"You sure you don't want to drive over?" Phil asked as he and Darcy walked through the grass of their side yard.

"Nah, their house is just through that tree line, right?" Darcy said, as she carefully walked in her heels. Heels were not her thing; she liked her flip-flops, Converse sneakers, or her trusty boots. However, none of those would have matched her outfit very well. Heels did make her legs look long and sexy, which she loved (and apparently Phil did as well, because Darcy saw him take several glances at them). Phil was dressed in black pants and a light blue button up with a tie; he looked closer to his 'agent look' than anything else he had worn so far on the assignment. Darcy forgot how much she liked him in a work suit.

"It'll probably be dark when we leave. Will you be scared to walk through the woods?" he smirked.

Darcy rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm lucky to have such a brave, strong husband to fight off any creepers," she said with a lack of enthusiasm. "I got my taser with me," she said with a smirk.

"Where you hiding that?" he asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Wouldn't you like to know." She gave him a flirty wink.

"Mmm ..." he said with a grin as they entered the wooded area that separated their house from the Cedar's. The air seemed warmer in here despite the fact that it was a shaded area. Phil pulled his phone out of his pocket and began scanning the area.

"What is that like the iPhone 600 s, or something?" she said looking over at him.

"You mean to tell me that your phone hasn't been upgraded yet?" he asked, pressing a couple of buttons. "The air is off in here ..." he muttered.

"Upgraded phone? Are you kidding me, I'm lucky they even let me have a regular phone back at HQ," she whispered. "It does feel pretty gross. Hot and -"

"Moist?" Phil said and then looked down at the phone when it beeped.

"Moist. Moist is like the most disgusting word ever." Darcy said as she looked at the screen on the phone." What does all that mean?"

He shook his head. "Not sure yet. I'm going to send it to the labs when we get back home. I'm not much of a scientist," he replied. Phil put the phone back in his pocket just as they walked out of the woods and into the yard of Ken and Barbie.

"Well, their house is nicer than ours, that's for sure," Darcy said, looking up at the large log cabin. She could see a rose garden and a swimming pool in the backyard. "I want to go swimming," she pouted as they walked up to the door and rang the bell.

"Maybe you can ask-" Phil started to say just as the door flew open.

"I'm so happy you're here! And on time too! Come in, Come in!" Barbara said in her usual overly excited voice. "Whatever you brought smells delish!"

Darcy smiled. "It's broccoli cheddar quiche," she said handing the dish over to Barbara.

"Oh ... broccoli?" She sounded disappointed. "Ken and I really don't like broccoli but I'm sure someone will eat it. Take your shoes off and join everyone straight through those doors there." She gave Darcy a smile and turned away to the kitchen.

"Da fuck?" Darcy whispered, her eyes narrowed and she shook her head. She was beyond pissed that Barbara said that about her dish she brought. Who says shit like that to a person's face?

Phil slipped his shoes off and shrugged. "More for me then." He smiled and placed his hand on Darcy so she wouldn't fall as she took her shoes off. "Cute toes."

Darcy chuckled softly and looked up at him. "Do you have a secret foot fetish?" she whispered, wiggling her perfectly pink polished toes.

He grinned but didn't answer the question. "We better head in," he said, motioning for her to go ahead of him.

"Yay," she rolled her eyes. Her mind was still stuck on his sexual kinks that he may or may not have. She was really hoping that they were true ... like really true. She smiled poking her head into the living room where several people were sitting around drinking wine and picking at fruit and cheese plate. "Hello," she said walking in the room with Phil close behind her.

"The Coulsons!" Ken said, getting up to shake Phil's hand. He smiled and Darcy, giving her a once over with his eyes. "Come in and get some wine, and I'll introduce you to everyone."

Phil poured a glass of wine for Darcy and then himself. They walked over to the couch and sat down. "Lovely home you have, Ken." He took a sip of wine and his eyes scanned the room, taking anything in that may seem out of the ordinary.

"Thank you. It's our little love nest." He said, putting his arm around Barbara. "Well, this is Jack Martin and his wife, Lindsey. And you already know Melissa."

Darcy's eyes flicked over to Melissa as she walked into the room. Her red hair was in loose curls and she was wearing a black strapless dress, that barely covered her top or bottom. Darcy wanted to snort, but instead she took a sip of wine and looked over at Phil. She swore that he just checked Melissa out. That did not sit well with Darcy at all. "Are you, Annie Martin's parents?" Darcy said turning back to the other couple. Phil could ogle Melissa all he wanted.

Jack nodded his head. "We are. Annie said how much she likes art camp."

"She's a bit shy, but she's very fond of you," Lindsey said with a smile.

