#philinda

You know, I think the biggest difference between RoboMay and Melinda is really just the talking. 

Melinda doesn’t push, she doesn’t pry. (Maybe sometimes, when it’s for a mission or something). Other people give her information, or she figures things out in her head without asking. She almost always keeps her thoughts/questions to herself. 

Which, by the way, I think is anothergreat yin-yang aspect she has with Phil. Phil is constantly asking questions out loud. It’s how he thinks (i.e., the Tai Chi scene). He also pokes and prods and pushes people until they give him an answer. Phil and Melinda balance each other out that way. I’m not sure Melinda would have ever told Phil about seeing him when she died, except that he kept dogging her about it. RoboMay, on the other hand, DOES ask questions frequently and pushes for answers. About missions and information (especially about the Darkhold, of course), but also when it comes to Phil (which makes sense, because whether she knows it or not, she IS on a mission, so she naturally pushes). 

I think the biggest distinction between them is not that Melinda doesn’t think/feel the same way as RoboMay, but that with Melinda, there’s always something holding her back from actually sayingit. That’s why I’ve always headcanoned that Phil would have to be the one to cross the boundary in their relationship, because Melinda won’t do it–unless maybe she KNOWS he feels the same way. I don’t think Melinda would have told Phil to “start taking chances” the way RoboMay did, nor do I think she would have told him about going to Ireland together (at least not so obviously)–and not because she doesn’t wantto say it, not because she doesn’t feel the same, but because she would stop herself from saying it. 

RoboMay’s programming, on the other hand, lets her overcomeMelinda’s apprehension/fear/whatever it is that holds her back. It removes that barrier that Melinda created in order to stay distanced from Phil just enough that they didn’t cross that line between friends/partners and lovers. That’s why things have been progressing so quickly between RoboMay and Phil, whereas he and Melinda have been moving at a slower pace since the beginning of the show, and most notably this season. That’s my theory, anyway.

Title is from an Ed Sheeran and Tori Kelly song.

Also on AO3.

This is set post 4x08.

Melinda May stood next to him, fists up and facing the threat–ready to protect him, just as she always did. Her cheek and bottom lip had cuts and there were purple bruises forming as well. She looked exhausted and angry. He fought the urge to touch her injuries and make sure she was okay.

Melinda May also stood in front of him. Her body was still, but he could read the tell-tale signs that she was ready to spring as soon as she saw an opening. She was wearing the same clothes as earlier when they’d been talking over paperwork, her with her cup of tea and him with his coffee. They’d been talking about going to the gym and sparring a few rounds like they used to. He remembered the way her smirk made his heart beat a little faster in anticipation. He was a little concerned about his best friend–she seemed to be a little off ever since they shared that bottle of Haig–so he was happy to have an excuse to have some time alone with her (even if she wasgoing to wipe the floor with him).

Phil held his hands out in front of him as if to steady himself. He glanced between the two versions of his partner and shook his head.

“Notagain.”

“Phil,” Melinda’s steady voice came from his left. “I don’t know who she is, but she’s not me.”

“Funny. I was just about to say the same thing.” The Melinda that stood in front of him answered. “Step away from her, Phil.” 

“The last time I saw you was right before I left to pick up AIDA and Radcliffe.” Melinda #1 (it was the only way to keep them straight in his head, okay?) glanced at him before looking back at Melinda #2–their glares held the same amount of fire. He’d been on the receiving end of that glare too many times to count, and he knew it well. This was all very confusing. “We talked about that bottle of Haig, remember?”

“We drank it already.” Melinda #2′s voice was cold. Phil could see her restraining herself, wanting to move towards him. “That was me, Phil, you know it was.”

Phil saw Melinda #1′s shoulders drop a fraction, as if she was disappointed by the other Melinda’s statement. 

“This is some kind of trick to get you to doubt me and think I’m a traitor–again.” Melinda #2 looked at him with that last word, pain evident in her brown eyes. 

Phil had a flashback to the time when he thought Melinda had betrayed him for HYDRA. His heart twinged painfully at the memory. Where in the world were Fitzsimmons and Daisy when you needed them? He needed ICERs, or some kind of non-lethal weapon. No way was he going to risk hurting the wrong Melinda. Something niggled him at the back of his brain, something he could use, but his mind was too focused on the two Melindas to figure out what it was.

“I-” Phil tried to answer her, but the words stuck in his throat. “Both of you need to just stay here until Fitzsimmons and Daisy get down here. They’ll help figure this out.”

“AIDA’s gone after them and Radcliffe, Phil.” The sharpness in Melinda #1′s voice betrayed her. She was hurting, he could tell. “We don’t have time for this. Just lock her up and we’ll figure out to do with her when we finish dealing with AIDA.”

“Or we could put youinto the containment module while wedeal with AIDA.”

“Stop talking, both of you.” Phil’s head hurt. Both Melindas turned their glare towards him. Naturally. As if one set of eyes burning into his scalp wasn’t bad enough.

