everyone and that he really does love her more than anything.

*SkyeWard* will happen soon…Its fate. They belong together.

AN: In this story Ward never tried to take his own life. He didn't get the chance.

Takes place after the Season One Finale; A week later.

Song: When the Darkness Comes by Colbie Caillat

Lullaby: Goodnight, My Angel by Billy Joel

Underneath the echoes

Oh my Gods! How could I not see it? How could I have been so fucking blind? How could I let this happen? He never gave me a reason not to trust him; he was always there even when he was angry with me. Grant Ward always made me feel safe and protected. I owe him everything. If it hadn't been for Ward and AC kidnapping me all those months ago; I'd probably be lying in a ditch somewhere. And right now, Ward was being taken away because he has done some bad things. Things that weren't entirely his fault, but he would tell you different; taking responsibility for his actions in following a madman for 15 years of his life. He would put all the blame on himself. And now I was sitting here, in this dingy basement of a secret SHIELD Headquarters reading Ward's entire classified file. It had everything that's happened to him. His family abused him mentally and physically until he had the courage to stand up to his older brother when the bastard went too far. He burned the family home to the ground with Christian still inside. He made it out relatively unharmed. Christian is now a US Senator. Ward was sent to Juvenile Detention and was going to be tried as an adult when John Garrett showed up and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse. Garrett would keep his younger brother and sister safe from Christian. Both Thomas and Sarah were put into foster care.

Everything went downhill from the moment Garrett got Ward out of Juvie, he dumped him in the woods in Wyoming with nothing but some clothes and a puppy. He left him there for five months. And Ward made the mistake any scared teenager would; he trusted him.

Grant was isolated and lost. He had to take care of himself and a dog. He learned the hard way how to survive or die. Garrett came back after five months and took note of Grant's progress. He had a tent, a rifle, ammo and food. He also still had the dog. Garrett found the fact that Grant trained the dog to be his friend and companion a weakness so he beat the shit out of him for it. Then he left again. Leaving Grant alone and more confused and hurt. He didn't understand why it was such a bad thing to care for a dog. This time he was alone for a year. Garrett showed up again and put him through rigorous training. He beat him whenever he messed something up or just for the hell of it. Grant came to realize that this was what he deserved, he was good for nothing without John Garrett and felt that he deserved his beatings and torture because he would never amount to anything.

Garrett abused, tortured, manipulated mentally and beat Grant on and off for five years and it didn't stop when he got accepted into the SHIELD Academy either. Whenever Ward messed up a mission or showed empathy and compassion, that he cared; Garrett would beat and torture him and by now he was used to it, believed that it was what he deserved.

No one knew what was going on and Grant didn't say anything because he felt that he owed Garrett everything. Garrett became the father figure he never had. Garrett conditioned him to be the perfect soldier, always following orders without question or hesitation. That bastard used Grant for his own gain, he never really cared about him; he was always just a tool, a weapon, an expendable asset. Until the day Ward stepped into Commander Hill's office and was assigned to Coulson's team, until the day he met me; the one variable that would change everything.

While Ward was with us on the bus he felt that he could be the Grant Ward that he always wanted to be; a Protector, a Guardian, the last line of Defense. No one would hurt us while he was still alive and breathing. We became his family and he came to care about us more than his mission. He learned that Garrett wasn't who he always thought he was, he came to realize that he wasn't an expendable asset to our team. He was our friend, a part of our strange family and My Robot. We cared about what happened to him and he cared about us in return. Then Agent Garrett came to realize that Ward was losing focus on his mission and decided to do something about it, to see how he'd react.

Garrett ordered Quinn to take me out, by any means necessary. He shot me twice in the gut and Ward went back to being an emotionless robot. But behind his façade he was simmering and ready to explode. His SO ordered his rookie to be taken out. That was the last straw, but he didn't know how to get out. He was in too deep and he didn't know how to ask for help.

After I was shot, I don't know how long I was out for, but I learned something's about me. I met my mother her name was Eiris and she was an angel of life and healing. She told me that at one time she loved my father, he was kind and sweet. Everything changed when he found out she was pregnant, my father became enraged and psychotic. She said he tried to kill me in the womb. My mother told me that he was an angel of death. In order to save me, my mom escaped to earth and I was born here in the Hunan Province of China. My father became one of the fallen in order to follow my mother, he became a demon because if I was born; it would result in his undoing. He found my mother, tortured and killed her because she refused to give me up. My father was so angry; he burned the entire village to the ground; everyone protecting me suffered and died; all except for one. I found out that I have both of my parents' powers and some others; I know how to control and use them.

