X marks the spot

Toldja

If you would've told Aaron Johnson that there would be a time when Phil Coulson would be walking into the base with handcuffs on and reminding him of when that had happened to him too, he would've just thanked you for the attempt at comfort and then moved on with the conversation.

Now, though, it was a reality. A disturbing one at that. The man looked exactly alike as he entered the main room of the Lighthouse but looked around the place as if it was foreign to him.

Maybe Aaron was just numb to it all at this point, but his expression never really went to shock; just intrigue, if you wanted to name it.

Daisy's look however, easily communicated her both shock, but also slight relief for the man in front of them. That look, though, was then taken up by a look of doubt.

May's look held slight concern for the younger girl; but Daisy was quick to wash it off with a comment.

"I guess now would be an awkward time to hug." Aaron looked at his friend for a moment, clocking her defence mechanism once again showing itself. Humour to mask (or at least attempt to mask) the true feelings underneath. The ones of pain, longing, loss, love. All mixed into one violent concoction of emotions.

"Yeah." May agreed with the comment, but her words held a slight anger to it. Whatever happened between the two - judging by May's debrief - must've not been pretty.

"So...This lady was in love with this dead Coulson guy. Anyone else have a thing for him?" Aaron couldn't help the roll of his eyes at the man's dry humour. His gaze then went to Aaron. The boy met it with his own; for a moment, they showed amusement, but that quickly died off.

"Wow, nifty trick - that whole numbing thing you got going on. Who taught you that one?" Aaron raised an eyebrow at the man's question.

"Trauma." His blunt answer gained a huff of laughter from the Coulson look alike.

"Seems it did a number on you."

"What gave it away?" Another huff of laughter followed.

"You know...I kind of like you. Once I get out of here, I could use someone like you," He turned to May, "She said no. But, I have a feeling you might just say yes."

"Really? How's that work?" He ignored the look from the others; he kept his gaze solely on Coulson.

"Because, there's something different about you. Something much darker. Like a time bomb, just ticking away. I could help control the boom. Seems these ones haven't so far." Aaron wasn't quite sure why he was getting an offer from faux Coulson. He was even more unsure why he felt a rupture inside of him at the thought of it.

Having his arms crossed helped him hide his slightly pressed hand into a fist to control what was inside of him. But the older man caught it. More importantly, Daisy had too.

"Oh, yeah. There's something dangerous inside of you. Just, remember the offer."

"Yeah...I'm out, this is too much." Daisy said, breaking up the discussion between her father figure and friend. She took her leave, sparing another glance to Aaron as she left.

"Her too, huh? Daddy issues?"

Deke was the one who spoke up at that. While he wasn't addressing the double of Coulson, he kept his gaze on him the whole time, "See, what did I tell you? This guy's such a tool. There's no way he's the real Coulson."

"Yeah, thanks Deke." Mack deadpanned. Deke took that as his leave.

"Everyone seems to have a lot of feelings around here." Coulson two deadpanned. At his words, Mack approached him.