After the meeting with the WSC, Fury makes his way through the bowels of the helicarrier to a quiet room.

"You'll be happy to hear they did it," he says, crossing to the bed at the other side of the room.

"You were right. They just needed that extra push. Bet you're pretty pleased with yourself. You did what I couldn't. You got even Captain America himself to believe in the Avengers.

"I suggest if you're going to say 'I told you so,' that you do it now, or hold your peace."

He pauses for a moment, before glancing down at the figure in the bed.

"Congratulations, Agent Coulson. You succeeded where I failed. The world owes you more than it will ever know."

He bends down and places a brief kiss on Coulson's forehead.

"I've got my work cut out for me, now that you're not around to cover my ass anymore. You were my good eye. I'm going to have to watch my own back from now on."

He pulls the blanket up, covering the body.

"Thank you."