"MELINDA!"

Melinda May had only a few seconds to turn around before a tiny body collided with her legs. Suppressing a smile, she looked down to see Skye Coulson's toothy grin beaming up at her.

"Someone is in a good mood," Melinda said. "Any reason why?"

Skye giggled. "You know why, silly."

Melinda pretended to think about it. "Hmmm… It's almost the Fourth of July?"

"No!"

"It's sunny outside?"

"No. It's my birthday!" Skye declared, bouncing up and down. Melinda slapped her forehead.

"Of course it is! How could I forget that?"

"Because you're silly," Skye said matter-of-factly. Melinda smirked and crouched before the little girl. She smoothed the skirt of Skye's dress, watching as Skye straightened her back.

"Happy birthday, Skye," Melinda said sincerely. "You look beautiful."

"Do you think Daddy will like my dress?" Skye twisted this way and that, causing her skirt to flare out slightly.

"I think he will love it."

"He said he cleared his entire schedule for me," Skye whispered in awe.

"That's because he loves you very much."

Skye began babbling about her party, but Melinda was forced to tune it out when she heard her boss' voice come through the comms.

"May, we are ready for departure. Bring the First Daughter to the car."

Melinda pressed her finger to her earwig. "Copy that, sir." She refocused on Skye, taking one of her hands. "Ready to go, birthday girl?"

Skye nodded eagerly. Keeping a solid grip on Skye's hand, Melinda led the girl out of her bedroom and through the maze that was the White House. In the past year of being assigned to President Coulson's security detail, Melinda had grown used to the massive building, to the point where she could probably navigate her way through it blindfolded. Of course, that was almost a necessity to being a part of the Secret Service, but Melinda was still proud of it.

Melinda's main job was watching out for the President's five – no, now six-year-old daughter. At public functions, Melinda was to ensure the First Daughter was always protected, and, in the event of danger, could be taken to a secure location. As the year progressed, however, Melinda was regularly assigned to keeping Skye occupied. Sure, she still protected the President and came along whenever he left the White House, but otherwise Skye was her main priority. At first, she disliked being a glorified babysitter, but there was something about the young girl that tugged at Melinda's heartstrings. It was hard not to fall for her, and that was exactly what Melinda did.

That had not gone unnoticed by Melinda's boss, even though he had advised her against getting close the first day of Melinda's assignment. Nick Fury trusted Melinda's judgement, but he still watched her like a hawk. Admittedly, she couldn't blame him.

He was watching her closely when she emerged from the side door with Skye in tow. Melinda had been prepared for the scrutiny and had wiped the broad smile from her face just prior to exiting the building.

"Nicky!" Skye cried, rushing to hug the head of her father's Secret Service. A rare smile appeared on his face.

"Happy birthday, Skye."

"Thank you!" She glanced around. "Where's Daddy?"

"Right here, princess."

The door to the President's limo had opened the moment Skye came outside, and Phil Coulson emerged at his daughter's question. It didn't seem possible, but Skye's smile had grown even bigger at the sight of her father, and she threw herself at him much like she had at Melinda earlier.

"Happy birthday, baby girl," he whispered, holding Skye close.

Melinda's heart nearly exploded with how precious the two of them were. The American public could debate how effective he was as a president until everyone was blue in the face, but no one could dispute his strength as a father. He had won America over with his story of being a single father after Skye's mother died in a car accident a few years back. He had proven how devoted he was, impressing even the harshest of critics.

(Only momentarily, of course. The mudslinging had resumed twenty-four hours later.)

"Mr. President," Fury said. "We have to go if we're going to be on time."

"Yes, of course." Coulson helped Skye into the limo and slid in after her. Fury shut the door behind them and turned to Melinda, who almost didn't get rid of her smile in time. He raised an eyebrow at her before nodding to the SUV designated for security personnel idling in front of the limo.

After Melinda buckled herself into the passenger seat and Fury had taken the wheel, the motorcade had left the White House and begun its trek to the indoor playground Skye's party was to be held at. Melinda watched the streets of Washington DC fly by, mentally counting the seconds until she got the speech she knew was coming.

"May."

Not even a minute.

"Sir."

"You remember what I told you about getting close to the Coulsons." It was not a question, and Melinda knew it.

"Yes, sir."

"And what was it?"

Melinda swallowed. "Don't."

"Remember that, Agent May."

"Yes, sir."