"She's a great girl. And she's much better at crafts than I am," Darcy said with a smile. This was good, maybe now she could get more clues on what the hell is up with the woods and the monster that Annie spoke about. "So what do you do Jack?" she asked.

"I own the logging business," he took a sip of wine.

Interesting. Darcy nodded, and then nudged Phil, who was laughing about something with Melissa. "Sweetheart, Jack owns the logging company. Isn't that interesting?" she gave Phil smile. She noticed Melissa had scooted much closer to Phil than she was before. She really wasn't wasting any time, was she?

"Really?" Phil turned away from Melissa and looked over at Jack. "You must be one of those outdoorsy people," he laughed.

Jack nodded. "No better place in the world than out in the woods. I bet a writer from Seattle would have a hard time understanding that," he joked.

"Hey, now ... play nice boys," Melissa chimed in. Everyone else except for Darcy laughed.

Darcy wanted to punch her in the face. Phil could sense it too, because he slipped his arm around her shoulder and gave it a tiny squeeze.

"You should come down and experience how it is to do some real work, Phil," Jack smirked.

"Logging?" Phil asked.

"Yeah, get out of your cushy office and help us out," Jack answered.

Phil nodded. "Sounds great. Maybe I'll get some ideas for my book as well. When do you want me there?"

"How about Monday morning at 6:30?" Jack said, taking a sip of wine. "Or is that too early for you?"

Phil smirked. "Nope, not too early at all."

"Dinner's ready," Barbara said as she floated back into the living room. "And if you don't mind me tooting my own horn ... my pot roast looks amazing!" she giggled and then floated off into the dining room. Everyone stood up and followed her out, except for Phil and Darcy who stayed behind for just a moment.

"Jack has no idea," Darcy whispered looking at Phil.

"About what?" Phil asked.

"That Phil Coulson is a badass, who could probably kill him with a bobby pin. What's with all the taunting? I mean, god, Jack is a jackass." Darcy stood up and shook her head. "This whole party is just weird. And what the hell is up with Miss Tits? A minute more and she'd probably be sitting on your lap. I don't like how she looks at you."

Phil chuckled. "A bit protective of your man?"

Darcy blushed. She did sort of sound like a crazy girlfriend. "I mean ... It's just weird how I'm like two inches away from you and she's making a move. It's rather bold of her."

"You two making out in here or what? Dinner's ready!" Ken called from the doorway, he smiled and then walked back to the dining room.

"On our way," Phil answered. He looked back at Darcy.

"You think there'll be an orgy later?" Darcy whispered as they both headed towards the dining room.

"I hope we're long gone by then," Phil replied with a slight chuckle.

Everyone was already sitting around the table when Darcy and Phil walked in. The table had been set with china plates and all the food was placed on fancy serving platters. Darcy noticed that her quiche was left on the buffet table, still wrapped in the plastic wrap that it came in. She narrowed her eyes slightly as she took her seat next to Phil. The platters were passed around and drinks were filled. To be honest, Darcy didn't think the pot roast was anything special. She smiled to herself when she looked over at Phil's plate; he had barely touched his either. Ken and Jack were laughing like maniacs about something; while Barbie and Lindsey talked about the recent rainy weather they've been having. Of course, Melissa had herself practically glued to Phil. They were talking and laughing about something. Darcy poked at her food, wishing she was back home.

"Where's Darcy's quiche?" Phil asked. "I've been trying to sneak a piece all day." He grinned and looked over at his wife.

"Yeah, he has, but I chased him out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon. I said he couldn't have any until the party!" Darcy said with a smile as she touched the end of Phil's nose with her finger.

"Oh ...," Melissa said as she looked around the room. "I guess, I forgot to set it out." She reached behind her and picked up the quiche. "Since dinner is almost over, I won't bother with putting it on a fancy plate." The plate dropped to the table with a loud thump as she 'set' it down.

Darcy wanted to jump over the table and strangle her. "It's already cut into pieces, so no worries." She smiled, pulling the wrap off it. It looked a thousand times better than what she had ate tonight. "Can I get anyone a piece?"

There was silence from the table. No one liked broccoli?

"I'd love some," Phil spoke up as Darcy served him a piece. He took a bit and nodded. "This is excellent! You all should try it."

"I'm full," Barbara smiled. Ken nodded in agreement. Jack and Lindsey shook their heads 'no thanks'.

"Don't forget, I made my famous chocolate brownie cake with raspberry sauce! So don't fill up on dinner." Melissa said to everyone, but was looking directly at Phil when she said it.

"We can eat it on the deck outside. I'll start a fire in the fire pit," Ken said as he got up. "Wonderful dinner. Everything was just delicious!"

"Quiche was wonderful, Darce," Phil said in a whisper as he watched everyone head out of the dinning room and out to the back patio.