When I woke up, Ward was the first person I saw and the relieved look on his face meant everything to me. But I could tell that he was hiding something, something bad and he was too ashamed to say anything. He felt that if he got caught; he deserved his punishment. I could feel his despair and regret coming off him in waves and there was nothing I could do to relieve his pain. He wouldn't let me in. He had to face everything alone.

Now I know everything. Grant couldn't hide his horrid past from me, even if he wanted to. I was going to help him get through this because no matter what he believes in that gorgeous head of his; he has never taken the life of an innocent. Everyone he killed was either bad or HYDRA. Hand was way up in HYDRA, Koenig was a HYDRA mole and those guards at the Fridge were all HYDRA. All Grant Ward was doing was protecting me and the team the best that he could. I have the proof. Now I just have to get everyone to help me.

FitzSimmons are okay; I healed Fitz at the hospital after they were found by Fury in the ocean. He told me that he didn't blame Ward for what happened; he knew Grant was trying to save them and both he and Simmons knew that the pod was supposed to float. Jemma agrees with Fitz, that Ward saved their lives. Now I just have to convince AC and May. That was going to be more difficult, since AC believes that I have a blindspot when it comes to Ward and May wants to murder him for everything that he's done. Which isn't fair, because it wasn't all his fault and I told them that! Countless times! They never believe me and it's starting to get my blood boiling, pretty soon I am going to take matters into my own hands. Because I know that Ward is cooperating, even though at the moment he can't talk since May fractured his larynx and nailed his foot to the floor a week ago. He wrote everything he knew on a piece of paper and addressed it to me. When the Agent handed me the note, I cried. Ward spilled his guts to me, along with everything he knew about HYDRA. I handed the info to AC and kept the note, it broke my heart.

Skye,

I know that nothing I say will make you change your mind about me. I know that you hate me and think that I am a monster, but I want you to know that I would never have hurt you or the team. In the end I chose you and Garrett was so angry he beat me unconscious. He told me that caring, empathy, compassion and love were weaknesses but I realized something during those months I've spent with you guys on the bus that he was wrong. Those emotions were strengths and I realized that too fucking late. I should have told you everything the moment you woke up, but I couldn't. I didn't know how. You are the first person that has ever cared about me Skye, you are the first person that has ever shown me empathy and compassion. You taught me how to feel and I will forever be grateful. My loyalty is to you and you alone. It has been since the moment I kidnapped you and threw that bag over your head. I just didn't know how to ask for help, no one has ever cared enough; until you and the team. Skye, I am so sorry for what I have done and I will never deserve you, I will never deserve your forgiveness. What I deserve is to rot in this vault and pay for everything I have done, for the rest of my miserable life, alone. I will help out in any way that I can, whatever you need. I'm so sorry for ruining everything; you can never hate me as much as I already hate myself. You were the one good thing in my life Skye and I know that I've lost you forever. You are the one thing I don't regret, the only light in the dark.

I'll always love you, stay alive…Please

Grant Ward

PS: Stay away from your father.

Ward has always protected me and kept me safe, even when he was mad at me. He never turned his back. Now it was my turn to protect him, even if I am protecting him from himself. I'll do everything in my power to make sure he's safe. I know he'd give his life for me if he got the chance. What he doesn't know is that I'd do the same for him, in a heartbeat. It's time I tell him.

Buried in the shadows

It was time to face the music, to confront AC and May about my SO. Sighing I headed to my room to get dressed in my combat gear. It was nearly 3 in the morning, but I knew that AC hasn't been sleeping; I could hear him writing alien symbols on the wall. I grabbed a gun, mag, universal handcuff key, the backscatter glasses and stuffed the tablet into the small of my back where no one could see it. I had a feeling I'd need it.

Once I reached the Director's office, I didn't bother knocking; just walked in. "Hey AC, do you have a minute?" I asked him. He smiled up at me from his desk, sorting through papers as if he was looking for something.

"Sure Skye, what did you need?" he asked me, his voice had an edge to it and I think I know what he's looking for. Like hell I was going to give it back.

"I want to talk about Ward," I said, my voice flat and monotone, arms crossed over my chest. We have been avoiding this topic for the last few days, or I should say AC and May have been avoiding this topic. I wanted him out. They would hear none of it.

