A/N: Here's the next scene! A lot of this is alluding to the dark path that Simmons is taking on the show, with her attempts to 'fix' Skye. However, you'll have to wait to find out what she actually did in this fic, as I don't plan on Skye opening up that much for a few chapters at least. In the meantime, enjoy finding out who turned up!

Thank you to icewitch73 for your review! I'd like others to post their thoughts as well! :)

DISCLAIMER: I only own this story.

Skye stood there, but it didn't look like Skye. Her usual perky manner seemed to have left no residue in its absence, leaving slumped shoulders, trembling legs and a droopy face devoid of any emotion considered remotely desirable. She wasn't just tired or desperate. She was defeated. Absolutely haunted by whatever she was trying to leave behind her. Her hair's usual waves were scruffed and unkempt, the shine on them indicating she hadn't washed them in several days. The large, baggy ACDC shirt she was wearing was stained and torn, the rip resembling a scar. The skin underneath looked suspiciously in as bad shape as the clothes covering it. Tatty jeans, two sizes too big hung off her hips, the shirt tucked behind the buckle of the belt used to hold them up and her feet were bare. A jacket was slung loosely over her shoulders but it was thin and floral, its brightness in stark contrast with her entire demeanor.

The shock and fear hovered on the friends' faces for a moment before the the fear drained away, replaced with horrified concern. Kara spoke first, her gaze running over Skye's appearance.

"Skye, what happened to you?" Her voice held so much sorrow and disbelief at the state the younger woman was in. "Why aren't you with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Skye's empty eyes flicked upwards to look Kara in the face. A faint hint of life appeared at the rogue agent's words, but it was dread. Her mouth was dry, so she took a moment in an attempt to gulp, trying to sound clear when she spoke again. The shock and horror receded from Kara and Grant's faces as they waited patiently for Skye to answer.

"Ev-" her voice cracked and she coughed before trying again. "Everyone except Fitz."

Kara no longer held herself back, and rushed forward to envelope Skye into an embrace, not minding the built up body odour that clung to her. Hesitantly, Skye raised her arms to wrap them around Kara's torso and dropped her head onto the woman's shoulder.

With both women's attention diverted from him, Grant allowed the panic and helplessness he felt at seeing Skye's condition to blossom across his face. What the Hell did they put her through?!

Releasing some of the pent-up emotion that had accumulated very quickly at Skye's sudden appearance at their motel room actually helped, and he felt more in control of the situation as he recomposed his expression.

Kara, oblivious to Grant's tumultuous emotional journey, squeezed Skye tenderly, rubbing her back to offer comfort. "Would you like to come in?" Skye sniffled and weakly nodded. "Okay." Kara pulled back a little, enough to look her in the eyes, and smiled. Skye gazed back, a hint of warmth seeping into her otherwise flat stare. "Come on. Let's get you a shower and some clean clothes. You need to sleep and I've found that showers relax me." She took another step back, grasped Skye's hand and gently tugged her through the door.

Grant walked backwards out of the way as Kara led Skye to the bed and sat her down on the edge of it.

"Grant!" Kara announced, turning to face him. "Could you go down to the main reception, please? We're gonna stay here for another night."

Although he was itching to ask why she was abandoning their mission, Grant knew that now wasn't the best time to bring it up. So he just rolled his eyes at Kara's overeager and commanding tone. "I don't follow orders, Kara. You know that." Nonetheless, the left the room to re-book their room.

Skye didn't raise her eyes from the floor when Grant spoke, but as soon as the door closed behind him, she muttered "That's new."

Kara looked back at her, her sympathetic smile going unseen. "Yeah. We've all changed."

Hidden by her down-turned face and long hair, Skye's eyes flickered with something very akin to hope.