Phil edged away from Melinda #1, putting his hand out when she tried to move with him. 

“Don’t.” 

His heart ached at the hurt that flashed across her face. He knew Melinda better than anyone. He should knowwhich one was her, but instead, he felt completely torn and helpless. Surely he would have recognized if the woman he’d been spending time with wasn’t his partner? But they looked identical–from their height, to their dark hair, all the way down to their legs (not that he had studied the exact shape of them or anything…he was just a good spy who noticed things about people). He couldn’t be sure.

Phil now stood in the middle of both of them, wracking his brain for a way to test their knowledge. Something only he and Melinda would know.

“Back at the Academy, we had a hiding place only a few people knew about.”

“Our atti-.”

“The attic above the main lecture hall.” Melinda #2 spoke over Melinda #1, whose glare only intensified.

Well,crap. That didn’t work.

“Our first undercover mission together?”

“Before we graduated–before Sausalito–we were a couple at a bus stop.” Melinda #2 looked into his eyes, pleading with him to believe her. “We received top marks for it–everyone knew what a great team we were, even then.”

“How do you knowthat?” Melinda #1′s face revealed a mixture of confusion and fear. “Phil, I don’t know where she got this intel from, but it has to be AIDA’s doing. You can’t believe her.”

“Even AIDA wouldn’t know that information.” Phil replied. His eyebrows were drawn, making lines across his forehead. He glanced at Melinda #2, seeing the beginnings of hope cross her face. 

Phil looked between the two of them again and rubbed his forehead. Wishing, ironically, for Melinda’s advice. She always helped him when he was stuck on a problem. Even when she didn’t say a word, problems seemed smaller and were easier to solve when she was with him. 

In despair, he whispered, “How am I supposed to know, May?” 

They both moved toward him instantly, but Melinda #2 got to him first. She grabbed Phil’s prosthetic hand and squeezed it. Phil looked into her eyes, hoping it would reveal the truth. He’d learned a long time ago that even when May’s face showed nothing, her dark eyes gave her away. Her pain, her mirth, her compassion, her intelligence, her love, all shone through her eyes. 

The cold metal of a gun, passed carefully into his right hand, completely scattered his thoughts. 

Phil looked wide-eyed at Melinda #1, who looked back at him steadily.

“Wha-”

“Phil, look at me, you have to know this. You have to hear me.” Melinda #2′s voice implored him and his attention was turned once again. He hated this. Hated it. How dare she give him that decision? It wasn’t a decision at all! There had to be another way. He wouldn’t dare risk it. He could never shoot someone he cared so much about, someone he lo-

“I love you.” 

Phil’s world spun.

Those three words, said so quietly and with such sincerity, pierced him right through the heart. Melinda #2 gazed at him with honesty and certainty in her eyes, an almost-smile making her lips turn up slightly. She stepped closer to him.

Phil’s heart thumped loudly in his chest. He unconsciously leaned toward her as his grip tightened on the gun. He’d wanted to hear those words from her for so long. He wanted to-

“Phil,” Phil turned his head at the raspy voice and saw her eyes. Melinda’s eyes, shining with unshed tears, looking at him desperately. Her head shook almost imperceptibly. “Phil…” She breathed out again, begging him with just that one word.

He knew.

In one smooth motion, Phil pulled his hand out of Melinda #2′s grasp and released the taser function in his robotic hand. Her eyes widened in shock as her body shook from the electricity. He caught the fake May as she fell, setting her down none-too-gently, then grabbed the real Melinda–hisMelinda, as her body sagged with relief and exhaustion. 

The gun nearly fell from Phil’s hand in his haste, but he quickly stuffed it in his back pocket and proceeded to touch Melinda’s shoulders and face gently, his hands shaking all the while.

“Are you okay? What happened? I almost-” Phil couldn’t speak past the lump in his throat, so he ran a gentle thumb over a purple bruise on her cheekbone before pulling his partner into his arms, holding her close to his chest. “Why would you hand me that gun?” Phil choked out. “What if I chose the wrong person?”

Phil felt Melinda shudder and grip the front of his shirt before she answered, softly and simply, “I trust you with my life.”

At those words, his tears threatened to overwhelm him. He didn’t want to let go of her, but Melinda pulled away, her hands turning into fists as she looked at the impostor at their feet.

“We have to lock her up and find Daisy and Fitzsimmons. They could be in trouble.” Melinda’s voice was clipped, and he didn’t know if it was because of her emotions or because she was angry with him.

Phil nodded sharply once and was about to pick up the impostor, but before he did, he touched Melinda’s arm again. “Hey, after this is over, we’re talking about…” He paused, “Whatever just happened.”

“You mean how you knew she wasn’t me when she told you she loved you?” Melinda’s mouth was set in a harsh line. Phil winced. Of course that was what she’d think. “Not much to talk about. Grab her legs.”