"Skye, we've talked about this. There is nothing to say about that traitor. Not anymore, he betrayed us, nearly killed FitzSimmons. He kidnapped you! What more is there to say?" he growled, his hands shaking, still flipping through papers.

"Ward has never killed an innocent AC! I showed you the proof; Hand and Koenig were HYDRA for Godssake! He saved all our lives. I know he would never hurt me, Grant saved Jemma and Leo by dumping them into the ocean. That pod was designed to float; it's not his fault it malfunctioned. He gave them the best chance he could in a messed up situation! They know it too. Why are you so stubborn about this? What happened to everyone deserves a second chance?" I asked softly, with tears pouring down my face. Inside I was seething. This was so unfair!

"Grant Ward doesn't deserve a second chance after everything he's done. You are forbidden to see him! That's an order. He won't be our problem for much longer anyway. I made a deal with his brother, Senator Christian Ward. We're transferring custody over to him at 0800 hours." Coulson said dismissively, waving his hand. He accidentally touched the remote for the comm. center screen. I turned around and put a hand over my mouth, more tears flowing. Two guards were beating Ward in his cell and he wasn't fighting back. They were hitting him everywhere and yelling obscenities at him. I was angry, I was furious, I was enraged. No more! I won't allow it!

Making sure that AC didn't notice his slip up, I rounded on him, "How could you!? How could you hand him over to that monster? You know what will happen to him don't you? He'll be tortured and executed for his crimes. Most aren't even his fault! You are taking away the only person that understands me. You are taking away the only man I have ever loved; the only man that I will ever love. I understand why he did what he did AC. I know what he's been through, I've experienced it first-hand. And if you go through with this trade, I will never forgive you. Because if anything happens to Ward," I leaned in close to whisper in his ear and hissed,

"I will walk into hell to get him out," with that said, I walked to the door and then turned to face the Director of SHIELD, I smiled cunningly at him.

"I have Agent Ward's file AC, and I am not giving it back." I walked out the door before he could do anything to stop me. He was mad, I could feel it.

I could feel everything around me since I woke up. No one knows what I am capable of and now that I know what's been going on with Ward for the past week; some people were going to feel the wrath of Skye and it was going to be painful. Once I hit the corner, I pulled out my tablet and overrode the passcode lock to Vault D when the door opened I ran down the stairs and was met with a pair of strong hands pushing me back. What the hell?

"What are you doing down here? You are not authorized to be in this room. Now leave," guard one growled. I mastered my poker face and looked at his name tag, Connor.

"Well Agent Connor, you can take it up with the Director, whom is busy at the moment and will not be pleased if he's interrupted. The man in that cell is my SO and you and your partners behind that barrier are going to leave now. Before I shoot you in the fucking kneecap you bastard," I seethed, glaring daggers at him. How dare he tell me what I can and can't do?

"You wouldn't dare. That man is a traitor. He killed friends of mine," Agent Connor hissed in my face. I smiled at him, and then punched him in the jaw knocking him a few steps backwards. Ward would have been proud of that solid right hook.

"Then your friends were HYDRA, Agent Connor; because I know for a fact that Grant Ward has never killed an Agent of SHIELD. Get out of my way," I growled maliciously and pushed him aside, accessing the barrier and bringing the whole thing down.

What I saw made me want to scream, but that wouldn't help anyone; especially not Ward. The two guards were still beating him and I was so angry I wanted to break their necks with my bare hands. Getting myself together, I stepped into the room, "Get the hell away from him. Now! Or I will blow your heads off," my voice was low and contained a strain of barely concealed rage. The punishment stopped immediately and the guards stood at attention facing me.

Agent Myers and Agent Skinner; they were glowering at me as if I just interrupted their fun. "Who the hell are you to tell us what to do, little girl? This guy here is a traitor and deserves to be punished for his crimes," Agent Myers said flatly. I crossed my arms over my chest and smiled, taking a quick peek at Ward to make sure he was still alive. He was. Thank the Gods.

"That's classified; above your pay-grade. Who gives you your orders? Answer truthfully and I might not shoot you," I said, indifferent; one hand on my gun, flipping the safety off.

"Agents' May and Koenig give us our orders," Skinner said smiling as if that meant anything. I was still going to shoot them, all three of them. May and Koenig were ordering Ward to be beaten, even though he was helping with everything he could. He couldn't talk for godssake! And that was May's fault. Once I get rid of these assholes, I am going to fix him. Then we are going to talk. I am going to help him, then have a word with May and Koenig.

