May and Coulson in early season 2 always break my heart. Coulson who keeps having to put his family in harm’s way and still tries to take care of him. Who was given too much responsibility too fast. Who cooks Simmons meals while she debriefs because otherwise her fridge consists solely of siracha and beer. And May who takes to being Skye’s SO with grace and care. Who is firm and tough, but also fair and kind. Who tells Skye to stay close on risky missions. And you remember that Coulson has throughout season 1 been looking for a way to keep the good in shield and work through its flaws. But you don’t know that May is someone who wanted to be a mother. That May has deep desire and capability to care for someone younger and guide them. But she didn’t think she deserved it. Because she killed a child. And it’s only after getting them through the fall of shield that she opens up to Skye. I will never get over how much that backstory informs all her choices. Great writing.