Phil wanted nothing more than to argue, but his team was in trouble. He grabbed the fake May’s legs and promised himself he would straighten it out with her later. There would be no more dancing around his feelings–it was time.

An android.

She’d been replaced by a robot. 

AIDA had used the scans of her brain and made her into an android so lifelike that Melinda herself couldn’t see a difference. 

But Phil had. He’d known.

Only after she told him she loved him. Melinda’s heart ached bitterly at the thought. Was she so cold that she couldn’t ever admit her feelings aloud without raising suspicion?

Melinda sat on her bed in her room, long after they’d managed to shut down AIDA and save their team. She’d just finished the last Jemma-enforced medical test and was finally alone, trying–and failing–to not think about the stand-off between herself and the robot earlier. Where Phil had to make a decision about who was real, and who was fake. 

She meant what she said–she trusted Phil with her life. Melinda had given him the gun, hoping he would understand her meaning. She wasn’t one to blurt out her feelings like the android had–no matter how true its words had been. It took years of denial, obstacles, and pushing thoughts and feelings away, but she loved him. 

Shelovedhim. 

But apparently that revelation was so shocking and unlike her that Phil knew immediately it couldn’t have been her saying it. 

Melinda clenched her jaw and told herself she was being over-dramatic, but it didn’t stop the stinging in her heart.

At the knock on her door, Melinda closed her eyes and sighed. She knew it was coming, but she still wasn’t ready. Couldn’t he be unpredictable and notcome to check on her for once?

Melinda slowly got up and walked to the door, opening it and revealing Phil, looking like he was trying to appear casual. She knew what his forced-calm looked like. Their masks didn’t work well on each other.

“I’m fine.” Melinda stated, unemotionally. 

“You’re not even going to invite me in so I can properly ask how you are?”

Melinda stared at him without any expression. He just raised his eyebrows at her until she sighed again and turned around.

She didn’t even make it back to her bed before he spoke.

“So about earlier-” Phil started.

“It’s fine,” Melinda said. Hoping if she said it enough, he’d just leave her alone. Oh please, a voice inside her whispered, like that’s going to happen. “I’m just glad you didn’t shoot me.” 

Her attempt at humor didn’t move him. If anything, it made the worry lines on his forehead deepen.

“You think I couldn’t tell you were upset? We need to talk.”

“I told you, there’s nothing to talk about.” Melinda sat down on her bed and crossed her arms over her chest. She didn’t want to hear his explanation. 

“Actually, there is.” Phil stated, determination on his face and in his tone. He stood in front of her. “Jemma and Fitz said the android essentially had your brain–with all its memories and thoughts and–and feelings.”

Melinda’s jaw clenched. Fine. He wanted to do this now, she’d let him have it. She prepared herself for an argument. 

“Look, just because I don’t–and didn’t–say it doesn’t mean I don’t-”

“I know.” His answer and expression stopped Melinda in her tracks. His blue eyes were filled with compassion and warmth, the beginnings of a smile dancing at his lips. He slowly sat down next to her, the bed creaked slightly. “I knew you wouldn’t say it–not like that. Not there. The android said it to manipulate me because she knew it would affect my judgement. Get me to wantto believe her.” He paused and took a breath. “Melinda, you don’t have to convinceme about how much you care. I know it. I know it through your actions–like when you gave me the gun, telling me you trusted me to know–but in that moment, I knew it was you from your eyes.” Phil looked down at his hands, slightly embarrassed. “It sounds corny but it’s true. I looked into your eyes and I just…knew.”

They gazed at each other now, soaking in the meaning of his speech. There was a beat of silence before Phil reached out and cupped Melinda’s cheek with his hand–his real hand. Melinda leaned into his palm, blinking back her tears.

“I know how much you care.” He murmured, thumb stroking her cheek lightly. 

“Do you?” Melinda answered softly, her brown eyes searching his blue ones. “The robot may have been trying to manipulate you, Phil, but she–it–wasn’t wrong…I do love you.”

Melinda heard Phil’s breath catch in his throat, and looking into his blue eyes filled with hope and love, she made a decision. Leaning forward, Melinda crossed that last boundary they’d been tip-toeing around for what felt like forever. She kissed him slowly, memorizing the feeling and the thrill when he responded, pouring her feelings for him into that one moment.

“If I didn’t know then,” Phil breathed, his eyes still half-closed as Melinda gently pulled back a fraction. “I definitely know now.” He smiled at her, then said mischievously, “But maybe you should tell me again, just to be sure.”

Melinda rolled her eyes and kissed him again, unable to keep from smiling as his arm wrapped around her waist to pull her closer.

A/N: Because, yes. I’m incapable of writing angst without having fluff in there too. Haha!

More notes: YES, Phil and Melinda’s attic and their bus stop operation are references to @ddagent‘s fic, “Partners.” So READ IT. 