"How dare any of you lay a hand on him! You should know; he never killed an Agent of SHIELD," I said quietly and without warning, I shot all three of them; Connor in the kneecap, Myers in the arm and Skinner in the shoulder. They all went down screaming and moaning. I stepped over the assholes and kicked them all in the ribs.

"Get out of here, or I'll put a bullet in your brains," I hissed. They all scrambled to their feet, moaning and groaning up the stairs. Once the door was closed, I changed the passcode lock from my tablet and shut the cameras off. No one would be getting in here for a while. Putting it back in my pocket, I walked over to my bloody SO and gently shook his shoulder.

"Hey, Grant. You still alive?" I whispered close to his face. He blinked his gorgeous brown eyes open and stared at me. His eyes were glowing in wonder. It was like he thought he'd never see me again. I wanted to cry, this was my SO and he hit rock bottom. The terrified look on his face made me angry all over again, but the rage was concealed for now. My face showed desolation and regret. Ward tried to stand up, but fell over in pain. His face was bloody and bruised; cut up cheek, eyebrow and lip from being hit in the face. Those bastards have been beating him every day since he was put in here a week ago. I will deal with them later. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I lifted up his shirt and gasped; his torso, chest and back were covered in black, purple, green and yellow bruises from the batons the guards were hitting him with. He definitely had some broken ribs. I pulled his shirt down and looked at his damaged left foot; it was bleeding, almost like those guards nailed his foot to the floor again and again; but for Wards' sake, kept my anger at everyone on this base, except FitzSimmons, in check. Time to work my magic. He is going to be okay.

Smiling at him I asked quietly, "Grant, do you trust me?" he looked at me with a blank stare and then gave me a slight nod. He trusted me, after everything he's been through. I wanted to cry. I don't deserve his trust. I don't deserve anything from him, this was all my fault.

Kneeling down, close to his lips, I breathed, "Don't react. This is going to hurt, because I know that you are hurting everywhere right now. I can feel it, so don't react." And with that last word, I kissed him, taking all of his pain and injuries into me. He did as asked and didn't react, because what I was currently doing was hurting the both of us. I could feel the cold flowing through him, healing him and returning to me as fiery hot pain. The cuts and bruises on his handsome face were fading, his right arm and shoulder were resetting, his ribs were mending, his throat was healing and his foot was healed. I could feel it all, for about 10 minutes, then everything went black.

There you were

Everything hurt, it was like taking two slugs in the gut all over again; only this time way worse. The feeling of someone shaking me and calling my name brought me back to the present and I remembered everything. "Come on, Rookie. Come back to me," that voice, I would know that voice anywhere. Ward. I opened my eyes and found him staring at me with worried brown eyes and a concerned expression on his gorgeous face. I smiled up at him, then attempted to sit up, but his hands on my shoulders stopped me from moving.

"How long was I out for?" I rasped my voice sounded like it hadn't been used in months. Grant sat back on his cot and shook his head, then glared at me with a wicked frown on his face. Oh Shit. I know that face. He was going to give me a lecture on doing stupid and reckless things. I sighed, resigned.

"You were out for about 15 minutes, Skye. What the hell were you thinking? You scared the shit out of me, again," he said, his voice strained with tension.

"Why did you do it?" he asked quietly. It broke my heart that he had to ask. But I understood why. This time I sat up and grabbed his hand before he could pull it away.

"Because I care about you Ward-," I said and he was about to interrupt when I stopped him with a flat stare. He sighed and let me continue.

"Let's get one thing straight. I don't hate you Grant. I could never hate you. You mean too much to me," I smiled at him and he was staring at me in shock. His jaw dropped to the floor. Composing himself, he gathered his bearings and gave me a tentative smile.

"Why Skye? Why don't you hate me? God and everyone know I have done so many terrible things," he said, looking down at his feet ashamed. That's it! I can't take it anymore! I want my SO back! Kneeling beside him, I brought his face into my hands and wiped his flowing tears away.

"I know what you did Grant. I understand why you did what you did. And you need to know something else. You have never killed an innocent," I said sternly, my voice never wavering, my eyes showing the truth. Ward squeezed my hands that were attached to his face he looked at me as if I was the only thing in the world.