Nearly two hours later, the party was in full swing. Children from Skye's prep school were running around on sugar-induced highs, and their parents (or, their security details) were monitoring it all. The President had implemented a strict "No politics" rule for the day, which most were all too happy to comply with. Coulson himself had stated that he didn't want Secret Service shadowing his every move, so they were currently lined up against the wall where they could watch from afar. The day was all about Skye. He was just a normal father celebrating his little girl's birthday.

Melinda had to commend him for it. Very few people in Washington would forego an entire day just for their child, and the fact that the President was one of those people was incredible. It restored a little bit of Melinda's faith in humanity (and in politicians).

And it was a bonus to see Coulson interact with his daughter. Normally, he looked worn and far older than he actually was. Melinda would be hard pressed to think of a time when he smiled after his inauguration. It was sad, really, to slowly see the life sucked from the man.

But today, he was as every bit vibrant and carefree as he had been prior to his election. He was smiling, he was laughing, he was running around. It was wonderful. Melinda's heart stuttered ever so slightly each time she caught sight of him. He was a handsome man, and he looked even better when he was alive like this.

"Melinda!" a little voice called. Looking to her right, she spotted Skye running up, her best friends Leo and Jemma right behind her. "Look at what my friends got me!"

"Well, isn't that something," Melinda said, taking the doll Skye was holding out. It was a hula girl, complete with a lei and grass skirt.

"Will you play with me later?"

Melinda chose her words carefully, mindful of Fury's gaze on her back. "We'll see, okay?"

"Okay!" Skye chirped. Melinda passed the doll back and watched as the children darted off.

"She really likes you, you know."

Melinda nearly jumped at the sound of a new voice. She internally reminded herself to remain calm.

"Mr. President."

"A-ah," Coulson said, giving Melinda a reproving look. "Remember my rule."

"Mr. Coulson."

"How about Phil?" Coulson smiled, and Melinda felt heat rise on her cheeks.

"Phil," she said cautiously. Coulson's – no, Phil's smile grew, and Melinda returned it tentatively.

"There. Was that so hard?"

"Yes."

Phil chuckled, though it held a tinge of sadness. "Yeah, I can see how that might be difficult." He tilted his head to the side. "Now, I know I've met you before, but I don't think I've ever really talked to you. It's Melinda, correct?"

He posed it as a question, but Melinda knew deep down that he already knew what her name was. Something about that thrilled her.

"Yes."

"Do you always give one word answers?" he teased. "And, yes, I am counting 'Mr. President' and 'Mr. Coulson' as one word answers because… because I'm the President, and I can."

It took all of Melinda's willpower not to smirk. "No."

"Oh, you're good. No wonder you're a part of the Secret Service."

Melinda allowed a tiny smile to come forth, which seemed to please Phil. He turned and surveyed the party, leaning close to Melinda so he could still be heard.

"I've been wanting to talk with you for some time now, actually," he confessed. "I know you're the agent who usually looks after Skye, and I wanted to give you my thanks in person."

"It's no problem, sir."

"Drop the 'sir', agent." His voice was light, which made it impossible for Melinda to contain her next comment.

"Then drop the 'agent'."

This caught Phil off guard, but he seemed delighted by it. "Alright, Melinda."

"Skye is a wonderful girl," she admitted, trying to ignore the way he was staring at her now. "It's been a pleasure watching her."

Phil sighed and resumed overlooking the party. "I was initially worried about how my taking office would affect her. Before, when I was only a senator, she at least had her mom. But then we lost her, and I almost gave up on running. You know what changed my mind?"

"What?"

Phil smiled. "Skye. I wanted to make this country great for her, better for her. And the only way to do that was from the Oval Office."

"That's incredible," Melinda said without thinking. She immediately ducked her head, which drew a laugh from Phil.

"Thank you. Of course, that doesn't mean I was any less worried for her, but…" He looked at Melinda, and she slowly met his gaze. "I know she's in good hands."

Melinda held her breath, staring into his eyes. They were startlingly blue, and Melinda realized she had never been this close to him.

It took only a second for everything to fall apart. An explosion tore through all the childish shrieks and laughter, sending smoke and shrapnel through the room. Melinda didn't even think before she dragged Phil to the ground, throwing her body on top of his.

The indoor playground was in utter chaos. Screams, no longer happy, filled the air, and security guards could be heard ordering people to get down.

