FOUR ALPHA -

They had mentioned the Rehab Camps. A causal, off the cuff comment designed to fluster him. The throwaway quip had worked, as it festered and destroyed his self-control. Fitz knows damn well what really happened at the camps. He'd be separated from Jemma and… he'd be broken… trained… conditioned into proper Omega behavior.

He wouldn't be permitted to science again. Never…. And… he never be permitted to be with… Jemma… and… and..

In the background, he hears a familiar voice. "I want them out of here."

Someone touches his face and pulls him forward until his forehead bumps against something. A shoulder, he realizes. The cologne smells familiar but he focuses only on breathing.

"Hey, it's me," Phil Coulson softly whispered. "I'm getting you out. You're not going to the camps, Leo."

"Jeff, yes, we're Bonded. We kept it quiet because… I thought it would be safer for them," Phil lies.

"Plus, Skye was being a bit of a prat at the time," Jemma tearfully offers. "Even though she's my best friend, she was a prat about it."

A visibly annoyed Mace exhales.

"Why is Fitz acting like that?" Mace asks. "He fell apart when the camps were mentioned."

"The rehab camps use a great deal of the same tactics as HYDRA does, so even as a Beta, he'd admit to being an Omega after a few weeks there." Former Sleeper Agent Jasper Sitwell then adds for good measure, "After a while you'll do anything to escape. Physically or psychologically, just to make it stop. Take it from my personal experience."

There is silence then, as everyone debates the truth in his words. Then the moment of introspection is broken, by Felix Blake. Naturally.

"Including Bonding me," was Felix Blake's dry quip.

Jasper Sitwell flinches, even as Felix dutifully presents the Bonding Certificates. They're even appropriately aged and certified so Mace exhales. Again. It's obvious to all that the position of director has aged him.

"Update your paperwork at HR," he snaps at Coulson. "All three of you."

Coulson doesn't listen, instead he pulls Fitz closer. "Come on, we're going home."

Phil and Jemma love him furiously and in the afterglow, they cuddle and talk until Fitz is centered and grounded once more.

"Can we bring Skye into this? I don't want her thinking that we Bonded and didn't tell her?' Jemma requests. "She cares for Fitz, she'll be able to keep the secret. We just tell her that Fitz doesn't want Ward knowing because he doesn't want to be plastered with the logo. She's dealt with discrimination due to her Inhuman genetics. I think she'll understand why Fitz wants to keep it a secret."

"It's Fitz's decision," Phil decides.

He agrees, and so he finds himself telling Skye his secret after she returns from her honeymoon.

"Hey, do I have a little sibling on the way yet?" She asks Fitz. "Is that why we're meeting? Dad and Jemma are hovering in the kitchen? Seriously, Dad, open concept living spaces make it hard for people to eavesdrop. Really, you'd think Super Spy Dad would know that."

Fitz nearly knocks over his tea, and Skye hugs him. Skye has always been openly friendly affectionate with him. It's how she is, and he hopes that what he'll about to tell her won't change things.

"Skye, you know we didn't bond your father." He begins this cautiously, hopes that Skye will understand why they lied.

"I know. You just said that to get Mace off your back," Skye easily agrees. "Good thing Uncle Felix and Auntie Jasper are on your side."

"I'm an O," Fitz blurts. The dirty vernacular term for Omega. The curse word he's hated since he was a child.

"I know," Skye informs him.

"It's not my blood type," he explains.

"I know."

"I am Omega misidentified as a Beta, Skye," he flounders as she just isn't getting it.

"I know," she repeats.

He ceases talking and just stares at her. Skye fluffs her hair, delights in flummoxing him.

"I've known for years, Fitz. Seriously, we were on an airplane, for how long together? I've known for years, and I understand why you hid it. There's only one tropical fever that matches your symptoms, and it was only recently discovered in the last decade by our very own Dr. Jemma Simmons. Plus whenever you cycled, I'd get all sorts of hot for your bod. Also you two were LOUD at times when you were recovering. I did have the bunk closest to you."

"Does Ward know?" Fitz asks.