"How can you possibly know that Skye?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion, his head was still bowed in shame. I wanted to yell at him, I wanted to cuss him out; I wanted to shake his stupid robot ass for thinking that I didn't give a shit about him. I wanted to tell him that I love him and that there is nothing I wouldn't do for him. But he wasn't ready to hear that, so I'll just tell him everything else. Taking his hand in mine again, I squeezed it like a lifeline, because that is what Grant Ward was to me.

"Come on Grant. Give me some credit. I am your rookie and I was taught by the best Specialist there is. You know, I'm thinking of changing professions. What do you think Ward? Agent Skye, SHIELD Specialist?" the look on his face was priceless. He looked like a fish out of water with his jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes so wide, they looked like they were about to fall out of his face. I wanted to laugh, but the robot would kick my ass. I wasn't as good as him yet. Once he composed himself, his eyes narrowed and he was glaring at me.

"That's not funny Skye! You think I will allow you to become a Specialist? It's the most dangerous job there is! The answer is hell no! Not happening, rookie. Not today, not tomorrow and not a year from now either. No," he growled, his voice hoarse. Ah, I missed that growl I missed riling him up and pushing his buttons. I missed him. But I was dead serious.

"Oh, Come on! You can't stop me Mr. Fun Machine. You're my SO and I wouldn't trade you for another. Did you know that there's partnered Specialist work? Huh? Well, did you?" I asked in a sweet voice. Just to annoy him, and it was working, I could tell. His right eye was starting to twitch. I did a mental fist pump. He was coming back to himself.

"Rookie, the answer is still no. I will not allow you to become a Specialist when I am not there to watch your back," he said exasperated, shaking his head and hiding a smile.

"Well, I am currently working on that at the moment. AC and May are being very unreasonable and argumentative. There's something else I have to tell you and you're not going to like it. So don't freak out," I said hesitantly. He was looking right at me and I could tell by the fear in his eyes that he already knew what was coming.

"AC decided that it was a good idea to trade you to your brother in return for his help fighting HYDRA," I said, looking down at our hands, my smaller one in his larger one. We fit together perfectly; like pieces of a puzzle, two sides of the same coin, yin and yang. I couldn't hold the tears in anymore. The thought of losing him to that monster made me sick to my stomach. I know what he's been through and now it will be worse because Ward has been labeled a traitor. Christian was going to hurt him.

"I understand Skye. It's okay. I am not needed anymore; I gave all the information I had. But something you should know: Do not trust or believe a word that comes out of his mouth. I know what I am, but he is worse; a lot worse," he said quietly, resigned to his fate; accepting the fact that he was going to be handed over to his worst nightmare. No! I will not let him go. He can't get rid of me that easily. I grabbed his face and stared right into his eyes, everything I felt clear as day shining in mine. He sucked in a ragged breath. He has no idea how much he means to me.

"I told AC that I would never forgive him if he handed you over to that monster. I told him that I would walk into hell to get you out," I smiled at him and he squeezed my hand tight.

"Why would you say that, Skye? I am not worth losing everything over. Please go along with whatever he says. Do it for me," he said earnestly, pleading with me to follow orders for once. That was one thing I couldn't do. Not this time and not when it comes to him. I shook my head; fierce determination in my eyes.

"I'm sorry. I can't do that Grant. Not this time. AC hasn't been himself lately; I think it has something to do with that GH325 serum. He hasn't been the same. There is something wrong with him and May is helping him with whatever it is. I am currently out of the loop. Did you know that I was forbidden to come down here? AC tried to lock me out. Ha! Like that would stop me from coming down to see you after what I just witnessed; courtesy of a slip up by AC. And he is currently furious with me," I said, letting out a humorless laugh and wiping my eyes with one hand. The other was currently occupied.

"Why is Coulson pissed at you Skye?" he asked and then realization dawned in his eyes. "Oh God, please tell me it doesn't have anything to do with me. Skye, what did you do?" he asked, panic in his voice. When I didn't respond right away, he shook me to make me look at him.

I sighed and gave him a reassuring smile, "I found proof that you never killed an Agent of SHIELD, Grant. I found proof that they were all bad or HYDRA. I know you Ward and you were telling me the truth when you told me that you didn't like killing people; even the bad ones. You try to avoid pulling the trigger unless absolutely necessary. You saved all our lives Grant. Dumping FitzSimmons in the ocean was their best chance of survival. They understand and forgive you. It wasn't your fault the pod malfunctioned, it was designed to float. They would come down and see you, but Simmons is currently undercover and Fitz doesn't know how to override the passcode lock," I told him, my voice cracking. Oh great! I was about to get all emotional on him.

