Re: Maria/Coulson
She was uncomfortable, which was understandable. Maria was used to taking charge at all times, and being younger, or at least looking like it was a stumbling point.
He nodded slowly. "Hmm. Challenges. Then we'll face them and in the meantime come up with solutions for this. Because we're SHIELD. We do that."
Her discomfort grew, and so did his sympathy. Gently, he took her arm and glancing around escorted her to one of those offices. Phil didn't shut the door completely, but left it open just a bit. Turning to look at her, he rubbed the back of his neck, for the first time looking somewhat like an awkward teenager.
"I admit that being this young puts me at a disadvantage. It's been a very long time since I've felt young, Maria. For you, it's different. You're younger than I am even when we're at our correct age. But I'm ... I'm almost fifty. It's been a good twenty years since I've felt like I was in my prime."
And now it was his turn to look uncomfortable. "I woke up this morning and once I got over the shock ..." he looked away. "I can't lie, having this much energy, and looking like this, and .... not having a receding hairline, or the wrinkles, or any of the other things that come with being middle aged ... it's refreshing. Exciting." He let out a long sigh through his nose, looking down. "Makes me feel like I'm getting a second chance."