HUGE thanks to @b00k-freak for cheering me on and helping me come up with so many aspects of this fic! I adore her, even if she makes me write angst. And @philinda for being so amazing and looking over this fic. I love you! 

A written-in-one-sitting drabble because I’m FEELING SO MANY THINGS.

Written as a tag to 4x05.

Phil could feelher eyeroll–despite the fact that he was staring at the back of her head. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail as she changed Tai Chi positions. Phil found himself thinking about how much he liked her hair at this longer length before he was able to shove down his admiration and focus on the reason he was there.

“Is there even the slightest chance you’re going to let it go?” Melinda sounded dry and tired, and yet…hesitant? An unusual tone for his partner.

“Nope.” Phil kept his voice light as he clicked the door to her room shut and leaned against it. She knew he was the only one at base who would dare enter her room without waiting for a response to the knock, and she knew why he sought her out. He wanted to know more.

Melinda took in a deep breath and smoothly switched positions, turning to the side so Phil had a view of her profile. Watching Melinda do Tai Chi always relaxed him, ever since the Academy. Her graceful movements and serene expression eased away his tension, and she radiated in a way that made it difficult for him to look away.

“You said I was there, but you didn’t say what happened. Was it a dream?” Phil mused aloud, watching as her body grew more tense the more he spoke. “A nightmare?  A memory? Something…else?”

Melinda finally dropped her hands to her sides and threw him a look of exasperation, and he raised his eyebrows innocently at her in response. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready to go out on another mission?” Melinda gestured to his suit and tie.

“I’ve still got time,” Phil answered easily. Melinda shook her head and strode over to grab her water bottle from her desk, which stood right by the door.

“Well? I’m just wondering what could have happened, because you’re deliberately not telling me, which makes me think it must not have been good.”

Melinda’s water bottle barely touched her lips before she put it down, not taking a single sip. She just looked at him instead, her eyes intense with emotion Phil couldn’t decipher.

“I mean, were you seeing me in the infected zombie form?” Phil continued, hoping she would get fed up with him and tell him before the curiosity ate him alive. He wasn’t sure what it was, but the way Melinda was acting made him suspicious. His heart was beating faster for reasons he didn’t stop to think about, and he felt like he needed to know what she saw. It was important somehow. A piece of a larger puzzle that he needed in order to solve it. “Was it–”

Suddenly, Melinda’s hand yanked at his tie and Phil stumbled into her. Her lips pressed against his in the most captivatingway. He barely had a chance to touch his hands to her waist before she pulled away. 

“That,” Melinda’s voice was slightly breathless, making her impossibly more attractive as she looked up at him with dark, imploring eyes. “That’s what I saw.”

Phil just stared at her in disbelief, trying to process what this meant. For him. For them. He could see the uncertainty in Melinda’s eyes, and knew he had to assure her quickly before the curtains were drawn over her emotions and she withdrew from him.

“Well,” Phil said slowly. “Why didn’t you just say so?”

Melinda’s eyebrows drew together and she opened her mouth to respond before Phil stepped back into her space and smiled softly, one arm circling around her waist and drawing her closer to himself. His other hand slid around her neck. “It would have been nice to know that I could have done this earlier.”

He bent his head and caught a glimpse of her smile right before he kissed her.

Daisy was walking around the base, trying to find something to make her warm. The weather is extraordinarily cold, because why not? It's December 23 at around five o'clock in the morning and the winter holidays are not being subtle. She walked into the kitchen to make some warm chocolate drink, there she saw FitzSimmons seated around the table, having breakfast.

 Jemma: Daisy, good morning. We have some coffee, sausage and egg toast. Grab a bite?

Daisy: Mornin’ twins. Sure, sure. After I find some hot drink that could stabilize my chilling body.

Fitz: Ahh! We made coffee. Still hot.

Daisy: That would do. I just need it. Thanks.

 Daisy went straight to the coffee maker and poured it to her mug.

 Fitz: I might be back on the 2nd of January.

Jemma: Oh perfect, I might be back on the 3rd. Mack’ll be back on the 3rd also.

 Daisy sat beside the two.

 Daisy: Where’s Mack now?

Fitz: He left this morning and went home for the holidays.

Daisy: Oh.

 Daisy kept silent. She grabbed some toast and ate some.

 Fitz: Let’s just meet on the 28th.

Jemma: We could do that. Dinner, London. Awesome.

Daisy: Almost forgot, I have to tell Piper something. See you, guys, later.

Fitz: Sure.

Jemma: See you, Daisy.

  Daisy stood up with her coffee on one hand and a saucer containing two toasts on the other, one she already took a bite, then she went out of the kitchen. She is feeling uncomfortable with what FitzSimmons are taking about. Sure, they have families to go home to, but she doesn’t. She walked and went to the gym. There she saw Piper and Davis, they are having an early exercise.

 Piper: Daisy!