"I am so sorry Grant. This is all my fault; I should have let you explain. I never should have doubted you, even though it was only for a second. Everything changed after Mike killed you. I couldn't take it. Losing you, it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. And then everything fell apart. You were taken into custody and put down here. AC and May wouldn't let me down here. I had enough. So when AC was out, I hacked into his office and found your file. The whole damned thing. So I read it and I read it again and again. I was disgusted with myself, I couldn't look at myself in the mirror for 48hours. When I was finished being angry at the world, I started hacking, non-stop and found the proof I needed to get you out of the basement. AC and May wouldn't believe me. FitzSimmons did though. Fitz has been helping me out with the intel. After I handed AC the folder with everything in it, he put it in a drawer at the bottom of his desk and didn't even open it. May is with him."

"I walked into his office about an hour ago and brought it up again. He gave me a piece of his mind and made me even angrier, then he accidently touched the comm. screen remote and I saw what was happening down here. I didn't know about it Ward. I am so sorry. And then I told Coulson that I have your file and I wasn't giving it back, turned my back on him and walked out. He was seething, and then I came down here and saw first- hand what has been going on for the past week," I said my voice low and tired. I haven't slept since I watched them lock Ward up down here. I sat down beside Ward on his cot and put my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes for a minute. The touch of his hand on my face brought me back to reality.

"Skye, what happened to the Agents that were down here before you showed up?" Ward asked curiously. I knew this was coming. Nothing gets past him, he probably heard the gunshots.

"Well…" I hesitated, looking at Ward he gave me a nod of encouragement, his brows furrowed.

"I shot all three of them," I blurted out, Ward blanched and stared at me as if he's never seen me before.

"What did you say? I don't think I heard you right," he said in a flat monotone, staring at me expectantly; his grip on my hand tightening.

I sighed and squeezed his hand, "I shot all three of them. They deserved it Grant! No one gets to hurt you when you aren't allowed to fight back. No one gets to hurt what's mine," I told him vehemently, my eyes starting to tear up all over again.

"Skye…" he said quietly searching my face for something and when nothing changed, he leaned in and kissed me. It was electrifying, passionate and unlike anything I have ever felt before. When he started to pull away I kissed him back with everything I had. He was the first to pull away and leaned his forehead against mine, smiling.

"What was that for?" I breathed, smiling back at his handsome face. I think I knew the answer to my own question, but I needed to hear him say it.

"No one has ever done that for me before, Skye. You are the first person to stick up for me. You are the first person to hurt the people that were hurting me. Thank you," he said, looking down at our entwined hands. I sucked in a breath. I wanted to hurt more than just those agents. I wanted to bring Garrett back from the dead and break every bone in his body one at a time, I wanted to put Christian in hole and give him what he deserves. I wanted to hurt everyone that ever laid a hand on my robot.

"No need to thank me Grant. I would have done it anyway. No one deserves to go through what you went through. And there's another thing I have to tell you," I said, looking down. I didn't know if I could tell him. Ward's hand on my face brushing away my falling tears strengthened my resolve. He's the only one that would understand. We're the same.

"What is it Skye? You know you can tell me anything," he said, giving me his rare smile.

I sucked in a breath and blew it out this was going to take a while, "It's not a pretty story Ward. No rainbows, unicorns or puppies. My childhood was filled with nightmares, violence and pain. So please don't interrupt, because I won't be able to finish," I said flatly looking him in the eye. He nodded and squeezed my hand.

"Well you already know that I was never in one place for more than a few weeks, at most a month. At St. Agnes, there was a man that boarded there. He was a hitman for the Columbian Cartel and his name was Hector Garza," Wards hand tightened in mine and I looked over at him, he had a death grip on my hand and he looked like he wanted to murder someone. I knew he wasn't angry with me, so I just kept talking and leaned my head on his shoulder.

"I first met him when I was 5. I was always good with computers and electronics. It just came to me I could visualize code in my head. He asked me what I was doing. I told him that I was playing a game. He hit me and I fell out of the chair, not making a single sound. The fact that I didn't make a sound pissed him off so he hit me again and the Sisters' did nothing because they were afraid of him. He threw me down the basement stairs and shut the door. I went into the farthest corner and fell asleep," sucked in a ragged breath and took a peak at Ward's face. He looked like he was about to say something, I shook my head he clenched his jaw shut tight. I could hear his teeth grinding.

