Chapter 1
"Okay, what's wrong?" Fitz asked Skye once they were alone in one of the labs.
Skye looked paranoid, even for a spy, but tried to play it off. Though Fitz has seen her lie her way through many ops with as much ease as the most experienced actor, when it was to the team, she could never really sell the pitch. "What? I don't know what you're talking about, Fitz."
"A common thing bad liars claim when confronted." Fitz pointed out. "Skye...whatever it is you know you can trust us. Trust me. And come on, if I know something is up, then it's only a matter of time before everyone else starts poking their noses in too."
She sighed before making sure no one was coming before she dragged him towards the corner and grabbed a tablet as they passed a table. She typed in a few things before she passed it over to Fitz. The engineer studied the bio before him before looking up at Skye with a questioning look.
"It's Ward's."
"What?"
"Look. Sometimes when I get bored and have some free time I...hack. To not get rusty and also I have this thing where I can't let things go and so I dig. One night I...I somehow came across this. The hospital got attacked when the baby was born. Because the attack consisted of a mist of unknown chemicals, they checked everyone's blood. Which was why it was in the system. We had some of Ward's blood, a.k.a his DNA, with us and that's what I've been using as a comparison." Skye explained.
Fitz kept looking through the file and when he saw what happened to the mother he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. "The mother died in the attack?"
"She was very tired and weak from the birth. The attack just...she didn't make it." Skye said, with the same emotion he felt.
"Who was she?" Fitz asked.
"To be honest, I'm not sure. Doesn't seem to be anyone in the old SHIELD'sdatabasee. But with all that's happened, I can't be 100% sure."
"Best guess?" Fitz asked.
"Someone who Ward managed to woo and use to hide out. Got intimate with and left."
"So he doesn't know?" Fitz asked. "I mean...we all saw how he got when we had his brother. He has real family issues. If he knew he had a son..."
"Yeah, I know. But that's not what I'm worried about." Skye said in a serious tone. So serious, Fitz knew he was about to learn what was her real motivation behind all of this.
"What are you worried about?"
"That fact that we were willing to drag Ward's brother into this mess after he spent so much time and effort to escape his crazy family! And for what? Because it was our best chance to get to Ward? What if we need to do it again? I know we're good, but times are seriously messed up and hard, Fitz. Using a child as leverage isn't something I don't think we'd not do if we were convinced it was necessary. And then what? Either Ward gets his hands on the baby and let's face it, Ward now as a father is asking for trouble. SHIELD keep the baby hostage because of his father's actions? We're the good guys, Fitz! But if anyone finds out about this baby..."
Fitz nodded, understanding the dilemma. "So delete all the files. Don't let there be a paper-trail."
"And let fate take care of things? Fitz, I know the system. It won't be kind." Skye said with shining, emotionally expressing eyes.
"That was because SHIELD kept moving you to keep you safe from your father."
"Which is what we may need to do now...I mean if you want to. I won't force you." Skye added quickly.
Fitz was quiet for a very long moment, thinking things over and analyzing each and every possibility they can think of.
"Okay."
"Okay? You mean...you're in!?" Skye asked, a smile breaking out.
Fitz grinned back but then it fell as he began to admit a few things to her. "I love you all. I've grown a lot. Stronger than I've ever been but...part of me? I just...I can't anymore, Skye. It makes me feel like a coward admitting it. But...ever since the whole HYDRA and getting dropped to the bottom of the ocean thing...I've been meaning to..."
"Go?" Skye finished for him. She looked at him with a sad, but understanding smile. It wasn't the easiest lives they lead.
Fitz nodded. They were quiet for a moment before Fitz cleared his throat. "It's not something I haven't considered you know. It just...never seem possible. Being who I am. Who I like..." He blushed a bit, though he fought it down. "What we do. Children just...don't seem like the right choice."
"Wait, are you saying...?"
"We have a clear weekend. We can sneak out, find the child. We can forge some paper work and ID's. We'll settle somewhere no one can find us. Some place only you'll know. We'll keep him out of the systems. Fostercare, SHIELD, and HYDRA's. He'll be safe. I promise you."
They shared a smile, hugged tightly, and then began to work on their plan.