Daisy: Oh, hi guys!

Davis: Since when did the gym become a good place to eat?

 Daisy, Piper and Davis laughed.

 Daisy: Has any one of you seen Coulson?

Piper: He left at around 1am, he has some business transaction he needed to attend to.

Daisy: When he’ll be back?

Davis: I heard, he’ll be staying there until next year.

Daisy: That’s awesome. See you guys.

 Daisy felt sad, she walked out again and went to the Armory. Nobody was there. She sat on the mat and started consuming the remaining toast.

 Daisy felt alone. She is the only one who doesn’t have a family here, yes she has a dad, but he does not even have an idea who she is, so that doesn’t count. She is the only one who does not have anybody. Well, she and Coulson. But he left, Coulson left her. Of course, he will. She is nothing but an employee to him. Why would he think she’ll need him?

 Daisy is holding back her tears, and trying to calm the pain she’s feeling in her heart.

 Jemma: Daisy!!! I’ve been looking all over for you.

Daisy: Jemma, what’s up?

Jemma: I just want to say good bye and happy holidays.

 Fitz entered the room too.

 Fitz: See you on the 2nd of January, Daisy. Happy holidays!

 Daisy stood up, and gave Fitz a hug.

 Daisy: See you, Fitz. I would never forgive you if you’ll be back without good presents for me.

Fitz: Copy.

 Daisy then hugged Simmons.

 Daisy: Merry Christmas, Jemma.

Jemma: To you too, Daisy.

Daisy: See you next year.

 FitzSimmons left. Daisy felt empty.

 She went back to the kitchen to wash the dishes she used. There she saw May, taking some wine.

 Daisy: Very early for some wine.

May: This is grape juice.

Daisy: I see.

 May grinned.

 Daisy: Did FitzSimmons bid goodbye to you, they just left.

May: Yes, they did.

 Daisy started washing.

 May: My mother called.

Daisy: Oh.

May: I will be leaving at 10 this morning, spending the holidays with them.

 Daisy wants to cry, but she kept washing the dishes. May noticed that Daisy’s shoulder stiffened when she announced her trip. She knew what Daisy must’ve been feeling right now. Christmas holidays, all of the people in the Light House leaving for the vacation, and she isn’t, they are the only family she’s got. And Coulson, well, he’ll be back by next year because of some mission he needed to do.

 Daisy: When will you be back?

May: On the 6th.

Daisy: Happy holidays!

 Daisy immediately finished and walked out. She went to the gym, wanted to punch something, hoping nobody’s in there.

 She hit the punching bag again and again. She’s feeling lonely and hurt. She’s alone, nobody wanted to be with her. She poured her anger and kept on punching.

 May: You will hurt yourself if you don’t stand properly.

 Daisy was taken aback, surprised, she didn’t notice May come in.

 Daisy: I’m good.

May: It's 7 am. I have to pack my bags.

Daisy: You came here just to tell me that?

 Daisy is annoyed, she felt like May is rubbing it on her face.

 May: Yes.

Daisy: Fine. Then pack your bags, and leave then.

May: Alright, but after your anger management, make sure you pack yours too, because we’ll leave at 10. Sharp.

 May walked out. Daisy was speechless, she chased May.

 Daisy: What?

Daisy: May, wait!

 May stopped walking and turned to face Daisy.

 Daisy: What do you mean?

May: Pack your bags, I don’t want you to be late.

Daisy: Me?

May: Why? Do you think I’ll just leave you here? Alone?

 Daisy was surprised and speechless.

 May: We leave exactly at 10.

 Then May walked away and never looked back. Daisy didn’t know what to say or what to think.

 Xxxxxxxxxx

 Daisy went back to her room and started packing. She has to pack a lot because they will be staying at the “Mays” until the 6th of next year. In just a matter of minutes, she finished packing, considering she doesn’t have a lot of stuff.

 She lay down on her bed, closed her eyes just to rest.

 When she opened her eyes, she jerked when she peeked at the clock, it's 11:57 am. She fell asleep for nearly 4 hours. May told her they’ll be leaving at 10 o'clock, sharp. Daisy knows May, she is, has been, and will always be particular when it comes to time.

 Daisy: dammit!!!

 Daisy went out of her room and ran. She chanced upon Piper.

 Daisy: hey, Piper! Have you seen May?

Piper: I talked to her this morning, she already left for vacation Daisy.

 Daisy felt like something stabbed her in the chest. But she didn’t show it.

 Piper: she told us that she’ll be going home for the holidays, and will be leaving at around 10. She didn’t tell you?

Daisy: she did. I just forgot. Anyway, thanks.

 Daisy went back to her room and sat on the bed. She wants to punch something again. She’s so pissed at herself. She shouldn’t have slept. She hates herself.

 She punched her pillow, the base then shook a little. Daisy’s anger is quaking the base.