"No, not at all. He's emotionally constipated so I'm working on improving that. I hope that when he and I have kids, he'll be better. So, Dad is an A and you're an O, does that mean…"

Fitz can't hide his disgust at the thought of being pregnant.

"I mean, I know some Super As have gotten their male B's preggers," Skye continues. "Be careful with your birth control."

Fitz blushes and Skye hugs him tightly.

"You were there when I discovered I was an Inhuman. Do you think I'd forget that so easily, Fitz?" Skye asks. "You hid my blood work, you hugged me when I cried because I thought everyone would hate me. Do you really think I would turn my back on you?"

She hugs him again.

"You're family, Leo."

Babymaking with Jemma Simmons is very serious business, Phil quickly determines. There are spreadsheets, lab work for him and his swimmers, calculators, calendars, ovulation predictor kits and several weeks' worth of Captain American boxers for him. [Really? Sensible colors would have been nice, he would have even gone for plaid in honor of Fitz's heritage]

"Day 10!" Jemma whispers in his ear one afternoon, which means that he has been scheduled for frisky!fun!times with Jemma and Leo that evening.

Therefore, he reports to his commanding officer as commanded. He brings a nice bottle of wine, flowers and chocolate covered strawberries. There's enough for three people, but there's a problem. There's no Fitz.

"Where's Leo?" he asks.

"He'll be along shortly. Now, come on. Optimal time is within the next hour," Jemma insists as she tugs at his good arm.

Jemma's petite, he's not, so she can't move him. If he was less honorable, he'd sweep her off her feet and carry her to the bedroom, as she's wearing something soft and silky. Plus he's been thinking of nothing else all afternoon. Phil Coulson has seen both sides of fifty, but he's still a dog. He just doesn't let it control him.

Because when he agreed to this insanity, he made damn sure there were ground rules. No friskiness without Fitz's approval. By that, Coulson carnality would only commence if both of the dangerous duo were aware. (and hopefully present)

"I don't want to come between you and Leo," he insists.

"You're not. He got held up at the lab. He says he'll be along shortly and that not to miss the window. You know he gave approval of this meeting, so get undressed."

Phil is uncertain, but Jemma Simmons has always been incapable of lying or dissembling to him.

For Phil, babymaking is a different variety of love making. There's the wild and frenzied bed slat breaking sex, there's comfort sex and there's lovemaking. But babymaking is yet another style. There's lots of talking and a self-imposed pressure to make it really good for Jemma.

Later, after they're both sated, and Jemma is drifting off to sleep, (legs properly elevated) there is still no Fitz. His absence disturbs Phil so he in unable to asleep.

Fitz decides to leave Jemma with Coulson (No! Call me Phil) for their assignation and he stays in the lab until he can't stay any longer. The cleaning crew can't bother to hide their happiness that he's out of their way, so he returns home. Phil is still there, because he's sitting in the living room.

"We missed you," is all Phil says when he decides to speak.

"Had to finish something in the lab," Fitz lies, even as he removes his coat.

"We wanted you here, Fitz. I wanted you here, and Jemma wanted you here," is Phil's mild protest.

Leo makes a noncommittal noise of what he hopes passes for agreement, because he's consented to this because of Jemma. He just … just….

"I know how you get when you in the lab, so you haven't eaten. Let me make you dinner?" Phil offers. Then he smiles his slanted smile, balanced by his crooked nose only after Fitz agrees. "Kiss first?"

Leo agrees as he thinks it will be a quick peck on the cheek. Not, not Phil as he takes his time, and Fitz begins to melt into his embrace as Phil is positively, absolutely Alpha. Plus one hell of a kisser.

"I will never come between you and Jemma," insists Phil. "Your relationship takes precedence. Now, why did you stay late at the lab tonight of all nights, Leo?"

"Didn't want to be a distraction," Leo admits. It sounds better than he just …has a horrible crush on Coulson. Had one for years, and… Coulson's an ALPHA. That he's horribly mixed up about his feelings toward the older Alpha and he just doesn't want to fuck things up for Jemma, who wants a baby so badly.

Phil stares at him. For someone who doesn't know Phil, they'd think he was a mild mannered high school teacher, but Fitz knows Phil. Knows how he can sense half-truths and outright lies easily. For whatever reason, Phil lets him lie, but he seems saddened at Fitz's dissembling.

