“What if I don’t want to walk away?” he mumbled. “Skye, I- I’m not mad at you. I’m not going to leave you. And for someone who’s afraid of losing people, you’re certainly doing your damnedest to push me away.” He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, trying to meet her eyes. “This job isn’t without its risks. We could lose any of us any day, to Hydra or a freak accident or a fucking supervillain. But if anything, that’s a reason to build a relationship - to make what undetermined amount of time we have together great. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to built a fuckin’ skyscraper with you.”
Skye went silent all at once, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape in incredulity, barely managing to collect her thoughts, much less to reply. It wasn’t easy to stun her, and she could admit it wasn’t a pleasant feeling in the rare instances she was taken aback. But, this. This was in a league of it’s own. “Say it again. Preferably using simpler terms instead of Sylvia Plath. I want this to be very clear.”
“Of course. If I’m gonna be a professor, I gotta have the necessary accessories.” He plays with his lanyard for a second before putting down his coffee on his luggage and embracing Skye. “It’s good to see you, man. Ready to take this place by storm? Do you need a tour? I ran the place when I was a student here, of course.”
“Try not to be too distracting or else your division will tank. Actually, now that I think of it, feel free to have your lessons shirtless,” she suggested, patting Trip on the chest when he released her from the hug. “I’ve been here for two days and if you think I need a tour you
are -,” she lowered her voice, “completely right. I’ve only been to the communications wing and my classes. But, in my defense, I was saving myself for when you’d come and give me a tour. I’m pure. Lead the way.”