 There was a knock on the door. But Daisy is not in the mood to talk to someone, so she ignored it. But the door opened.

 May: Finally, you’re awake.

 Daisy’s eyes widened. The sound of May’s voice never felt this good.

 May: I thought you were awake ‘cause you’re causing the earthquakes.

Daisy: Piper said you left.

May: I told them I’ll be leaving at 10.

Daisy: You didn’t.

May: ‘cause you’re asleep.

Daisy: I thought you left me.

May: I went here around 10, but you were sleeping soundly, peacefully. I decided to let you rest. I couldn’t wake you up.

Daisy: I really thought you left me.

May: I wouldn’t. I.. (pause) couldn’t.

 There was silence between them. It wasn’t awkward. It was just silence.

 May: so, you ready, now?

Daisy: yup.

May: let’s go.

 Xxxxxxxxx

 Daisy: Do your parents know that I’m with you?

May: Yes.

Daisy: Really?

May: I told you.

 Daisy kept quiet, looked at the surroundings and smiled.

 May: It’ll take us 6 more hours. You can stay at the back so you can sleep, if you’re tired.

Daisy: No, I’m good.

May: Okay.

 Daisy is excited. Nobody, except Coulson, has ever met May’s folks. It’s like meeting the ‘grandparents’ for the first time, she thought.

 May: By the way, my parents thought you’re my daughter. Just ride with it.

 May said it very casually. Daisy jolted.

 Daisy: I’m sorry, what?

May: You heard me. Just– ride with it.

Daisy: W-well– w-why– h-how–

May: Daisy.

Daisy: How did they think that?

May: I told them.

 Daisy started having butterflies in her stomach. She felt good, and embarrassed by the thought.

 Daisy: You did?

May: I told them I’m bringing you home with me. They just assumed you’re my daughter. I didn’t want to talk a lot, so I just agreed.

Daisy: But— Why— But–

May: Coulson is, supposedly, your dad.

Daisy: I’m still processing everything you just told me and–

May: Don’t worry about it. Just be yourself.

Daisy: I don’t think we can pull this off.

May: You don’t need to sell it. Just be you. And if they ask you, tell them the truth. At least I don’t have to do the talking.

 Daisy rolled her eyes.

 May: And never roll your eyes on me!

 Daisy’s jaw dropped. She smiled. The last sentence that May told her is funny. She just saw what kind of a mom she will be, or she is.

 Daisy felt her heart aching. She never thought she wanted May, as a mother, this much.

 May: You’re staring.

 Daisy came back to reality. She didn’t realize she was staring at May. Daisy looked down then outside.

 Daisy: Sorry.

 May looked at Daisy for a second.

 May: Anything wrong?

Daisy: Nah.. Just a little tired.

May: I told you to take a rest. I brought a blanket, you can use it.

Daisy: It’s okay. I can rest from here

May: You sure? You want to have a stop over?

Daisy: No need.

May: Alright.

 Daisy leaned on the window. She closed her eyes. Blushing because she was embarrassed. She never wanted anybody to know she longs for May as a mother. Hell, she, herself is still in denial with the fact that she sees May, and Coulson, as her parents. It is embarrassing, for May, or anybody for that matter, to find out she feels this way.

 But she does, she wants them. She wishes they’re hers. She hopes for it. Questioning fate why it brought them into her life and not making them hers, or making her theirs. Why?!

 Then, she felt a blanket covering her body. The car went slower, then into a full stop. She didn’t open her eyes. May is fixing the blanket, making sure she’s covered. Then she felt May’s hand brushing the hair away from her face.

 Daisy wants to cry. This woman, who taught her so much, practically raised her from nothing. She has been, with Coulson, raising her. Why aren’t they her parents, she asks.

 The car started moving again.

 Xxxxxxxxxx

 May: Daisy. Daisy.

 Daisy woke up. Hearing May’s voice.

 May: We’re here.

 Daisy looked around and saw a very huge house with a very big lawn. It’s like a mansion.

 A man, in a black suit, opened the car’s door on Daisy’s side. May just alighted their car.

 Two more men, both in a suit, approached them, one of them took out their luggage out of the car, the other one, talked to May.

 Daisy looked around. The house is too huge, she couldn’t believe it. It was even bigger than Ian Quinn’s mansion.

 Man1: You must be– 

 May: Come on Daisy.

  Xxxx

 Daisy: Where’s May?

Lian and William May looked at her.

Daisy: –Mom!!! Where’s “MaY” Mom.

William: Your mom must’ve taken a nap. Sit down with us.

Daisy sat down beside the couple on a chair of a round table where Lian and William were also seated.

Lian: Do you want any drink, hun? Tea? Coffee? Anything?

Daisy: Soda?

William raised his hand and a butler approached him.

William: Soda for my granddaughter.

Daisy cringed for being called as “granddaughter”, then the butler nodded then left.

Daisy: *whispers* cool.

