A/N: I still don't own!

A/N1: Sorry for the long delay. I've had some real life issues pop up. And largely due to that this chapter isn't as polished or as long as I'd like but I wanted to get something out there so everyone knows that I haven't abandoned the story!

Chapter Nine

Coulson made his way down from the director's office in desperate need of coffee. They had touched base on all the cases his team had worked on since its inception which meant they'd covered a lot of ground. He quickly made his way to one of the many café style break rooms in the massive structure but froze as soon as he registered who else was in the room. "Agent Barton, I'm guessing you've got a bone to pick with me too. You know, for not being dead."

Clint shrugged but smiled warmly at the man he considered a friend. "I'm more interested in the here and now."

Coulson took a seat at the table facing Barton. "Well then what brings you to the Triskelion? Hopefully nothing big enough for the Avengers to get involved. Not sure I'm up for another alien invasion."

"Nothing like that." Barton waved the concern away. "Well, yet anyway. A few of us have been taking on some missions with SHIELD. Banner's teaching some of his science mojo at the academy."

"Nice to see you guys being useful." Coulson joked.

Barton glared at the agent half-heartedly. "I've been working with a few of the STRIKE teams. Until I caught bullet in the shoulder."

That brought Coulson up short. It wasn't necessarily unusual for agents to get injured in the field but the risk plummeted significantly when the agent had Barton's instincts. This was the man who'd made it through the Battle of New York with only scrapes a bruises that came from his decision to smash through a window. "I thought I was the rusty one."

"I'm nowhere near rusty, old man." Barton said calmly. "I was shot in the back."

It didn't take long for Coulson to catch the deeper meaning. When Barton was on a mission, he tended to seek the high ground. For him to be shot in the back, his position had to be known early on. "Huh."

"Just something to consider. Given that your team seems to take on the more unusual missions." Barton kept his tone light. His meaning was understood. "Met your hacker this morning, by the way. You're still bringing in strays?"

Coulson laughed. He hadn't considered his habit of recruiting people to SHIELD as bringing in strays but it wasn't too far off. "You'd know, Barton."

It was true. Coulson was one of the first people that Barton was willing to work with. Coulson had seen him as more than just a specialist and in the end it was Coulson that helped turn him into an Avenger. "Stark may want steal your new find though. If she's as good as the Captain says she is."

"She's better." Coulson said automatically. "And Stark can try."

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

The four had taken up one of the larger tables on the patio of The Diner. When the promised pancakes were delivered Steve had already laughed so much he's cheeks had begun to hurt. "You blew a hole in the side of the plane?!"

"Well, technically Fitz did it!" Skye held her hands up.

"It was your idea!" Fitz shouted, while smiling and pointing at Skye.

This was obviously an argument they'd had more than once. Simmons was the one who tried to explain, "We all had a say in it. And it was the only way to get the doors to unlock."

Steve shook his head at the group. He rested his arm across the back of Skye's chair as he asked her, "You weren't kidding when you said your team handled the weird situations, were you?"

"Oh that wasn't even the craziest." She said leaning into him. Looking across the table to her friends, "What's the craziest thing we've seen guys? Cybernetic eye?"

Simmons shook her head, "Chitaruri virus!"

The scientists took over the explanation at Steve's questioning look. Skye interjected with some of the weird things that happened in connection with the virus, like the floating bodies. As the discussion went on Steve absentmindedly began gently stroking Skye's shoulder. Touching her seemed almost natural to him. When Simmons began explaining why she believed she had to jump out of the plane, Steve interrupted, "Just how dangerous are the missions you guys typically handle?"

"They aren't always that bad." Skye rushed to assure him. "It just seems that way. It's probably about as dangerous as living with Tony Stark."

He laughed considering how true that statement may actually be. Just like his father, Tony wasn't the type to play cautiously and he'd told Skye about some of the more humorous incidents.

Fitz couldn't help but asked excitedly, "Is it true that you all live together? The Avengers, I mean." Simmons was just as excited, "We'd heard rumors to that effect. It has to be interesting if you do. I assume Dr. Banner would need a fully operational lab-"

Skye leaned in closer and turned her head to whisper in his ear, "Maybe I should have apologized for them. They can get a little excited."