"Does anyone have eyes on the president?" Fury barked through the comms. It took Melinda a few seconds to process what he was saying, as her hearing had been momentarily blocked.

"I do," Melinda reported. She quickly gave Phil a once over, pleased to see he wasn't injured. "I'm getting him out of here."

Phil grasped her arm. "Skye. Where's Skye?"

As soon as he had said it, Skye's voice could be heard over the din. "DADDY!"

Phil's grip tightened. "I'm not leaving her."

The first rule of being in the Secret Service: Protect the President at whatever cost. He needed to be removed from the area as soon as possible. She looked at Phil squarely in the eye.

"Neither am I."

Melinda shoved Phil into a nearby alcove and charged into the smog. She could barely see in front of her. A growing heat told her there was a fire somewhere, and smoke was filling her lungs at an alarming rate.

"Skye?" she called, struggling to hear.

A second explosion rocked the building. Melinda fell to the ground, fear increasing exponentially. She had to move fast.

"Skye?" she tried again, raising her voice. She scrambled to her feet. Please, please, please…

"Melinda?"

"Skye! Where are you, sweetie? Talk to me."

"Over here."

Melinda groaned. That didn't help at all. Her hearing was off, and she could barely see. Dust clouded her vision in every direction. She tripped over something hard, catching herself at the last second.

"Keep talking to me, Skye. I'll find you."

Static crackled in her ear. "May, have you gotten the President out?"

"In the process, sir."

"Melinda, I'm scared," Skye sobbed. Her voice came from Melinda's left. Moving that way, she squinted and could just make out a tiny shape a few feet away.

"Skye," Melinda breathed, kneeling by the little girl. She was curled up on the ground, her whole body covered in a thick layer of dust and soot. "Are you hurt?"

Skye shook her head. Tear tracks were apparent on her face. "Where's my daddy?"

"He's behind me," Melinda said. "I'm going to get you two out of here, okay?"

She scooped Skye up in her arms and ran back the way she came. Or, she hoped it was the way she came. She couldn't quite tell.

"Daddy?" Skye yelled before being struck with a coughing fit.

"Keep your mouth covered, Skye," Melinda instructed. "I'll get you to your daddy."

It took a few minutes longer than Melinda would have preferred, but eventually Melinda could partially see the wall she had been standing by when the first explosion hit.

Please let him be okay.

"Mr. President?" she called.

A cough, and then, "Here."

Melinda located the alcove and found Phil crouched inside. Skye squirmed, and Melinda set her down. Skye run forward and hugged her father tightly. Phil closed his eyes and burrowed his face in her neck.

"Mr. President," Melinda said, her breathing ragged. A few coughs escaped her. "Phil. We have to get out of here."

Phil looked up and nodded. He kept Skye in his arms as he stood.

"Lead the way," he said.

Sticking close to the wall, Melinda followed it until her hand hit a door. She opened it and looked inside, relieved to discover a hallway lined with what she assumed were offices. She ushered Phil and Skye in, closing the door behind her. The three of them moved down the hall and came to an exit at the end.

"Let me check," she said, stepping ahead of Phil. She cautiously opened the door and checked the outside. Police cars had surrounded the building. She opened the door wider and allowed Phil and Skye to step out.

"I need a car," she yelled, catching the attention of the nearest officer. She looked startled at the sight of the President emerging from the building covered in dust, but handed the keys to a cruiser over with no objections. The officer pointed at the proper vehicle, and the three of them ran over. Melinda helped Phil and Skye get in the back before hopping in the driver's seat. She stuck the key in the ignition and turned the car on, peeling away from the scene and merging onto the street.

"Shouldn't we do something to help?" Phil asked, twisting in his seat to look at the crumbling building.

"My number one objective is to get you to safety, Mr. President."

"Phil."

She ignored him and turned on the police lights and sirens. Cars began parting for them on the street, and Melinda increased their speed. She glanced at the duo in the back.

"Get down."

"Excuse me?"

"Get down. Don't let anyone see you."

Phil obeyed, ducking down. He cradled Skye close to his side, and the little girl began crying anew. He shushed her gently and whispered soothing words in her ear. Feeling intrusive, Melinda blocked out their conversation and focused on the road.

With her speedy driving, Melinda got them to the secure location in a matter of minutes. It was an underground bunker situated a few miles from the White House. Melinda made sure there was no one around before bringing Phil and Skye inside.

