Re: Maria/Coulson
He blinked rapidly, coming out of his own feelings and focusing on her once more hunched posture. Oh. "I'm sorry," he said, quietly, hands going into his pockets. "I shouldn't be focusing on that right now, you're right. We have others to think of besides ourselves. And I'm sorry that you're so uncomfortable right now."
And he was quiet again for a moment, regarding her thoughtfully. "But you still look very much the same to me. Different age, certainly. But still strong and confident, ready to lead. Maybe," a small smile, "a bit angrier, but no less determined."
"I'm not saying that age sixteen was idyllic for me either. Everyone is awkward then, everyone has moments they'd rather forget, or perhaps the entire age. If you need someone to talk to or just ... let loose with, I'd gladly offer to be that person. Because I didn't know you when you were sixteen, the person you were or the person you wish you could have been." His eyes met hers, his expression kind. "Seeing you now like this, I'm glad I'm getting to."