Fitzsimmons

A Very S.H.I.E.L.D. Thanksgiving

Quick Note: Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all of you!

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"But I don't understand what the point of the holiday is," Simmons argued as she walked into the common area of the Bus, her hand interlocked with Fitz's. "For example, the origin. You said it originated in early America, with the pilgrims from the Mayflower, but what made it so important?"

Skye sighed, then ran her hand along the black marble counter she was using to prepare dinner. The Bus's environment, although happier since the team had taken down Hydra, was lacking in patriotism and family meals.

"Basically," she restarted, not attempting to sugar-coat it this time. "We had dinner with the Native Americans that saved our unsanitary colonizing mission, whom we later would kill and force out of their homes."

Jemma stepped back, eyes wide. "You celebrate the domination of peaceful people?"

Skye gave up at this point. "Yes. With turkey and mashed potatoes."

"That's horrific."

"There's also pie," Skye added with mock excitement. Simmons shrugged, then pulled out a chair for both Fitz and herself at the small table. Fitz hadn't said a word throughout this exchange, so Simmons was about to ask him his opinion when she noticed he was chewing something.

"Fitz?" He hummed in acknowledgement. "What are you eating?"

"Um nah eaten anyfung," he protested through a full mouth, then winced.

"You liar! What's in your mouth?"

"Nothing now," he replied coyly. Skye suppressed a snicker.

"I've read this is the holiday in which Americans ingest the most calories. Do you want to have to be airlifted everywhere?" Jemma said. She wasn't serious, but it sure sounded like she was.

"It was one roll..." Fitz whined.

"That's at least two hundred calories." Fitz pouted at her.

At this point, Skye interjected. "I would like to say that Thanksgiving is probably only around because it's the one day of the year where we can stuff ourselves. No one could care less about the history."

Fitz pointed at her and bounced in his seat, as if he was saying "The American says I'm right!"

"Fine, we'll participate in this annual binge."

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"Now's the part of Thanksgiving where we go around the table and say what we're thankful for," Coulson insisted after a huge meal. Fitz and Jemma looked at each other in fear.

"I didn't know we had to do anything besides eat..." Fitz whispered, alarmed.

"Just make something up," Jemma advised, trying to hide her own panic.

"I am thankful my entire team is here, and happy, and alive," Coulson started, smiling proudly.

May rolled her eyes, then said, "And I'm thankful for my training, which has gotten me through so much."

"I'm thankful for you guys being willing to do this with me," Skye thanked. "And for wi-fi."

"I'm thankful for my job, and for my best friend Turbo being alright," Mack added.

"I'm thankful for the team and my batons," said Morse.

"I'm thankful for Bobbi..." Lance sounded genuinely offended she hadn't been thankful for him. The rest of the team were annoyed with his clingy-ness.

"I'm thankful for your grace and this second chance," Ward chimed in. Skye smiled sadly at this one.

"Um, I'm thankful for Fitz," Simmons sputtered.

"Simmons," Fitz replied, then pointed at his girlfriend. Simmons clasped his hand under the table.

"Okay, that was unbelievably awkward, and let's never do it again," Skye finished. Everyone chattered with agreement, then stood and left the table to go their separate ways. Skye began putting the dishes in the dishwasher, but Fitzsimmons stayed seated in shock.

"Is this how the dinner normally ends?" Jemma asked her.

Skye laughed. "That's how it always worked at the foster homes I stayed at. I'm not sure if functional families did it better."

The next day, Fitzsimmons demanded a Thanksgiving re-do. The team were sluggish and fatigued for a good week or so, but the scientists insisted they experience an accurate first Thanksgiving.