Fitzsimmons

Companions: Part Three

"Where are we?" Fitz asked as he stepped through the front doors of the TARDIS and into a big, dim room illuminated by holographs of futuristic designs. It seemed as though someone had converted an airplane hangar into a workshop; metal projects scattered the room in various states of completion. He held the door open as Jemma gracefully leapt out.

"More like 'When are we?'" the Doctor replied. "And to answer that question, I would like Fitz to please ask aloud what the date is today." He turned to face the scientists. Fitz looked confused, while Jemma looked rather excited.

"Erm, what is the date today?" Fitz said, puzzled.

"Voice recognized," An automated voice suddenly rang through the room. Fitz jumped. "Today's date is June 26th, 2044."

Fitz, internally panicking about messing up time, turned to the Doctor. "Where are we?" he asked once more. The Doctor smiled at Fitz as the automated voice returned.

"Voice recognized. This workshop is property of the technology division of the strategic homeland intervention, enforcement, and logistics division. Location classified."

The Doctor was widely grinning now. "I would say not to ask about yourself, but everyone does eventually. All of my companions knew their future before it happens. Doesn't change much, the future."

"But- Time can be rewritten?" Jemma quoted one of the most memorable lines.

"Not usually." the Doctor replied. He thought of one thing, one time. April 22, 5:02.

"Well, try it." he told Fitz.

"Who am I?" Fitz asked.

"Voice recognized. User is Leopald Fitzsimmons, head of the S.H.I.E.L.D. technology division since 2014."

Fitz awed as the voice continued to describe several projects he had completed. Then the voice went into family.

"Lone son of Mary and David Fitz. Husband to-"

"What's going on in here?" a different yet familiar voice cut off the automated one. The Doctor groaned in frustration and ushered them all behind a taller robot project. The lights high above them flashed on. A man in a dark green sweater and jeans stood in the far doorway, searching for the origin of the noises he had heard. "That better not be you, Grant! I told you to stay out of Daddy's workshop!"

The voice was friendly and Scottish. Hardly recognizable at first, but soon they had guessed who was talking. The man started searching through the projects and holograms.

"Fitz, is that you?" Jemma whispered. Fitz replied with a silent nod. The Doctor shushed them both.

They waited for the footsteps to vanish and the lights to flicker off before daring to move.

"Time to go!" the Doctor said, not letting them ask questions. He practically pushed them both into the TARDIS, where they tumbled awkwardly to the floor. The Doctor swiftly leapt over the scientist pile and started the TARDIS.

"Hey, sorry." Fitz shyly apologized as he leant back from the heap they were in. His head had ended up near hers, and he had felt her breath softly and all too briefly on his cheek. He tried to restrict the blush rushing into his face as he stood up, reaching out his hand for help.

Jemma took it gladly and was pulled gently to her feet. She remained silent, not wanting to think about the pounding of her heart when Fitz's hand had fallen on her bare wrist as they descended. Now she pulled down her sleeve and tried to brush it off, approaching the Doctor as he finished pressing the controls. Fitz remained behind her, staring at where they had fallen.

Just tell her. He thought. But now it was too late. He would have better timing next time.

"I simply cannot believe you two." the Doctor mumbled.