I'll Take Care Of You
Phil woke up a few moments before May did. Relishing in the way she clung onto him for dear life as if he was going to disappear, he buried his nose in her soft hair and planted a kiss on the top of her head. The warmth of her small body contrasted to the cool, early morning air. With May in her arms, Phil began to remember everything they said to each other—every promise—and, for now, they were going to try to keep them.
When we get out of this mess, we take a couple of steps back, start again. And, when it feels right, maybe we'll open another bottle.
You mean a lot to me—a lot.
Radcliffe took something from me too. Her name's Melinda May, and she means everything to me.
If things go south, I'll get you out. No matter what happens, I'll take care of you—that's my plan.
You don't get to make that decision alone. That decision is made with the people who love you. And that's me. I love you.
On May? No, I'm not giving up.
May's eyes fluttered open, but she made sure not to move. She felt his soft breath against her scalp and, from the way he wasn't snoring, knew he was awake. May shifted slightly, and snuggled deeper into his embrace. The tiny gesture brought a smile to Coulson's face and, he had to admit, it made him never want to leave.
"Morning," he said with a grin, his chin never leaving her hair.
May's lips twitched into a half smile as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Phil felt his grin grow wider. "So we're back to the silent treatment, huh?"
"Shut up, I'm trying to sleep."
"Yeah right."
A thunderous silence settled between them, but Phil couldn't seem to erase the smile growing on his face. May made him feel that way, just by being there.
As if May could sense his glee, she shuffled upwards to tease him and cupped his friend face in her hands. "No passing out today, okay? We're going para-sailing someday when I think you're ready, like you said."
Phil laughed and took her hands in his. "You really thought I was serious? It's our first morning here. I think we should relax a bit, maybe get a good breakfast and just explore, you know. I don't think Tahiti is too big for the both of us."
"It's not," May sighed. "It's not safe for you."
"What do you mean?"
"I know we're here to make the best of what will remain of...you..." May began. "We should take things easy—start slow."
Phil smiled smugly. "I don't think I'll need to do anything that would stress me out."
"Phil, in your case, everything would stress you out."
Coulson smiled, pressing his forehead to hers. "Not you."
"Phil, I am the direct embodiment of what makes your heart beat too fast," May returned, smirking. "We wouldn't want that."
"Getting a little overconfident, don't you think?" Still smiling, Coulson released a disappointed sigh and wrapped his arms around her again. "You're right. I guess we should go back to sleep, then."
"The breakfast isn't going to eat itself."
"But, it can wait."
After a moment of enjoying each other's warmth, May looked up at him again. "Hey."