"Thanks," Darcy said a bit sadly, looking down at the barely eaten food she had prepared.

"I liked it. That's all that should matter," he gave her a warm smile and rubbed her back softly for a moment. "Now, let's go outside and see if we can get some info," he said in a whisper, dropping his hand and walking out.

"My god this cake! Mel, you've really out done yourself!" Ken said shoveling a forkful in his mouth.

Darcy took a bite and shrugged. It was mediocre at best, but it wasn't inedible. She stood close to the fire pit as she watched Phil and Melissa talk and laugh from the distance. Jealously flared up inside her when she saw Melissa put her hand on Phil's forearm. She wanted to go over there and slap her but knew that Phil was trying to be friendly with her so he could figure out if she knew anything. Darcy took another bite of cake, chomping so hard on fork that her teeth gnashed against the metal tines. "... shit ..." she muttered, rubbing her jaw.

"Looks like it might rain," a male voice said from behind her.

Darcy turned around. "Hey, Jack. Yeah, it does."

He smiled, taking a bite of cake. "Mel makes great cake, doesn't she?"

"Delish," Darcy forced a smile. This was her chance to snoop. She grinned wider, throwing on some extra charm. "So you're the owner of the logging business? How is that?"

"Love it. It's pretty much what keeps this town going. Most of the men that live here work out in the woods, if something were to happen to the mill, then I don't think Shady Oaks would survive." Jack took a sip of wine.

"I can't believe you're getting Phil out there," Darcy grinned. "He's not much of an outdoorsman."

"I can tell. We'll see how he does out there. Try to make a real man out of him," he teased. He glanced over at his wife as she chatted with Barbara over by the side of the house.

"So, I over heard someone say something about weird things happening out in the woods? What's that all about?" she asked.

Jack smiled. "You hear it from Johnny? That kid is always spreading rumors," he said with a shake of his head.

"Just stuff I've heard around town, not sure who it was from. Also heard something about people going missing," Darcy prayed that she wasn't sounding too obvious. Coulson was way better at finding out information subtly. She might as well be interrogating Jack.

"Well, those woods are pretty big. They go deep, and there are all kinds of cliffs, valleys, and wild animals out there. It's true though. We have had a few of ours disappear over the last couple of years," Jack said as he looked down at the ground and then back up at Darcy. He moved closer to her. Almost too close. "Just got to be careful out there," he whispered.

They way he said it sent chills up Darcy's spine. She nodded, trying to swallow the lump in her throat without drawing attention to it. "... yeah ..."

"Darcy, you have beautiful eyes," Jack whispered again.

Holy shit. Darcy did not expect him to say that. She felt her mouth drop open slightly. She watched as his eyes darted over to his wife again before looking back at her. She wasn't sure what to say.

"My daughter was right - you're a pretty girl," he smiled. "I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries."

Oh you way overstepped, buddy - is what Darcy wanted to say to him, but instead she just shook her head 'no'. "You're daughter is lovely. She's just as sweet as can be," said looking over at Phil, hoping that he'd come over here and pull her away from this married creeper.

"I'd watch out for her."

Darcy looked back at Jack. "Who?"

"Melissa. Once she sets her sights on someone, she-" Just as he started to speak, raindrops began to splash all over the patio. He covered his head and laughed. "What a way to ruin an evening!"

Darcy nodded, just as the rain started to pound harder. Phil, Melissa and the others headed towards the door. "We better get inside!"

"Sorry about the party everyone!" Barbara apologized as they all huddled in the kitchen.

"Darcy and I should probably get going before it starts pouring," Phil said looking up at the clock. "We walked over."

"I can drive you guys!" Melissa offered.

Phil shook his head. "We wouldn't want to bother you. Thanks though," he gave her a smile.

Melissa crossed her arms and frowned slightly. "Just didn't want you to get soaked," she muttered.

"Here at least borrow my umbrella," Barbara said handing it over to Phil. "Darcy can give it back to me on Monday."

"Thank you," Phil said as he and Darcy headed to the door.

"Thank you for inviting us over," Darcy smiled. She was going to strip off her wet dress and change into sweats and have a glass of wine as soon as she got home. This was the worst dinner party she had ever been to. Okay, it was her only dinner party, but it was horrible. They waved goodbye and stepped outside. Phil popped open the umbrella and they both walked down the driveway. Neither of them said a word until they reached the tree line.

"Jack was flirting with me," she said looking up at Phil.

"Really?" Phil scrunched his brows, and frowned a bit. "What did he say?"

"That I was pretty and beautiful eyes," Darcy kept close to Phil under the umbrella. Her shoe heels sunk into the mud. Darcy groaned. "Well, that was a waste of money on these shoes ..."

