Chapter Text
The National Mall spread out before her as Skye calmly gazed out the window on the top floor of the rebuilt Triskelion. Her stance relaxed, she simply enjoyed the view as she waited. In quiet moments like these, a contentment rose up in her. It felt nice to be somewhere familiar. Maybe not Washington D.C. itself, but the States brought a warm feeling to her heart.
Being an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. had broaden her horizons more than she had ever dreamed of when she was a young foster kid. Barely twenty-seven years old, Skye had been all over the world and then some. Though, there was only one place she would ever truly call home.
"You should see the view at sunset," a strong male voice broke her from her reverie.
Turning around, Skye's heart tightened, and her smile brightened. The man she practically called her father grinned just as happily. "Director Coulson," she teased. It had been about 6 years prior when Nick Fury had promoted Phil Coulson, but Skye still found amusement in joking about his title.
"Agent Skye," Coulson mocked right back. He held his arms open, and Skye rushed into them. He breathed, "It's good to see you."
"You, too."
Pulling apart, Coulson tipped his head toward his office door. "Come on. Lots to discuss."
Skye followed him into the corner office. One whole wall was floor to ceiling windows, offering the same view she had already been privy to. Another wall showcased his memorabilia from the Bus. There seemed to be several new items she would have to take a look at later. A leather couch in the corner and a large TV with a news network playing on the wall were the other standout pieces.
Coulson gestured her towards the couch. "How was Cairo?" he asked as they sat.
Skye shrugged as she settled onto the plush couch. "Things got a bit rough." A smirk slowly spread as she added, "Nothing Agent Romanoff and I couldn't handle."
Coulson nodded. "Agent Barton's report seems to suggest otherwise."
"Yes, well, I'm not sure his definition of rough coincides with ours. Barton and Romanoff continually argue the severity of some mission in Budapest," Skye countered.
A full blown grin came to the Director. "Ah, Budapest," he said fondly. He waggled his eyebrows. "That was fun."
Skye chuckled at his assessment of the long past mission. She leaned forward with interest. "C'mon D.C., you gotta give me the details. I've been dying to know the full story."
He waved her off with a laugh. "Another time, I promise, Skye. And I'm sure you have plenty of stories to share." Skye nodded excitedly, but calmed when he picked a folder up off the coffee table. "For now, though. I have a high priority mission."
"I usually receive mission assignments from Captain Rogers," she said perplexed. "What's so important that has you involved?"
He handed Skye the folder. "It's not the what, so much as the who," he explained. Skye opened the folder, scanning the first few pages. When Skye's eyes bugged out, and she looked up at him, he stated, "Jemma needs our help."