He chuckled and turned back to the pair that were still spilling question after question about the Avengers. Apparently, the floodgates had been opened. "Ok, slow down guys! It's rare that were all in the tower at the same time. And we try to respect each other's privacy." Skye snorted at that and Steve reconsidered his words. "Well, I try to respect their privacy at least."

"Oh." FitzSimmons said, sounding a tad disappointed. Simmons tried to explain, "We're just fascinated by Dr. Banner and Mr. Stark's work."

Fitz nodded, "I've tried to adapt some of Stark's designs for SHIELD use and Jemma published a study on the dangers of gamma radiation."

Steve couldn't help but be impressed. He expected them to want to discuss Ironman and the Hulk, not the research that Tony and Bruce had done outside of their work as Avengers. The more time he had spent with both men, the more he'd begun to understand that not everyone saw them as brilliant scientists anymore. Steve had also seen how that fact grated on their nerves. "Oh, I'll ask Dr. Banner about that study-"

"Oh that would be fantastic! I'd love to get his opinion on the theoretical figures!" Simmons bounced in her seat at the thought.

"Skye would have more luck convincing Stark to look over your work, if he hasn't already seen it." Steve continued.

"Me?!" Skye asked at the same time Fitz shouted, "Skye?!"

"Well, if I bring it up, Stark would think it was from the Stone Age. But Skye's hacking skills have his interest so, he's more likely to listen to her."

"Or try and back hack my systems," Skye looked at Fitz thoughtfully. "I may have an idea to run by you later."

When Steve cast a questioning look toward Skye she smirked and shook her head. She wanted to see if Tony would fall into the old hacking habit and try to play cat and mouse with her systems. Skye knew her encryption wouldn't hold up against Tony's skill and resources so it was more important for her to out think him than to out hack him.

After more conversation and laughter, FitzSimmons decided to head over to the Zoo leaving Skye and Steve alone at the table. "So are you going to run away scared now that you've met my friends?"

Hearing his own words from earlier this morning made Steve laugh. "Wasn't planning on it and they weren't that bad."

"Well that's probably because they were on their best behavior. Just wait until they get comfortable around you. Then you may change your mind about running." She teased.

He decided to take a page out of Skye's book and reassure her with a kiss. It was just a sweet simple kiss, they were in public after all. But when Steve pulled back slightly, he caught her eyes and said seriously, "You won't get rid of me that easily."

Even though the words could have been teasing, Steve's tone sent shivers racing down Skye's spine. This was one of the rare times that she couldn't find words, she just continued staring into his eyes. What seemed to be a significant moment passed before Steve broke out in a grin, "So what do you want to do for the day?"

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Ward found himself prowling the halls of the Triskelion after his encounter with the teams science officers in the hotel. He had yet to hear from Skye and the lack of contact was beginning to make him edgy. Things between the two of them had been rather tense since the incident with her hacker boyfriend but that was no excuse for her silent treatment.

He finally found the man he was looking for sitting at a table in one of the many break rooms scattered throughout the massive building, "Hey, can I get a minute Coulson?"

Coulson wasn't surprised to see his team's specialist pulling up a chair with a worried look. Between what Barton had told him and Skye's recent phone call to check in it was clear that she hadn't spoken with Ward. "Is there a problem, Agent Ward?"

"Skye hasn't checked in with me since we left the bus. I know she's spoken with you but I'm still concerned." Ward spoke directly.

One of the downsides to working with a team was the need for mediation between members occasionally. Coulson had noticed that the dynamics of Skye and Ward's relationship had shifted since Austin, he had originally hoped that the two would work it out themselves given enough time. It was apparent that over the past two days the rift had only grown. "What are your concerns?"

"She hasn't been to the hotel or the bus. I'm worried she has hooked up with one of her Rising Tide friends here in the city."

Coulson glared at Ward, "I can assure you that Skye is fine. She's checked in with me and from what I've been told, has spent the majority of this morning with FitzSimmons, Agent Ward." Coulson let a beat pass before pressing on. "If your concerns are due to the obvious tension between the two of you, my advice would be to speak with her and stop questioning her loyalty at every turn."

Ward was caught off guard by Coulson acknowledging the issues that were taking root. He thought he had been doing a decent job of maintaining his professional façade, "Tension, sir?"