"Want me to carry you?" Phil asked, wrapping his arm around her waist to steady her.

Darcy smiled at the thought. "But then we'd both get wet ... unless you can carry me and cover us with the umbrella at the same time? You are a badass though, so I bet you probably could."

Phil laughed. "At least the rain got us out of the party. Did you overhear anything that may help out case out?"

"Jack was acting weird when I mentioned about the disappearances. The way he said it ... it was just weird. He also doesn't think you're much of a man," she smirked. "You find anything out?"

He was silent for a moment. "Other than Melissa tried to kiss me. Nothing."

"What?! Seriously? You said 'tried' right?" Darcy's blood boiled again. "What did you do?"

"Told her that I couldn't kiss her." He glanced down at her. "That I was in love with you." His voice was a bit softer. They were silent again as they walked through the woods and towards their house. It was quite dark out now and the rain was more of a mist than the hard rain drops that it was before. A couple of times, Phil pulled Darcy closer to him to keep her under the umbrella.

"I'm so happy to be home," Darcy said as they exited the woods. She turned when she heard a low growl behind them. "Did you hear that?" she said, stopping and spinning back towards the woods.

"Hear what?" Phil asked, looking behind him.

"I thought I heard something ..." Darcy said trying to strain her sight in the darkness. "Never mind ... it was probably nothing." Phil nodded, but kept looking into the woods. It stood there for a moment before he turned around.

"We better get inside. Last thing we need is to catch colds," he said placing his hand on her lower back and gently pushing her forward to get moving again. Phil unlocked the door and flipped on the light when they got inside.

"Oh, I'm so fucking happy to be home," Darcy grumbled as she took off her ruined shoes. "I hate heels. I'm never wearing them again. Never."

"I thought you looked ... nice," Phil said taking off his coat and slinging it over the back of the chair.

"Just nice?" Darcy teased. She turned so that her back was towards Phil. "Can you unzip me, please? The sooner I'm out of this thing, the better."

Not more than a second later Phil's hands were on her, pulling gently at the zipper. He moved her hair out of the way so that it wouldn't catch. "Want me to make some tea?" he asked quietly. When he reached the bottom on the zipper he let go of it, but didn't let go of her. He slid his hands to her waist, holding her firmly.

For a moment Darcy stood still, her heart pounded in her chest at the thought of Phil's eyes on her semi naked back. His hands pressed tight to her; his warm breath tickling her neck. Slowly, she placed her hands on top of his and pushed them off of her, so that she could turn around and face him. "Phil ..."

"I'm sorry ..." he whispered, looking down at the floor.

"Phil," her voice was quieter this time, sounding almost needy. She reached for his tie with a shaky hand and tugged it gently so that he'd look up at her. His blue eyes met hers and for several seconds they stood there just looking into each others eyes. "Kiss me," Darcy whispered.

"Darcy, I ..." Phil said his voice cracking slightly, then his lips were on hers. Kissing her with need and passion. It was almost like the time he kissed her in the car, but not exactly. This kiss was different; this kiss was from Agent Phil Coulson to Junior Agent Darcy Lewis. His hands were at her back, smoothing over her bare skin, catching slightly on the back of her bra every once in a while. "Darcy ..." he whispered her name again next to her ear.

"Phil," she responded, wrapping her arms at the back of his neck. Her fingertips brushed the baby fine hairs at base of his neck and she felt him shudder. "Do you want to stop?"

"No ..." his voice trailed off as he moved his mouth to her neck.

Darcy closed her eyes and tilted her head back as he moved his lips to her throat. "Mmm ..." she moaned lightly, running her hands through his hair. The fact that he didn't want to quit what they were doing was turning her on. They really needed to get out of the doorway if things were going to progress any farther. She took his hands in hers and pulled them a little bit trying to lead him into the living room. "This way ..." she bit her lip playfully.

Phil grinned and let her take him into the living room; she pushed him down gently on the couch and then climbed on top of him, kissing his lips. He slid his hands over her back and stopped at the clasp of her bra.

Darcy tried to think of what to say; she knew what she wanted to say, but it would probably freak him out. She learned that trying to get with Phil Coulson was a delicate situation. She had to do everything just right if she wanted to get to the next level. He was the opposite of every guy she had even been with. He was a challenge, and she liked it. "Want me to take my dress off?" she whispered and then placed another kiss on his lips. She pulled back and studied his face hoping that she didn't say anything too provocative.

He didn't say anything but kept his hands on her. "No," he replied.

Darcy cursed at herself for saying the wrong thing. It was too much and too soon. She sighed and started to pull herself up off him, but his hands slid down to her waist and held her in place.

He smiled softly, caressing his hands over her hips; never taking his eyes off Darcy's. "Let me take it off you."