The Academy

Chapter 20

Alas, we have reached the end of this story.

"It is my greatest honor to give you this badge as a symbol of your devotion to the greater good," Fury announced as he bestowed the level 1 badge to Skye. "Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Skye," he finished with a smirk.

Skye smiled warmly as she took it from him. "Thank you. It means a lot."

"Well, you've earned it," Fury nodded. He then cleared his throat and turned to look at everyone else gathered around them. "Now, get to work," he said as he departed from the Bus.

Clint whistled as Natasha threw a handful of confetti into the air while smirking. Clint threw an arm around Skye and tousled her hair. "Congrats, shortie."

"Thanks, Birdbrain," she smirked as she looked up at him.

Clint rolled his eyes at the nickname and let her go as he pointed to Ward. "This is your fault."

Ward smirked and shrugged. "What can I say? I taught her everything I know."

Natasha laughed at Clint's expense and walked up to Skye, giving her a quick hug. "You've earned it, congrats."

"Thanks, couldn't have done it without a great Russian teacher," she smirked.

"True, Mr. Dwyer is pretty great," Natasha nodded.

Skye rolled her eyes. "I meant you. We both know I didn't learn anything in his class."

Natasha chuckled again. "You're welcome, Skye." She looked up at the clock and then turned to face the rest of the team. "Clint and I have to get going. There's a briefing Fury wants us to attend. We'll see you around," she announced as she nodded a goodbye to Skye and fist-bumped Ward on her way out.

Coulson was next to offer his congratulations. "Well, it was a long nine months, but we're glad you're back. Congratulations," he smiled.

"Can't get rid of me that easily, AC," Skye smirked.

"Wouldn't dream of it," he returned her smirk before retreating to his office.

Fitz and Simmons were next, both giving Skye a quick hug of congratulations before running back to the lab. May followed, resting a hand on Skye's shoulder as she made her way back to the cockpit. "Congratulations."

Soon enough, only Skye and Ward were left in the Bus's lounge. "Congratulations, Rookie," Ward smiled.

Skye looked up at him and grinned. "Thanks, Robot. Though, I couldn't have done it without a very wonderful, great, and patient SO."

Ward smirked. "Yeah, you could've. Look at what you did at the Academy. You didn't need me, you're a quick learner."

Skye rolled her eyes. "The only reason I was any good at the Academy is because I learned it all from you first. So thank you," she said sincerely.

Ward nodded, giving her a small, yet warm smile that made her stomach get butterflies. "You're welcome. You deserve it. You've worked hard and you've proven how dedicated you are on multiple occasions."

"A compliment and a smile," Skye teased, referring back to over a year ago when she teased him with the comment before.

"Yeah, this time it's a compliment," he agreed, still giving her the fond smile. He bent down and pressed a soft kiss to Skye's cheek. He pulled back marginally and whispered. "Congratulations, Rookie."

Ta da! Hope you all enjoyed! Let me know what you thought! 

*tips hat* it's been fun, guys.