Lian: Food? Bread, hun? Take anything you want from the table.

Daisy: Yup. Thanks.

 Daisy took a bread and some spread and started eating.

 William: Have you liked your room Daisy?

Daisy: Yes, gramps. It’s awesome. How many rooms do you have here?

William: 15 rooms, for sleeping. Excluding the master’s bedroom, and your mom’s room. But all in all, 21.

Daisy: Whoa! You can make this a mini hotel.

 William and Lian laugh.

 Lian: I used to bring some trainees here, but since I retired, it became just guest rooms.

Daisy: Still..

Lian: The room that you chose, that’s yours. I won’t let anybody take it, from now on, it’s yours and yours only.

 Daisy felt sad and glad at the same time.

 xxx

 May was about to go outside to go to the garden where the others were eating, but decided to spy and listened to them first and hid herself behind the wall.

 William: What’s wrong sweetie? Why do you look so sad?

Lian: We’re so sorry you got to spend your holidays with old people like us, than with your friends back in the city.

Daisy: No! It’s not that.

Lian: Then what is it?

Daisy: It’s— this. Everything. You.

 Lian and William looked confused.

 William: Us?

Daisy: The way you look at me. The way you smile at me. When you hugged me earlier. The way you make me feel special.

 Lian and William were still confused.

 Daisy: I have spent just a couple of hours with you two, but I can already feel that you care for me, REALLY care for me, and that you.. (long pause) love me.

 Daisy holding back her tears.

 Lian: Then what is wrong with that, hunny?

Daisy: Bacause I don’t deserve it.

 Lian and William’s eyes widened. They both want to rebut what Daisy had said but Daisy continued speaking.

 Daisy: I don’t. I’m sorry. I just–

 William: You deserve it. You are our granddaughter, of course we love you.

Lian: And I have always wanted a grandchild.

Daisy: But that’s it. I am– Because I’m not–

 Lian and William have no expressions.

 Daisy: –your granddaughter. I am not even remotely related to any of you. I am not your daughter’s daughter.

 Daisy felt like someone’s crushing her chest. The words that came out of her mouth were killing her, she did not know why it hurt that much.

 William put his hand on top of Daisy’s head and gently caressed her hair.

 William: We know sweetie.

 Daisy was surprised.

 Daisy: You do?

Lian: Of course, we do. I was a spy, for crying out loud, how can you think I wouldn’t find out?! (Laughs)

Daisy: It’s just.. Because of the way you treat me. It’s as if I was–really, your granddaughter.

William: Because you are sweetie.

Daisy: I’m no–

Lian: DAISY.. You are.

 Daisy was speechless.

 William: You knew Milly as a very quiet person, who doesn’t want to open herself to others.

Daisy: and deadly.

Lian: Sure, that too.

William: She got it from your grandmother. Anyway, when your mom left for SHIELD, we obliged her to call us every now and then, just to update us.

Lian: She used to do that, but stopped after Bahrain. But we let her move on.

William: She never did. Until..

Lian: She met you.

Daisy: Me?

William: You, and FitzSimmons.

Lian: You became everything she ever wanted to have before Bahrain. You made her that one thing she wanted to become before that tragedy.

Daisy: What was it?

Lian: A mother.

William: Sure, blood and relationship is important in a family. But remember, you do not have to be biologically related to become a family. As long as you care about each other and that you love them, that is all that matters.

Lian: My Milly loves you, all of you. FitzSimmons, you, Philip.

William: You are, now, her immediate family.

Lian: Dysfunctional! But a family. That’s why, we do not care if she has given birth to you or not, for as long as in her heart, you are her daughter, that makes you, the three of you, our grandchildren.

Daisy: How can you say that? She is just my mentor, my SO, my boss.

William: Hun, don’t act stupid. I know you know, and I know you feel it.

Lian: You long for it, you just don’t want to admit it because you are afraid she doesn’t feel the same way about you. But I am telling you hunny, she does.

William: She’ll give her life to anyone of you kids, not just because it is her job, but because that’s what parents do, they’d do everything for their kids, willing, to even sacrifice their lives for them. To protect them.

Lian: And Melinda, YOUR mom, she would do that.

 Daisy was left speechless. Lian reached out for Daisy and hugged her, William stood up and hugged them both.

 May went outside and walked towards them.

 May: You’re gonna suffocate her.

 The three were surprised. William immediately went back to his seat. Lian did not immediately let go of Daisy. May sat on the vacant seat beside Daisy, thereafter, Lian completely let go of Daisy.

 May: What’s happening here?

Daisy: Nothin’. Gramps and Grams just missed me.

 Lian and William both laughed.

 May: Funny. You haven’t even met before today. How come they’d missed you? (smiling)

Daisy: Because I’m VERY adorable.

May: *chuckles* oh, are you now?

Daisy: Yes. And clearly, I got it from Dad.

Lian: Obviously, hun.

