Author's Note: Finally a SkyeWard chapter. Please review I'm getting writer's block and I need the encouragement to keep writing.

Chapter 13 – A Matter of Trust

Skye woke slowly, her head pounding like a really bad hangover. It took her a few seconds to realise that she wasn't in her own room, then she remembered the attack in the alley but she wasn't sure about the last memory. Grant Ward couldn't be in London, he was in some deep, dark hole with no hope of ever getting out. So when she notice the HYDRA agent sitting in the corner of the room Skye was immediately on edge, in an instant her head cleared and she was ready for a fight. What surprised Skye was that Ward wasn't, he jerked in surprise when the hacker pulled him off his chair from behind, pinning him to the floor. The moment his surprise cleared Ward actually looked impressed, like he was proud of Skye for being able to surprise him. Skye waited for Ward to say something, another lie maybe even maybe the truth for once. Instead he just lay there, pinned beneath Skye's knees, he didn't fight back, and he didn't flip her even though Skye knew he was capable of it. Ward just lay there waiting for Skye to calm down.

Finally Skye had enough of his silence, standing she kicked him in the side, hard, "Say something." She yelled.

Using the force of the kick to roll over Ward pulled himself to his feet. Grabbing a piece of paper from the desk he handed it to Skye, confused she read what he had written, Can't talk. Not since May hit me.

Looking at the man standing in front of her, Skye felt pity for him but she pushed it down, this man didn't deserve her pity. Looking for a weapon Skye talked to keep his attention, "Why aren't you in prison, Ward? Why are you in London? Who sent you?"

In response Ward held up a single word, Fury.

Skye wasn't convinced, "You're working for Fury, why would he trust you?"

Ward actually smiled at that one, searching through the pile of paper Skye saw on the desk, he held up his response, Never said he trusted me. To work together you only need the same goals.

Skye crossed her arms, "You and Fury have the same goals now do you? Last I checked Fury wasn't HYDRA."

This time Ward picked up two cards, I was never loyal to HYDRA, only Garrett. Garrett's gone therefore no HYDRA. And, My goal is the same as it has been for months; to protect you and the team.

This just made Skye angry, "Protect the team! You threw FitzSimmons into the bloody ocean, they almost drowned. Fitz was in a coma for months and if it wasn't for some miracle cure he probably still would be, he might even be dead."

Ward paused for a second, letting Skye finish her rant. He then picked up another response, a long one, I was ordered to kill them, I follow my orders but instead of shooting them I pushed them out of plane in an air tight container DESIGNED to float. I figured Coulson would be tracking them and they would spend a couple of hours in there at the most. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

Skye clenched her fists, trying very hard not to hit the man, "Just because you didn't mean it doesn't make it any better. They almost died and it's all your fault."

Ward didn't have a response to that. If he tried to apologise she would hate him and if he shrugged it off she would hate him, better to stay silent and let her vent on the subject.

The hacker walked around the room, trying very hard not to punch either Ward or the wall. Finally she stopped and turned to the man who had betrayed her team, "Why are you here?"

Ward just held up another card, his face blank, Something's coming. I'm here to protect you from it.

Skye scoffed, "Why should I trust you?"

Ward shrugged, I don't need your trust to protect you. I can do my job just as well without your test as with it.

Suddenly Skye smiled, "What if I tell Coulson you're here. He'll come here with May and I doubt you'll leave alive this time."

Ward smiled at her idea, I'll be long gone before they get here, but it won't stop me from doing my job. It will just make it harder for me to stop what's coming.

"Like you stopped that attack today." Skye snorted, "Great job."

Ward's smile disappeared, I didn't get there in time but I've stopped others before they've even reached you. That's my job, to stop the danger before you're even aware of it.

Uncrossing her arms Skye took a step forward, "What if you're the danger?"

Ward looked hurt at her response, I would never hurt you.

Skye scoffed, "Yeah, because of your 'feelings' for me. We both know that's a load of bull."

Ward sighed and sat down, Believe what you want, I will always protect you.

Picking up a notebook Ward pushed it into Skye's hands, he'd taped a note to it:

Exit's down stairs.

You're about two blocks away from the base.

When you leave the house turn left.

You'll find your way eventually.

If you want more answers, if you want to understand read the note book.

Or don't.

Keep it either way.

After reading the note Skye looked up, only to realise Ward was no longer in the room. From the note she doubted he was coming back before she left. Angrily Skye picked up her bag, realizing Ward must have brought it here, she left his apartment, then the house. Just for good measure Skye slammed the front door on her way out.