"I was in the basement for three days; Garza would come down and hit me. He would ask me to do something tech related and I'd refuse; my stubbornness and defiance getting the best of me every time. He couldn't really hurt me because he didn't know my weakness. I was the silent type, minding my own business. But whenever that psycho wasn't around, I was the troublemaker, leader of the pack of misfits.

"Every time Garza would ask me for something, my response was always, "go to hell." So he would hit me, throw me around and beat me. He tried waterboarding once, but that didn't work either. This went on for 11 years. He couldn't figure out why I would never submit, why I always fought back when I knew that it would only make the beatings worse and more painful. He didn't know it was to keep him focused and angry at me instead of the other kids," I sucked in a ragged breath this next part was the most painful. Ward squeezed my hand, and I felt his tears falling into my hair.

"When I was 16 he figured it out. He told me to hack into the NSA and give him Satellite footage of the NYPD building. I said no, he hit me and left. About an hour later he came back with a little girl about 5 years old. Her name was Karina. She was a beautiful, little blonde thing with bright green eyes and when she looked at me, it was like she knew what was coming and she was ready for it. She smiled at me. Hector told me that if I didn't give him the NSA SAT footage he would kill her. I believed him, but I still told him to fuck off and stay away from her. He smiled and hit her across the face, she didn't make a sound." I was visibly crying now and getting Ward's shirt all wet. I will never forget her face.

"You know what she said to me Ward?" he shook his head, "She said, "Don't worry Mary, I won't make a sound. You never made a sound whenever he hurt you so I won't either. I'll be brave like you, Mary."Now I was sobbing into Wards' chest, clutching at his shirt as if it was the only thing keeping me grounded. He was gently running his fingers through my hair, when I was done sobbing, I continued.

"He asked me one more time. I did it. I hacked into the NSA SAT footage and showed him. He smiled, raised the gun to Karina's head and fired. He killed a little girl, for nothing. I didn't react, I was stone faced and angry. So I sent a coded message to the NSA and the NYPD and then I smashed the computer. He was so furious with me, that he threw me into the basement and chained me to the wall. Garza beat me for hours that night, and I still never made a sound. All he got out of me was good fight and spit in his face. This time I left a mark. He has a jagged scar on his right cheek from my finger nails. He wailed in pain and I laughed in his face, spitting out blood. He kicked me in the face and everything faded to black.

"When I woke up he was gone. I knew how to get out of the manacle, break my wrist and thumb. I escaped and never went back. That's my story. You know the rest."

"I'm sorry Grant. I should have let you explain your actions and I'm sorry for everything I said after," I said quietly, full of regret. Ward looked at me for a minute, and then smiled.

"It's okay Skye. I know you were angry and hurt, I could see it in your eyes," he replied, but I was already shaking my head, poking my finger in his firm chest.

"No Ward, it's not okay. Nothing that happened to you is okay! I want retribution Grant. I understand what you went through, I have lived it. I have lived in a world of not being able to fight back against someone stronger than you and whenever you did fight back the punishment would be worse. I didn't care. Hector could hurt me as long as he saw fit as long as he wasn't hurting anyone else. He's still alive and I will find him and put him a hole," I told him with conviction, my hand fisting his shirt.

"Grant, I understand and I am so sorry I didn't listen to you. We had the same childhood. Filled with nightmares and pain," I said, silent tears falling down my face. Ward looked at me and there was a twinkle in his eye.

"Skye, I need to ask you something," I nodded and raised an eyebrow, "Why did Karina say your name was Mary and did that bastard ever…You know-," he couldn't finish the question and I could understand why. I held his face in my hand and kissed him gently.

"Karina called me Mary because that was my name. Mary Sue Poots-," Ward choked, then coughed. Twice. I glared daggers at him and scowled, "Don't you dare laugh Grant Douglas! It's not funny. I hated that name and I still hate that name. Do I look like a Mary Sue to you Ward?" I asked him through clenched teeth. He put a fist in his mouth to keep from exploding in a fit of laughter. That's it! I know his weakness!

"You asked for it Ward. Now you're going to pay," I said and then promptly reached behind his ear and trailed my fingers over there like a spider. He stopped and flinched, glaring at me.

"That's not fair Skye! And you still didn't answer the other half of my question."