May: Oh you just wait Mom, ‘cause she’s stubborn.

William: Well, that, she must’ve gotten from you, Milly.

 Daisy and Lian laughed. May rolled her eyes.

 When the night arrived, Daisy, who stayed in the garden with her computer, decided to go to her room to rest. After taking the stairs, she was about to enter her room when she heard voices from another room, the master’s bedroom. She went there and noticed that the door is slightly open. She was about to touch the knob but retreated and walked away.

 The door suddenly opened, she was a little surprised and walked hastily. She saw May walking out of the door and she saw Daisy.

 May: You alright?

Daisy: Yeah, yup, yes.

 May narrowed her eyes.

 May: What’s wrong?

Daisy: Nothing. I was just surprised with you coming out of there. Good night.

 Daisy went straight to her room and closed the door behind her.

 She put down her laptop on the table near the TV, then she sat on her bed. She can’t believe how happy Lian and William make her. She felt loved, genuinely loved, by them, and she already do love them.

 She thought of May, of how awkward it must have been for her. Deep inside, she knew May is hoping this would end, soon.

 Daisy heard a knock on the door, then it opened. It was May, she went inside her room.

 Daisy: Hey! What up?

 May closed the door behind her and walked inside.

 May: I just want to know, how you doing? Are you good? Bored? Tired?

Daisy: I’m fine, great, actually.

May: Good. I’m glad you are.

Daisy: How about you?

May: Me?

Daisy: Yeah, you.

 May didn’t answer immediately. She was confused and intrigued by Daisy’s question.

 May: Good?

Daisy: Okay.

May: Wait, why? What do you mean?

Daisy: Nothing, it’s just– I’m.. kind of.. invading your space. I’m bothering you, so, I was just thinking–

May: You aren’t.

Daisy: Stop it, I know I’m overstepping, especially with, you know, your private life, and I am–

 May was a little annoyed.

 May: You are here because you should be here. And for the record, you are not, and have never been a bother to me, you got that?

 Daisy was overwhelmed, she is so happy. She never thought May’s words would feel this good, but it did.

 May approached Daisy, hunched, and then held her arms.

 May: Got it?

Daisy: Yes–

 May stood up, about to leave.

 Daisy: (whispers) –mom.

 May felt like a heavy brick is dragging her heart. The last word Daisy said felt so good it’s hurting her.

 May reached for the door knob and turned it, and without even looking back.

 May: Have some rest. Granma will expect you tomorrow for breakfast cause then she’ll probably bring you with her to the market.

Daisy: Okay.

 May went out of the room and closed the door behind her. She leaned on it, closed her eyes and sighed. When she opened her eyes, a tear fell from it. She didn’t even realize that the word “mom” that daisy jokingly uttered would make her this heavy.

 She walked to her room and immediately sat on the bed. She repeatedly hears the word “Mom” in her head, and it’s in Daisy’s voice.

 The heavy feeling in her chest keeps on dragging her. It makes her feel happy, but sad at the same time. It’s overwhelming.

(To be Continued)

To the man who is willing to give his everything to his family;

The one who keeps everyone together;

The guy who is willing to risk his life for the world;

And most especially, to Leopold, Jemma and Daisy’s Dad–

PHILLIP J. COULSON, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!

You do not need to be biologically related to someone to be a father, and you, Phil, is a good example of a natural Dad, especially to the Bus Kids. We love you!!!

P.S. it was Mama May who took this photo of her family!

Just for once, ONE time, on Season 6 perhaps, give the #Philinda family a nice vacation with their children, ALL their kids, the whole bunch

Please.

P.S. I see #Mackelena as Aunt&Uncle to #FitzSkimmons, so most of the time they aren’t in my edits. But I love them just the same.

Thewifeisembarrassed. The kidsaren’tamused.

STOP BRAGGING, DAD! 

No matter how old you get, when you feel the world collapsing on you, or when you just need peace and serenity, you always look for your loved ones, you go home, you want your mother.

She brings peace of mind, because no matter what age you are in, you will not stop being “the kid” whenever you are with your Mom.

And Mothers.. they never stop worrying and loving you!!!

“Wherever your mother is, that is your home.”

So here’s to my most fave fictional Mother, Agent #MelindaMay who might seemed cold and indifferent, but we know she’s willing to give, and do everything for her family, especially her kids.

And also, to Ms. @mingna_wen, I adore you and love you because of your work, but I love you the most because you are a mother and you are YOU.

Have a great day!

@iain_decaestecker @lil_henstridge @chloebennet

I need more interaction with this faveMom-Son duo of mine.

Yes, aside from this, and Mama May’s “I’ll stay and help anyway”, and Baby Fitz’s “I did not know that you are married”, in Season 2, I haven’t found any scene showing the dynamics between these two.

I want more #MayFitz, I want Mama to “bully” or “smother” her only son!

Anyway, this is how it goes in my mind.