*TEN YEARS LATER*
"Declan, are you awake yet?" Fitz called out, loud enough to be heard throughout the whole house.
It wasn't that big, though since it was just them, it was big enough. And cozy, it was definitely cozy. The walls were decorated with scientific posters and astronomy charts(Declan loved stars), pictures of them together as Delcan grew up. Memories of holidays, birthdays, and other special events. There was even a rare picture of them with Daisy(formerly called Skye) who kept in contact in form of post cards, letters, and skype mostly.
"Yeah Da! Be down in a minute!" Declan called back.
Fitz smiled as he set the table and prepared their spread. Toast next to the butter and jam, bacon strips on a plate, scrambled eggs for Declan and some sunny side up for himself.
"What do you want to drink?" Fitz asked.
"Whatta my eating?"
"Eggs, bacon, and toast."
"Juice please!"
"Freshly squeezed?" Fitz questioned. Sometimes Declan wanted fresh, sometimes he liked SunnyD.
"With all the love!" Declan called out and it made Fitz smile, happy to know his efforts in squeezing the juice himself was appreciated.
Just as he set down a full glass in front of Declan's usual seat, the raven haired boy ran into Fitz and hugged him good-morning, then leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Mornin' da."
Fitz kissed his forehead and ruffled his hair. "Morning. Sleep well?"
They took their seats and as he spread some butter on his toast, Delcan nodded. "Had a dream bout when we went down to the lake. 'cept there were mermaids who needed help cos the water was evaporating from the lake!"
"Really? What caused it?" Fitz coaxed, loving to interact in all aspects of his son's life. Plus, dreams were ways that our unconscious alerted us of problems.
"Don't know...woke up 'fore could figure out. But! We were buildin' a machine!"
"We?" Fitz asked with an amused smile, then took a bite of his eggs.
"Duh! You're the smartest guy I know. If anyone can fix any problem, it's you!" Declan said proudly.
It made Fitz blush a bit, but he accepted it. He knew that one day he won't be the hero he was in Declan's eyes when he gets older. So he wants to cherish in it now. After they finished eating, they got ready to go do their chores on the farm. Fitz promised that when they got back they would work on a project that involved the water cycle in some way.
As much as Fitz loved technology, he knew that being around it meant being located easier. When he took on the responsibility of being Declan's guardian, he knew he would have to put the child's needs before his own. Daisy looked for other SHIELD agents who retired in different locations. Maybe it wasn't the smartest option, but with his accent, he wouldn't be questioned too much being stationed in Ireland. On a farm no less.
The work kept them busy and fit, and the routine of the farm life actually did wonder's for Fitz's mental health. There were a few...judgmental glances his way when he arrived with a baby, but he stuck with his cover story and eventually they were just part of it all. As Declan grew up, he and Fitz became an overly adorable image of love and devotion.
"What will you be doing today, do you know?" Fitz asked, engaging Declan into a conversation before arriving to their posts. As lively and talkative as Declan was at home, around the others he was rather quiet.
"Learnin' how to ride and cattle the cows." Declan replied, and then asked, "You?"
"Working the tractors probably. We'll see."
"Well if it ain't the Foley boys. How are you this fine morn?" Jack, the retired agent Daisy reached out to, greeted them. He was one of the senior farm hands and one of the few people other than Fitz that Declan actually talks to.
"Hey, Jack. We're good. Yourself?" Fitz asked.
"Oh, I'm great. The Mrs. is thinking of planning a bonfire soon. Something special to entice the younger lads and lass. Hell, might be fun for us old geezers too." Jack grinned then ruffled Declan's hair, "What do you think, Deck?"
"Can we roast marshmallows?" Declan asked excitedly.
"Course!" Jack agreed and then looked over and waved at someone.
Declan and Fitz turned and saw another man coming up to him. The man smiled charmingly at Fitz, Fitz smiled back, darting his eyes to his feet a bit. Declan? He outright glared.
"Mornin' Leo." Then noticing the others, the farm hand nodded in greeting and smiled a bit sheepishly. "Mornin' boss. Lil man."
"Hmph!" Declan rolled his eyes as he scoffed, crossing his arms and turning away.
"Hey, Andrew. You ready for a long day ahead?" Jack asked.