"I have tickets to a soccer match for this weekend. Care to go with me?" Phil asks. He's strangely intense, and Leo agrees. To Leo's surprise, Phil's face lights up. "Great. It's a date."

"A date?" Fitz repeats.

"I want to get to know you better," explains Phil. "And hopefully, I can prove to you that I'm trustworthy."

"You are," Leo protests.

Saturday arrives a bit too bright and early, and Fitz is surprised when he realizes it's just him and Phil. Yes, Phil hadn't mentioned Jemma but… still… it's odd being alone with Phil. Since it's a nice day, Phil take Lola out for a spin, fortunately it's hard to talk with the top off.

Tickets to a soccer match turns out to be tickets to a preWorld Cup scrimmage by the Scottish national team. In a hospitality suite. They're greeted by a lanky redhead – Pepper Potts, who greets them warmly before disappearing.

"My Seanair used to take my mum and me to the games," Fitz says. Those outings had been brief happy moments in his childhood. Then his Beta seanair had died, leaving Fitz with just his mum to buffer him from his father, who constantly belittled him as an O, tests be damned. Good for nothing but whoring on the streets as Leo was too stupid for anything else because he took after his mum.

"You were smiling when you talked about your grandfather, then you stopped. What's bothering you?"

"I miss him," Fitz admits.

Phil puts his hand on Leo's shoulder, and gives it a gentle squeeze. Fitz wishes he was brave, that he could place his hand on top of Phil's hand. But he's not.

Because he's his father's son.

Never good enough. And everyone he has ever loved has left him.

But only Jemma came back.

From the other side of the galaxy.

Naturally, Jemma wants all the details when Leo returns home with Phil in tow.

"Did you have sex?" She immediately asks. She's literally vibrating in her excitement which causes Phil to laugh.

"Oh God," Leo protests.

Coulson dimples and shakes his finger at Jemma. "No, Jemma, we did not. We just watched a soccer game. Ground rules, Simmons, ground rules."

Jemma deflates, and even Leo has to smile.

"I'll talk to you soon," Phil promises as he leaves.

"How did it go?" Jemma asks. She's a bit too interested, and Fitz knows her far too well.

"You told him that I like football," he protests.

"Phil just wanted to spend some time with you," she teases. "Something that didn't involve higher math and physics."

"Football requires all of that," Fitz retorts.

Phil Coulson easily assimilates into their lives. He's there when Jemma breaks the news that they weren't successful the first time, the second… the third…

It's only six months in that Fitz realizes how completely integrated Phil has become when he's not there. He should have comprehended it earlier, as they have all moved in together, but he's always been socially clueless – dependent on Jemma's help.

Skye is pregnant with his granddaughter, and Ward… Ward is HYDRA. There is chaos and confusion at the reveal, but in the end, Phil returns back home with the widowed Skye in tow.

"Mind if I crash here?" Skye asks. "I need …"

She doesn't finish, but Jemma assures her that she is welcome here.

However, Skye is pregnant and Jemma is not. She sees specialists, alone, and they determine that the Chitaui virus exposure has caused her to enter an early perimenopause. Therefore, Jemma decides that she'll take the hormonal cocktail.

There are mood swings, and crying jags from both Jemma and Skye, while Phil tries to juggle them both with a serenity that has to be feigned. And he tries to spend time with Leo, who simply doesn't understand with everything he's managing, why does Phil wish to spend his limited free time on him?

It's still odd… being on a 'date' with Phil. If being his companion when the Portland Symphonic Orchestra debuts a cello sonata for Phil's Audrey is considered a date. Yes, they've had the occasional nights and days without Jemma but now it's just the two of them away from home. Phil is flirtatious, affectionate and… completely focused on him.

But there's a sense of sadness that Phil can't completely shake, though he tries. Leo pretends not to notice that Phil's eyes are shiny during the debut of the sonata and that it takes him far too long to compose himself.

When it's time for bed in their luxurious hotel suite, Phil tilts his head towards the bedroom. Fitz finds Phil sitting on the edge of the bed, still clothed, so he sits in the chair next to the bed.