"It's very clear that you haven't moved past her mistake, Ward." Coulson sighed while standing. "Talk to Skye or don't. Either way, let go of her mistake. Especially given that there's more to that story than you are aware of."

Coulson didn't give Ward the chance to press for more information before he walked away, leaving Ward with more questions than answers. Clearly he was missing information about Skye.

Ward yanked his phone from his pocket, frowning at the fact that there was still nothing from Skye. He'd called her two hours ago and she still hadn't gotten back to him. Deciding to try texting he tapped out and deleted several messages before settling on the truth. I'm sorry. Please, let me know that you are ok.

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Skye and Steve had spent the rest of their morning strolling through the sites of DC, stopping to explore anything that had caught her attention until they reached a shady spot amongst the trees in the National Mall. Now, he sat against a tree while Skye leaned into him.

This was one of the few moments of pure contentment he'd had since waking up in the SHIELD base after being thawed. Everything he'd learned about the girl in his arms amazed him. She had been through so much but managed to continue seeing beauty in this crazy world. He didn't even try to stop himself from briefly pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he tightened his hold on her.

Skye sighed, she never imagined she would one day end up in a situation like this. Sitting here quietly with Steve's arms wound tightly around her while they quietly enjoyed the warm weather. She sighed, "This is nice."

Steve nodded behind her knowing she would feel the slight movement even if she couldn't see it. "But you know what I just realized?"

"What's that?"

"I haven't taken you on a proper date yet." Steve glanced down at Skye with a shy smile.

Skye looked up at him with confusion clearly spread across her face. "Uh, then what was last night? Cuz that felt date like."

"Nope. That was coffee." Steve decided to tease her a bit. "Now, I don't know about you but I think you deserve a real date."

"A real date?" Skye asked a bit skeptically. "How would this real date be different than coffee? You set the bar pretty high last night."

Steve slid one of his hands to cup her cheek while moving closer. Just before their lips met he whispered, "I'm sure I can come up with something."

It was Skye that closed the gap turning to face him more, one hand gripping Steve's short hair, she pressed her lips to his hungrily. It was a bit surprising that she still felt wave of desire at the slightest touch of his lips and hands. The more time she spent in Steve's company the more desperately she wanted him.

Skye pulled away before either of them could get carried away. "Ok, a real date."

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Skye bolted to Jemma's door after Steve dropped her off at the hotel. When she decided to go along with his real date idea Skye told him she would need a few hours to get ready. Even though this was his idea Steve sulked just the smallest amount when he realized that he would lose her company for a bit.

"Jemma! Jemma come on I need your help! Like now!" Skye shouted while banging on her friends door.

Simmons yanked her door open with a concerned look, "What? What's happened?"

Skye rushed passed her friend and started babbling, "He wants to take me on a date. Like a real date."

"But what last night was, wasn't it?" Simmons asked confused. "What happened?"

It took Skye a few moments to explain what was happening to Simmons. Luckily she caught on quickly to the situation and the two were making their way down the hall as Simmons babbled about the things they needed to get.

As they made it to the curb and Skye began frantically looking for a cab a standard issue SHIELD SUV came to a stop right in front of them and Coulson climbed out of the passenger side while May came from the driver's seat. "Hello Simmons, Skye. Going somewhere?"

"I need a dress." Skye blurted out. "For a date."

Coulson tilted his head to the side looking confused. "I thought your date was last night, Skye."

"That was just coffee, apparently." Simmons smiled brightly. "Tonight is a real date."

May cast a slight smirk in Skye's direction. "Getting your hands on Captain America, huh?"

Color flooded Skye's cheeks as she considered how much she actually had gotten her hands on Steve but that didn't stop her from glaring at the older agent. This just made May's grin blossom into a full grown smile.

"She needs a dress." Simmons said like it should be obvious.

Everyone involved in this conversation was beyond shocked when May said, "Well then, let's go get her a dress."

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Steve walked into his apartment smiling to himself. Even though he had spent the better part of the last two days with Skye excitement coursed through him at the prospect of taking her on an actual date. Skye was a woman that deserved romance, which is what Steve fully planned on giving her while he had the chance to.

"Thank you for all of your help, sir." Steve said into his phone as he walked into his apartment. "I just want tonight to be special."

