Chapter 128: A Night Off

After weeks of intense, dangerous missions and difficult decisions, the team finally got a break. Coulson, realizing that everyone was exhausted and needed some time to relax, decided that a quiet evening at a restaurant would be in order. They deserved a moment away from the constant tension, so he booked a cozy, low-key restaurant so they could have dinner in peace.

The mood on the Bus was unusually light that afternoon. Skye was excited, excited about finally going out for a normal night. Fitz and Simmons seemed excited too, discussing what they were going to order and the variety of dishes the restaurant offered. Ward and May were more relaxed, as usual, but even they seemed slightly relieved at the break in missions.

As the sun began to set, the team changed out of their usual uniforms for more casual clothes. Coulson, in his usual suit, still maintained a formal touch, but he was more relaxed. Skye opted for something simple but elegant, while Simmons looked radiant in a light blue dress. Fitz, as usual, looked a little out of place, but made the effort to dress well for the occasion. May, in a black leather jacket, kept her understated and tough style, while Ward wore a dark shirt and jeans, looking more relaxed than usual.

"Finally a night away from it all," Skye said, smiling as they got off the bus.

The restaurant was cozy, with rustic decor and soft lights that created a welcoming atmosphere. The tables were arranged in an open space, giving the feeling of spaciousness, and a fireplace in the corner provided warmth to the room. The team was led to a large table, situated near a window that offered a view of the illuminated city.

As soon as they sat down, Coulson made sure to make it clear that this was a night to relax, without talking about missions, threats, or anything work-related.

"This is a night for us," he said, smiling at everyone around the table. — No discussions about augmented beings, no espionage. Just good food, good conversation, and hopefully good wine.

Simmons looked excitedly at the menu, while Fitz studied the options seriously. Skye, on the other hand, leafed through it absently, more interested in the surroundings than in the food choices.

"You know, I was thinking," Skye said, looking up from the menu. "It's funny how we never get to do this. Go out, socialize, act like normal people."

Ward gave a small smile.

"It's hard to be normal with the work we do."

"I guess Ward's right," May said in her matter-of-fact tone, not looking up from the menu. "But it's nice to have moments like this. We're a team, after all."

Simmons smiled as she looked at the menu.

"I already know what I'm going to order! The salmon steak looks amazing."

"I'm more interested in the filet mignon," Fitz said, adjusting his glasses. "And maybe a glass of red wine." I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I think today is worth it.

Coulson, who had been watching the interaction with a satisfied smile, leaned forward a little.

"You deserve it. You've all been doing an excellent job these past few weeks. If there's a team that deserves a quiet dinner, it's this one."

The waitress arrived shortly after to take their orders. Everyone made their choice, and the group continued to chat while they waited. Skye, still with her curious gaze on the room, brought up a new topic.

"So, now that we're here... what's the craziest thing you've ever done outside of work?" she asked, looking around the table, obviously searching for interesting stories.

"What do you mean, outside of work?" Fitz asked, confused.

"Like, anything that doesn't involve saving the world," Skye replied, laughing.

Ward was the first to answer, with a half smile.

"I went bungee jumping once. Nothing too crazy, but it was... different."

Simmons looked surprised.

"You? Bungee jumping?"

Ward shrugged.

"Sometimes it's good to try something new."

Skye laughed, shaking her head.

"Okay, I didn't expect that from you. What about you, May? Any crazy stories?"

May gave Skye that signature "stay out of your depth" look, but eventually relented.

"I once flew a helicopter through a storm on an island in the Pacific. I was on a rescue mission, but what I didn't tell anyone was that the helicopter was having engine trouble. I had to improvise to keep everything running until we could reach our destination. It was pretty much on the edge."

Fitz and Simmons looked at her in awe.

"That's amazing!" Simmons exclaimed.

"I can't even imagine how you did that," Fitz added, impressed.

Coulson chuckled.

"That sounds like something only you would do, May."

She gave a slight smile, which, to May, was the equivalent of a full-blown laugh.

When the food arrived, the conversation was briefly interrupted.

The sound of silverware hitting plates and small murmurs of approval were clear signs that everyone was enjoying their meal.

After a few minutes of silence as they enjoyed their food, Skye was the first to break the ice.

"This was definitely the best idea we've had in weeks. This place is great."

"I agree," Simmons said, savoring his salmon. "Sometimes we forget how important it is to take time for ourselves. It reminds me that life isn't all about work."

Coulson, who was taking a sip of his wine, nodded.

"It's important to remember that. If we don't take time for ourselves, we end up getting lost in the middle of everything. That goes for all of us, especially in a job like ours."

The conversation continued for a while longer, flowing naturally from funny stories to more introspective moments. At some point, Coulson looked at his watch and smiled.

"I think we've been here longer than I expected," he said. "But that's a good thing."

Skye looked at her watch and smiled.

"I'm not in a hurry to get back. The night is just beginning."

Fitz and Simmons seemed to be lost in a conversation about science, discussing complicated theories about quantum physics that Skye clearly didn't understand. Ward and May, on the other hand, were calmer, exchanging few words but seeming comfortable in each other's company.

When dinner was over, the team decided to walk around the city a bit before heading back to the Bus. The night was cool, with a gentle breeze, and the streets were relatively quiet.

"We need to do this more often," Skye said as they walked side by side. "I know our work is important, but moments like this make a difference."

"I agree," Coulson replied. "Let's try to have more nights like this."

At the end of the walk, they returned to the Bus, each feeling relieved and renewed. The next mission would come, as always, but for now, they could allow themselves to enjoy the present. They knew that together they could face anything, and this night of rest served as a reminder that, beyond being coworkers, they were a true family.