"Thank you for coming with me," Phil murmurs. "I couldn't do this alone, and Skye can't fly, not now."

"It was a nice piece of music," offers Fitz.

"Aud would have loved playing it. It's a good tribute."

After a long moment of silence, Phil tugs at his tie. Unloosens it and then unbuttons the top two shirt buttons. He kicks off his shoes and then rolls on the bed.

Leo ponders his next move, perhaps too long as Phil exhales. In a soft whisper, Phil requests, "Come to bed, Leo. I want to make love. I need… closeness."

He has barely reclined on the bed before Phil pounces. He kisses Leo as though he was starving, even as he pulls off Leo's belt.

Their lovemaking is… intense. Phil teases and taunts, strokes and caresses until Leo can't tell up from down, right from left. It's almost as though Leo is in the midst of a Rut as he needs, he craves…

The next morning, Fitz walks into the living room. Phil has his cup of coffee, and there's a cuppa for Leo.

Leo isn't sure what to do, as he senses that Phil is disturbed. This sensing of Phil's emotion is new… as though he and the older Alpha have Bonded.

"Leo, we need to talk," Phil explains.

Fitz nods his head. His hearts skips a beat or three, as Phil seems… uneasy.

"Leo… I want to bond you," Phil states. "But if we were bonded, I would need to trust that you'd tell me what you want. It's been a year… you won't… touch… me, Leo. I have to ask you to touch me. I've tried to give you space and understanding, I've never taken you during the Rut. I've… always been… careful with you…. And I would like you to reciprocate. I thought that… after all this time… that if it was just the two of us… you'd feel safe. Last night, I would have liked it … if you had … instead… I needed to ask… I had to request… I'm trying to be strong for Skye and for Jemma… and I'm… exhausted. I would have liked somene to take care of me for once."

Phil sighs, and he rubs his eyes.

Fitz says nothing, as his mind spins, spins, spins like a gyroscope. He remembers how ardent Phil had been the previous night… how Phil had touched him. His soft murmurs … Leo, you can trust me.

He feels Phil's conflicting emotions… that he doesn't want to have this conversation, but Leo's needs come first.

Oh dear God, he's ruined it for Simmons. He's cocked it up again because that's all he ever does.

"I realized that last night when I met with Audrey's coworkers, how different our relationship is. Audrey was … an Omega…. But… our sex life was…. very fulfilling…for the both of us… as she… was…. assertive… She… initiated…. And… I know you don't have this problem with Jemma…. As you two go at it like bunnies… I think you have a problem…. And it's me… because I'm an Alpha male. I know you are nervous around most Alphas, but.., with me… I'm detecting fear. Right now, you're terrified."

Fitz retreats. He thinks of his father, how he had abused Leo's mom who was an Omega, how he left when Leo was young… because of Leo being a gormless idiot. The scars have never healed and they are ripped open anew.

"When the three of us started this… adventure… we agreed that you and Simmons' relationship was paramount. I'm adding … stress… to your relationship…. So it's best… if I step aside…. Before I fracture it. She's been a very important part of your life. I won't get between that."

"But… but…you promised… Jemma…" is all Fitz manages to say.

Jemma who desperately wants a baby. Jemma who needs Phil…because he lacks the balls to do the job.

"I don't need to be physically involved with process, Leo. I can provide a donation. This last year has been amazing, and I will treasure it always, but you and your mental health are my priority. I love you, I adore Jemma, but… you're still afraid of me. You don't really trust me… I'll land at Felix's place, and I volunteered for an assignment so I'll be out of town for two weeks. That way you and Jemma can get back to the way it was before I arrived. Jasper and Felix have promised to keep an eye out on Skye. I'll be home before she has the baby."

Leo says nothing. His reticence surprises Coulson, who tries to talk to him. Phil natters at him, how he's such a special person, how much Phil will always treasure their time together and other stupid, meaningless things.

Fitz prides himself on the fact that he doesn't cry. Not a single tear does he shed unlike when his Da left. He acts appropriately, makes polite conversation with Phil about the weather on their trip to the airport. They're upgraded to first class seats, which is a good thing, as he couldn't handle the cramped confines of cattle class seating, to be so physically close to Phil.