"With you all as company, it'll go by in a blink." He replied easily and charm returning to his face.
"Right well, the tractor was acting funny yesterday. I want Leo here to look at it before everyone else arrives. You two okay to wait here for the rest?" Jack asked Andrew and Declan.
Andrew nodded, Declan smiled at him.
Once they were left alone, Andrew was quiet for a moment before he felt the need to speak. "How are your studies going?"
"Da's a genius. I'll learn all I need to and then some." Declan replied coldly.
"Right..."
It wasn't new that Declan had this over protective nature when it came to Fitz. The boy worshiped his father as much as he loved him and it was a lot. For a very long time, it had just been the two of them. For a scary moment that only Fitz, Declan, and Jack knew, someone had found them and threatened to take Declan. Fitz did everything to stop it, even ending someone's life. The details of that were kept to the bare minimum from Declan, but Fitz explained that though they may not be related by blood, they are by bond. Fitz worried Declan would hate him for 'lying' and not being his 'real' father, but the opposite. Delcan loved Fitz more because he chose to be Declan's father.
So he didn't take it kindly when people got overly interested in his dad.
For most of the farm, though he was quiet and not very sociable, he was lovable and cute. A curious little duckling who always wanted to impress and show Fitz when he learned something new.
But to those that wanted to make themselves Fitz's suitors, be they male or female, he was the devil incarnated.
"How's your horse riding-"
"Let me stop you. You don't really care. I don't care to tell you. Whatever fling, you're having with my da isn't going to last. It never does. Have your fun, make him happy, and just leave us alone after." Delcan said far too seriously for a ten year old.
Andrew frowned. "I care about your father. And you. It's not a fling."
"If it's not then why haven't you ever been invited for breakfast?" Declan asked with a wicked smirk.
"I-"
"You're a passing fancy that'll pass. Don't forget it. And if you do, then remember this. I'm the most important thing in his life. And. I. Hate. You."
"Declan! The other kids are arriving!" Fitz called out from where the tractors were.
"Coming!" Declan yelled out, like a very happy child, before turning to glare at Andrew and stick his tongue out to him. Then he ran to Fitz and hugged and kissed him before following the instructor who showed the kids how to do the basic chores around the farms.
"Did you have a good day today?" Fitz asked Declan as they made their way home.
"It was tiring, but good. What about you?"
Fitz smiled at Declan as he wrapped his arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. "Same. Any thoughts on dinner?"
"No, but I was thinking sundaes for dessert?" Declan asked hopefully.
"I don't see why not...unless someone doesn't finish their veggies." Fitz said teasingly.
"Daaaaaaad~" Delcan whined, but was smiling as he nuzzled into Fitz. His little confrontation with Andrew left him feeling...needy of his dad's attention.
"Need I remind you of the Brussels sprouts of three weeks ago?"
"They were yucky!" Declan argued.
"They're good for you." Fitz stated.
"Yucky." Declan made a face of dislike before looking up at his dad with a pout. "You're not gonna force me to eat em again, are you daddy?"
Fitz rolled his eyes a bit. "No. But there are veggies involved in dinner and you will eat them."
"And then we have sundaes?"
"And then. But not before!"
"Strict, but fair."
Grant lowered the device he was using to listen in on 'father and son'. As much as he wanted to hate Fitz to stealing the position that was rightfully his, he couldn't deny that it was probably the best outcome.
It's taken him all this time to basically fall off of everyone's radar. The only reason he even knew about his child was because he had thought of going back to the girl he hooked up with for a few months, only to find out what happened. When he learned of a child, it scared him. He was frightened of what may happen if people found out he had a child, and what would become of it. Apparently, Fitz had the same thoughts.
Fitz vanished.
Whenever he's faced his old team in the past, he wondered what happened to the engineer. Part of him thought he'd died on some op. He wouldn't lie...it made him feel sad to think that's what happened.
But to learn that Fitz turned his back on everyone, his friends, his family, his career and every bit of recognition that came with it, just to make sure Grant's child grew up in a safe environment...it left Grant speechless.
He's asked around, done recon himself, dove into the life of Leo Foley and his son Declan.
They seemed...happy.
Grant had no idea how to proceed, but for now, he'd stay in the shadows and just observe.