"The answer is no, Grant. Now answer mine. Do I look like a Mary Sue to you?" I asked him, my hand dangerously close to his weakness. He was looking at my hand warily.

"Thank God. No, you look like a Skye," he said softly and smiled at me. I smiled back at him. We were going to be okay.

"I have something for you Turbo," I said calmly and gave him a mischievous smile. Reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out a small silver key and put it into his hand. He stared at it for minute, trying to understand what I was up to. Grant looked at me, stunned.

Clearing his throat, "Is this what I think it is?" he whispered, afraid someone would overhear. But I could still see the fear and apprehension in his eyes. I took his hand and closed it around the key.

"Yes Grant. You are not going to make it into Christians' custody. I will not allow him to hurt you again. I promise," I swore to him. There was no way that I was going to willingly hand Ward over to his brother, not unless it was on his own terms. I was going to make sure that I was on the transport team in a few hours.

He looked like he was about to cry, he sucked in a ragged breath and smiled at me, a breathtaking, blinding smile, "Thank you for never giving up on me Skye. I promise I won't let you down," he said seriously and I could tell that Grant was telling the truth. He never once lied to me.

"I trust you Ward and I'll be there. We're doing this together," I said sternly a fierce look in my eyes; Grant's eyes widened in incredulity.

"Are you serious? You're not messing with me are you?" he asked tentatively, almost as if he was afraid of my answer. I grabbed his hand and squeezed.

Rolling my eyes skyward, I let out a breath, "Yes Ward. I am dead serious. I am coming with you. I've had everything planned since I found out AC was not going to give me the time of day."

"Are you sure about this Rookie?" he asked softly. I hugged him tight; tighter than I have ever hugged anyone. Grant Ward is the one person I can't live without, and if it meant breaking some rules, so be it.

"Yes Grant," I mumbled into his shoulder, "I won't abandon you." He hugged me tighter, cutting off my air supply, I didn't care though. Ward felt like safety and home and he smelt the way he always used to, of Sandalwood, Mahogany, Pine, a scent that was completely him and Home.

"What's the plan?" he asked after a moment.

"You break out about 10 minutes after we leave the base. Knock everyone out, and we escape together. I'll take care of the guards." I said matter of factly.

"Okay. We better get some rest then. What time are they coming?" he asked calmly.

"0800, Grant. I better get back to my room; I haven't slept in days," I told him honestly, but I didn't want to leave his arms, he felt so firm and good. Ward was the best pillow I ever had. He sighed, exasperated and I knew what was coming, "Skye you have to take care of yourself better, driving yourself into the ground won't help anyone…blah, blah, blah." I heard Robots voice in my head. But this time he surprised me.

"Will you sing me to sleep? Please," he asked shyly, yawning. And I smiled. I knew he had nightmares about the past.

"Yes, hold me tighter?" He did, and I lay on top of him tracing circles above his heart with my pointer finger and started to sing one of my favorite lullabye's.

Goodnight, my angel

Time to close your eyes

And save these questions for another day

I think I know what you've been asking me

I think you know what I've been trying to say

I promised I would never leave you

And you should always know

Wherever you may go

No matter where you are

I never will be far away

Goodnight, my angel

Now it's time to sleep

And still so many things I want to say

Remember all the songs you sang for me

When we went sailing on an emerald bay

And like a boat out on the ocean

I'm rocking you to sleep

The water's dark

And deep inside this ancient heart

You'll always be a part of me

Goodnight, my angel

Now it's time to dream

And dream how wonderful your life will be

Someday your child may cry

And if you sing this lullaby

Then in your heart

There will always be a part of me

Someday we'll all be gone

But lullaby's go on…

They never die

That's how you

And I

Will be

When the song was done, I took a peek at Ward. He was fast asleep with a content smile on his handsome face. I smiled and untangled myself from the safety of his arms. I had about two hours to sleep and then I had business to take care of. I was not looking forward to it. Turning around, I bent down by the cot, placed a kiss on his forehead and whispered, "I love you."

As I was headed for the stairs, I turned around and took one last look at the man fast asleep on the cot; I swore to myself that I would never let anything happen to him again. It was going to be Skye and Ward against the world for a while and I had a feeling that when I mended his injuries, I did more than just heal him. He will always be the same Grant Ward that I fell in love with the moment he threw that bag over my head; he'll just remain exactly the same as he is now. I wonder how he's going to take the news when I tell him? Better to ask forgiveness than permission.

Please read, review and share your thoughts and suggestions

-S