The bunker was furnished with only a table and a bed. Crates filled with food and other supplies lined one wall. Melinda flicked on the overhead lights and locked the door behind them.

She located a burner phone in one of the crates and called Fury to update him. While she did, Phil settled on the bed with Skye still in his arms.

"Do you think everyone is okay?" Skye asked, sniffling. Phil kissed her forehead.

"I don't know, sweetheart." He squeezed Skye tightly. "I'm so sorry. So, so sorry."

"For what?"

"For having this ruin your birthday. I'll make it up to you when this is all over, I promise."

Skye contemplated it for a moment. "It didn't totally ruin it. I'm with you and Melinda. That makes me happy."

Melinda had just hung up when Skye said the last part. The little girl could barely comprehend what had happened. She didn't see the tragedy behind it, what this could mean for the country's safety. Melinda wished she could have Skye's mindset.

Phil spotted Melinda standing by the door. The second she realized he was looking at her, she averted her gaze.

Distance, she reminded herself. You need distance. You cannot get close.

"You can sit down," Phil said. Melinda stiffened at the sound of his voice.

"I'm fine, sir."

"Phil."

"Are you hurt in any way, sir?"

Phil shifted Skye in his arms. "I'm not telling you until you agree to call me Phil again."

Melinda gritted her teeth. "Are you hurt, Phil?"

He smiled cheekily, which looked out of place (yet no less wonderful) considering what had happened. "No. I had a great agent protecting me." His gaze turned into a concerned one. "Are you?"

Her eyes still stung from all the smoke, and her chest was tight. There was a chance she had pulled something in her lower back one of the times she fell, too.

"No."

Skye stirred. Melinda thought she had fallen asleep. "Come here, Melinda," she mumbled. Phil raised his eyebrows at the agent.

"I think I'm going to stay over here, Skye," she answered, trying to avoid Phil's gaze. Skye let out a little moan.

"Please?"

Maybe Fury's on to something, Melinda thought as she found herself walking over to the bed. She was helpless against Skye's begging, and based on the look Phil was wearing, he knew it, too.

Melinda hesitated next to the bed, unsure of where to go. It was large enough for all of them to sleep on if they truly wanted, which didn't seem that awful to Melinda.

"Snuggle with me?" Skye requested. Melinda mentally cursed all the times she had indulged the little girl in cuddles at the end of the day. It was the type of thing Fury told her not to do, but Melinda had never been one for following the rules.

Phil began to relinquish his hold on Skye, but she just clutched him tighter. He frowned.

"I thought you wanted Melinda."

"I want you, too."

Melinda's lips parted. Oh, no…

"We have to obey the birthday girl," Phil said softly. He maneuvered himself and Skye onto their backs and turned them so they were lying along the length of the bed. Melinda was still frozen. Phil looked up at her. "You coming?"

Melinda's throat was dry. "I don't think this is a good idea…"

But it seemed so appealing.

"Melinda," Skye whined.

"Melinda," Phil murmured, his blue eyes pleading with her.

Like father, like daughter.

Slowly, Melinda peeled off her jacket and lowered herself onto the bed. She inched closer to the pair, wrapping her arm around Skye's waist. Her hand grazed Phil's side, and she immediately withdrew it, limiting her contact to Skye only. Skye hummed her contentment and relaxed. After a few minutes, the only sound in the bunker was her soft breathing as she drifted off to sleep.

Melinda remained tense, keeping her gaze on Skye's head. She could feel Phil watching her, but she refused to look up.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Saving us. Going back for Skye. I know you're supposed to get me out first, but you helped her instead."

Melinda shifted. "Like I said before, she's a wonderful girl."

"Melinda."

There was something in his voice that made her unable to resist looking up. She met his gaze, her breath catching slightly when she saw those damn blue eyes. She gasped when she felt his hand cover hers where it rested on Skye.

"I just want you to know," he said, "that you're very important to Skye. And anyone who is important to Skye is important to me."

"You're just saying that because I saved your life." She tried to play it off as a joke, but there was a modicum of truth to it. Phil shook his head.

"Skye talks about you all the time. I might not speak to you, but I feel like I know you. And I'm not saying anything needs to happen between us, but I'd like to get to know you more. On my own."

Once again, Melinda found herself unable to resist. Only this time, she didn't even want to.

"I'd like to get to know you, too," she whispered.

Phil rubbed his thumb over the back of Melinda's hand, sending shivers down her spine.

"It's a date."