ic contact (mask or menace)

[hackitude]

"Hey! You've reached Skye. Leave a message. I mean, if you want to. Or uh, don't. Whatever."

Comments

[hackitude]

[Of course he can't possibly understand why it's upsetting her. He doesn't know about Miles, and how much this conversation reminds her of that.]

... Jesse. We don't need money to be happy. I have lived... my whole life with only the possessions I could fit in one cardboard box and a backpack. And I'm fine with that. As long as we're together, that's what's important. I would rather be... camping in a tent or back in my van, than living it up on money you got from compromising your morals. Your big heart, your kindness to others... that's the reason I like you. Okay?

[hostage]

[In other words, she loves the fake part of him. The part that doesn't really exist. If she would just take the money, then at least she'd be accepting a part of the real him. He wants to believe there's a chance she could love who he really is, all the ugliness of him - But then, why would she? Why would anyone? He can't even do that much for himself.]

I just... I just wanna take care of you.

[That much is the truth, at least. She might never know him, the way Andrea never knew him, but he gave Andrea everything she could ever want and he wishes he could do that for Skye.]

[hackitude]

I know. [She takes one of Jesse's hands in hers and gives it a gentle squeeze.] And that's sweet. But ... I'm not that girl. I don't need anyone to take care of me, Jesse.

[hostage]

I know you don't need it, but...

[There's going to come a day when she looks back on this conversation and these words will haunt her, he knows it. So he feels like he should say something else, while he's at it.]

I love you, Skye. You deserve more than this.

[This. Him. The illusion of their life together. They could have something more than just the dream of somewhere else. She's already breaking the law. Why can't she join him?]

I'd give it to you if you let me.

[hackitude]

... More than what, Jesse? We have food, houses, jobs... and each other. Isn't that all that's important?

[hostage]

Freedom.

[hackitude]

What... from the government? Jesse, moving to Hawaii wouldn't fix that. If they really wanted to find us there, they would.

[hostage]

Then we keep moving. Get more powerful. I'm just saying, Skye... Whatever it takes, I'll give it to you.

[hackitude]

What, stay on the run forever? What kind of life is that? What about all the people you have here? All those friends who came to your birthday party? Ellie?

No. If we want freedom and-- and rights, we have to fight for them. Not just for us, but for all imPorts, present and future ones. Why do you think I even did this stunt today? It wasn't because I felt like it.

[hostage]

I know why you did it, Skye. That's why I'm saying all this. If you wanna fight, you can't fight with nothing. What if there was a way to get enough money to protect all the people we care about? I'm talking tech, safehouses, whatever we need.

[hackitude]

... By... taking advantage of sick rich people and passing over sick poor people because they don't have the money?

[hostage]

Am I supposed to just sit back and let everybody else worry about it 'cause I'm good for nothing? I got one thing going for me, Skye. And it gets the job done. So why shouldn't I use it?

[hackitude]

... You're not good for nothing.

[hostage]

Yeah, I am. I can't do anything.

Money's at least worth something. Money gets things done.

[hackitude]

... You do things for people all the time, Jesse. Almost every day, every time you heal someone. You're doing something for them. Life changing things. How many people can say they've changed as many people's lives as you? I can't. Most people can't.

[hostage]

That ain't making things better. It's just putting 'em back how they were supposed to be.

[hackitude]

But... that's just not true. People get sick, and they die. And that's it. That's life. That's how it's supposed be-- it sucks, but we can't do anything about it. Except you. You can. That does make things better.

[hostage]

[La dee da. Maybe eventually he'll make up for all the lives he's taken.]

...You really don't want my help, huh.

[hackitude]

... Look. If you want to do it regardless, if that's what you need to feel good about yourself or whatever... I won't stop you. But... don't ever say you did it for me.

[hostage]

I'm sorry. You're right. I shouldn't put that on you. It's my choice.

[hackitude]

[What if she just... slowly gathers Jesse up in a tight hug, holding him there, resting her chin on his shoulder for a moment. What then.]

... Thank you.

[hostage]

[He wraps his arms around her in return, turning his eyes toward heaven. God help him.]

That's nothing to thank me for.

[hackitude]

[She just kind of... laughs, shakily, into his shoulder. She's that relieved.]

Yeah, you say that, but... it is, to me. ... Remind me some day to tell you about the guy I liked before I joined SHIELD.

[hostage]

Sounds like you know how to pick 'em.

[He kisses the top of her head.]

[hackitude]

Hey. I've got you, don't I? So, maybe I do.