As walked into the living space Steve froze when he spotted the current occupant of his couch. He quickly mumbled a goodbye to his friend on the other end of the phone. "Is there even a point to me having locks?"

"Mostly for decoration." Natasha smirked and raised an eyebrow cooly. "Big night?"

Steve sighed deeply resigning himself to the fact that privacy was truly an illusion since he signed on with SHIELD and the Avengers. He took a seat on the couch and looked at the spy he was often partnered with, "You here for a reason, Natasha? I mean other than to comment on my personal life."

She smirked, "I'm just impressed there's finally a personal life to comment on."

After a pointed glare from Steve the two sat quietly for a moment. It was one of the reasons he and Natasha worked so well together, even though she had a tendency to nag him about almost everything she rarely pushed him about sharing. "Like I've said before, I'm 95 not dead."

"So this Skye, she seems…" Natasha trailed off.

"You ran a check on her?" Steve's look became sharp. When he registered his friends falsely serene look he realized it was more than just a simple background check. "You followed her?!"

"And you." She shrugged, unapologetically. "I don't like unknown variables."

As much as Steve wanted to be annoyed what she said made perfect sense. "If you're going to tell me Skye is a risk-"

"That's not what I'm going to tell you." Natasha cut him off. "I was going to say, she's sweet."

That was an expected assessment from the ex-Soviet spy, Steve chuckled. "Sweet, huh?"

She nodded, "Yea, sweet. I think she's good for you."

Again the two lapsed into silence until Natasha stood to leave. She looked over at Steve to make sure she had his attention, "For what it's worth I think you're good for her, too."

Before Steve could ask her what she meant by that Natasha was making her way to his front door and calling over her shoulder. "I'll keep Barton and Stark busy so they don't ruin your big night but you owe me one."

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Finding Skye a dress turned out to be an easy task between the three women. May treated shopping almost like she would a SHIELD mission. By the time Skye had accepted that May was joining them the trip was almost over. Before joining Simmons outside the SUV at the hotel Skye turned and thanked the older agent quietly.

After a brief moment May nodded and said, "Just be careful."

"I know, Coulson's already given me the 'He's been through a lot' speech, May." Skye said instantly defensive. Even though she and May seemed to be making progress, Skye couldn't help but feel like May always thought the worst of her.

"I meant with yourself. You've been through a lot, too." May stopped Skye from exiting the car with a surprisingly gentle touch to her arm.

Skye looked over at May surprised. Just as she thought she had formulated a chore ant response Simmons pulled open the passenger door, "Come on! You need to get ready, Skye."

Even as she was pulled from the car Skye briefly locked eyes with May and smiled. Simmons didn't give Skye time to think about the extremely brief moment as she was already pulling her toward the elevator, "Did Fitz really interrupt you two on the bus? He was so embarrassed!"

"It wasn't that bad!" Skye blushed considering what she likely would have done had Fitz not interrupted.

"Whatever it was had poor Fitz turning fifty shades of red!" Simmons laughed. "It was very kind of him to invite Fitz and I to breakfast. I was a tad worried when you didn't make it back to the hotel last night, so was Ward. But now I can see why, I don't think Captain Rogers wanted to let you out of his sight!"

It was generally easier to let Simmons babble on before trying to jump to add to any conversation. Her brain worked so quickly that Skye found letting Simmons run through the opening bit on her own gave her a moment to catch up. "I think Steve was worried I was trying to keep us a secret." It Skye a moment to process all of what Simmons had said. "Wait, why was Ward worried? I checked in with Coulson."

"Oh you know how Ward can be." Simmons brushed off what she found insignificant. Her voice turned almost accusatory, "Why on Earth would you be keeping him a secret?"

"I'm not!" Skye help up her hands in mock surrender.

Simmons searched her friends face for a second as the elevator reached their floor before this full implications of what Skye had said registered, "But there is an 'us' for you to hide? Not saying you would but that there is..."

Skye openly laughed at her friends odd was of phrasing the question but naturally understood what Simmons was getting at. "Yes, Simmons, there is most definitely something going on. Hence, the need for a dress."

"It is a pity that pink one you wore in Malta was ruined. It was very fetching on you." Simmons sighed. "Now, you promised me details. So you'd better talk while you get ready."

A/N2: So next up is of course the date. And probably a bit more of Ward.