Agents of Shield.

[chickfury]

  I'll admit my reservations about Ward were clearly a first sign that I should have gone another way on that particular choice. We had a list and it was one that he fitted into. May told us what she needed. Fury signed off and . I personally vetted him and each one of them. I'm not about to stand here and list the what ifs and the "how did I miss that" with you of all people. 

Eye candy.

If you think that comment was the worst I got when Fury hired me. Well, you're mistaken. You don't become commander without having a thick skin. 
 

Comments

[busdriver]

At least you had reservations. I bought it.

[May bought it hook, line and sinker, and she was in a perfect position to notice being played.

She judiciously avoids the other subject, needing no reminders of Hill's proficiency. She heard what people said at the time. In her earshot, they mostly just complained about Hill being young for the job. She can imagine the rest. It's bullshit; a show of other people's inadequacies.]

[chickfury]

You didn't exactly have reason to doubt him.

[ At least until after that HYRDA was a thing but that's pulling hairs but hey, she's just going to stand there for for a few moments before leaning forward and pulling May into a awarked hug. A very, awarked hug. Patting exactly two times and only two times on her back before pulling away.] He played you.

He's basically a more handsome Jasper.

[busdriver]

[Her mission parameters were exposed right as HYDRA stepped out of the shadows. The timing made things dicey. She didn't have the chance to sling many accusations of her own.

Hill leans in and May tenses up. She hasn't actually had much physical contact since the last time—

Her mom didn't hug her goodbye, let's just put it like that. There's a quick inhale and she lifts her hands (it's rare that she's got no idea what to do with her hands) and closes Hill into the hug, however brief and awkward it is.]

I looked like I needed that?

[She'll catch up on that Sitwell remark in a minute.]

[chickfury]

[ There's a little tilt of her head at that, her eyebrow flicking up slightly.]

I think after ninety four mission reports, you earned that.

[ But there's real humour in her voice as she steps back. The truth of the matter was the ward situation was a little bit on both of their heads. Maria for not seeing it when they vetted him and putting him on the team in the first place. May for not seeing it after that or..during her "close encounters". If they wanted to play the blame game, they could be here for hours.

It was easier to say "Fuck Agent Garrett" and leave it at that.]

But yes. You did look like you needed it. On the plus side, you do't have to go back and explain why you beat up the armed forces.

[busdriver]

[Earned it?]

That's not what Phil said.

[Couldn't resist, since they're apparently taking this moment to be funny.

When she gets the honest answer to her question, she isn't expecting that either. Maria's really keeping her on her toes, here. She just stares for a second and then shutters her expression, aiming for more convincing impassivity. Having identifiable needs really doesn't work for her; it's something to be avoided.]

You got your story straight? It looks bad.

[chickfury]

[ Totally earned it.]

Well, Phil says a lot of things.

[ Maria gave him a way out and he refused. There was no doubt in her mind that he would have given her the same answer if Sky had been safe. Though that's getting into what if territory again. ]

Beating up a colonel of the armed forces? There's no real story for that unfortunately. [ There's a little sigh at that. She's no Melinda May but she did all right for herself in that fight.] Lucky for me I have an army of lawyers, remember? And we handed them Fury's secret base. [ One of them.] I think they might forgive a few punches to the face. I might have to suffer though a few more meetings. [ She's just going to give a little shudder at that.] God.

sorry I'm not sorry

[incrediblebanner]

[SO BASICALLY THIS THEN

you are making Bryce look emotionally well-adjusted, guys.]

[agreatpatsy]

Personally, I think the taunt he made was pretty weak. Anyone who knows Fury knows that "eyecandy" is the last thing on his mind when it comes to running his ship. [So to speak. A brief pause, and then awkwardly:] Not that you couldn't be... just that... you're not.

[Foot in mouth, and he'll probably get the evil eye for certain...recent...actions. Great.]

[chickfury]

It was a taunt at the fact I was a woman. It's not weak, it's inherently stupid considering we're about half the population. Not to mention it shows a vast underestimation of Fury's and my ability. [ You're getting an arch an of eyebrow at that Jasper.] Charming.

I forgot to mention how glad I was you got hit by a truck.

[agreatpatsy]

That didn't come out right. But I agree; you're a tough and capable agent and that's that.

[He winces.] Thanks. It was a blast.

[battleshipping]

It's a shame, because I wouldn't mind watching you kick him in the throat.

[the_gerber_baby]

Speakin' of SHIELD stuff, toots, how is my buddy Ted doin'?