He has the window seat, so he puts in his earbuds to listen to music and watches the activity of the busy airport. At some time, he falls asleep, as he wakes when they are serving a meal over Chicago. His chair has been reclined into the bed position, he is covered by a blanket and his shoes have been removed, so he could sleep better.

"Sleep well?" Phil asks. "I thought you were tired, as you were really quiet."

Fitz nods, and he is surprised, yet not, when the flight attendant arrives with his meal. Phil had ordered it for him, knowing his quirks and peculiarities. Of the various selections, it's the one he would have chosen.

Phil makes a few jokes, fails and they eat their respective meals in silence. When the attendant takes their trays, Phil turns to Fitz. He reaches for his hand, and Fitz retreats.

"Don't touch me," is Fitz's immediate retort. He spits it like acid, as he can't let Phil touch him. Because if he did Bond, unintentionally, with Phil, he can't… let… Phil… know… because… Phil has decided he's too ... too…Leo Fitz… to be worth the bother.

For a moment, Fitz feels how much he has hurt Phil, but Phil remains expressionless.

"Forgive me, I did not ask," Coulson politely apologizes. "I did not mean…"

"Stop it," Fitz protests. "Just stop it. Stop hiding behind the Sacraments."

His words wounds, he scores, so Phil is the one that retreats. At that moment, Fitz feels very much his father's son. He should feel proud, instead he feels… revulsion.

"Very well. While you were sleeping, I was in contact with Jemma. I told her that I'm moving out, and that it's my decision. When I come back from my next assignment, the three of us will figure out what's next. They moved up my assignment so I have to leave a few hours after we get back to New York."

Ever dutiful, Fitz nods his head. He then pretends to be exhausted, so he puts his seat into the sleeping position. He turns towards the window and he feels Phil placing the blanket over him.

"Get some sleep, Leo."

When Jemma asks about his date with Phil, he says nothing. She sounds so sincere, which means she had noticed Phil's increasing unease about their relationship and had hoped that he and Phil would be able to work out Leo's issues with intimacy. Instead he shakes his head, and she consoles him. She takes him to bed and handles him in the time tested proven method of soothing Fitz. She sexes him.

It does not work, because it's his fault that during the time Jemma is seducing him, Phil quickly and expertly moves out of their condo.

However, Phil has left him a note.

Leo –

I hope you can forgive an old, exhausted man for demanding too much from you. I was in a bad place, emotionally, last night and… I needed more than you were comfortable giving me. I deeply regret what I have done to make you fear me. I'm moving out because I want to give you the space from me that you need.

Love,

Phil

And nothing… nothing… will ever convince him that it's not his fault that Phil Coulson is declared missing and presumed dead on his next assignment.

Four Beta

Three weeks after Coulson's death.

Simmons sat next to Fitz. They hold hands, drawing comfort from each other. Skye munches on popcorn, bemoans the fact that they're out of hot sauce.

"You look knackered," Leo advises Jemma. Carefully, as Jem's been even moodier since … what happened… happened. "And something's bothering you."

He's afraid to ask, but he must.

"I'm late," admits Jemma.

He knows what that could mean and more importantly he knows why she hasn't checked. It's better to live in that state of hopefulness, than to be bitterly disappointed.

"You haven't checked yet?" Skye gasps. "You need to check right now."

Four Omega

Ten weeks after Coulson's death.

"Leo?" Jemma asks. "Do you know what today is?"

He stops inhaling his powdered donuts, and recites a date. Simmons shakes her head. "You've skipped your cycle. You're two months late, Leo."

"It's been stressful," Leo offers. "It happens."

"You're eating powdered donuts and dunking them in chocolate milk. You even sprinkled salt n' vinegar crisps on them," a very pregnant Skye announces. "That's a prego meal though I'd recommend adding some Fruit Loops on the doughnuts."

"Taste good," he protests even as his stomach begins to churn.

An up the duff Jemma turns a delicate shade of puce. He predicts that they're both be hurling in a few, and he tries to swallow his righteous indignation.

"Fuck, he didn't," Fitz protests to the uncaring universe. "He fucking didn't."