A/N: Here's a holiday special. Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans, belated happy Canada Day to my friends up north (Hi, Angel) and happy fourth of July to everyone.
This takes place during the final episode of Season 1.
Repay the Favor
Jemma Simmons sat beside Leo Fitz' bed, eyes fixed unwaveringly on her best friend in the whole wide world — and maybe something more than a friend, if they ever got a chance to find out.
He was breathing on his own now, thank heavens, but he was so pale, so still, entirely unlike his usual energetic self.
She didn't move her steadfast gaze until she sensed someone entering the room. Nick Fury, director of the defunct agency known as SHIELD, loomed behind her. He was dressed like a homeless man, but the power of his personality filled the small infirmary room.
"I wanted to say goodbye before I left to help Coulson," Fury said.
"You found the signal of Trip's — Agent Triplett's — communicator?"
"Yes we did. Your information was very helpful."
"Be careful, sir," the woman said.
Fury smiled — a rare sight to see, "I'm already dead, Dr. Simmons. How much worse could it get?"
He started to leave, but stopped when Simmons said, "Thank you, sir."
He raised an eyebrow at her.
"With everything else that has happened — everything so much more important than two junior scientists — thank you for coming for us," Simmons said.
Fury's usually impassive expression softened. "I was glad to have a chance to repay the favor."
"Sir?" Simmons was puzzled.
"Your friend Fitz saved my life this week."
"Sir?" Her voice held disbelief.
"Do you know about the cutting tool he invented — the Mousehole, I think he called it?"
"Of course," Jemma said. "He sent it for evaluation, but hasn't heard back."
"That's because I kept it," Fury said frankly. "I had a feeling that something was coming and I might need an edge. The Mousehole helped me escape from the Winter Soldier. And later Hill used it to rescue Captain Rogers and Agent Romanoff. So your boy had a big part in bringing down Hydra."
The tears that Jemma had kept dammed up, now poured out.
Fitz was so quiet and still. He might suffer from brain damage. He might never be the man she knew, the man she loved.
"I'm sorry," she squeaked, hiding her wet, red face.
She felt Fury's big hand rest on her shoulder. "Have faith, Simmons. Fitz still has many contributions to make. SHIELD will rise again and so will Fitz."
"You really believe that?" she asked, wiping her eyes.
"He's a genius," Fury said. He patted her shoulder. "And he's got a lot to come back for."
A/N: Enemies List Chapter 3 tomorrow.
