Re: Maria/Coulson
Feeling awkward around women wasn't a new feeling, it had started sometime after puberty and stayed with him throughout his life. Even in his late forties, and after having been intimate partners with several, it remained.
Frowning at his own bumbling, he was lost in his own thoughts when she called for him to come back. Pausing, he slowly turned to look at her. What if he made it worse? But that was the teenager talking, wasn't it. And right now what the situation needed was adults, not children. Things needed to be fixed and he'd do his part.
Phil walked back to her and the office door, composing his face into its usual neutral curious expression. "Yes, Deputy Director," he said, squaring his own shoulders, and putting aside whatever awkwardness had just taken place.