Chapter Text
The problem with working in an office with people was that things tended to get awkward. There were certain situations where it was almost too painfully awkward for Jemma to deal with. In all honesty, there was a 75 percent chance that the awkwardness came from Jemma .
It wasn't her fault to be fair. How else do you combat years of being bullied and isolated for the sheer amount of knowledge that you have? It was fine in the end, Jemma was much better at understanding people through their biology rather than their interactions. Also, who graduated summa cum laude with two PhDs at the age of 17 and now works at one of the most secretive government agency (which was founded by fellow British woman, Peggy Carter)?
Jemma walks into the break room like clockwork for her tea.
The door thumps and Jemma hears a curse from an all too familiar voice.
"Oh my god! Oh my god! I am so sorry, Commander!" Jemma apologizes profusely because the Commander, who is equally as impressive as Jemma is, is currently recovering from having her coffee spill on her well muscled arm.
After realizing that it was Jemma who had bumped her, the Commander lets out a laugh. Jemma has had this happen between them so often, she recognizes that the Commander isn't laughing at her.
"Like clockwork huh?" she jokes to Jemma. "I should have them install a windowed door so this stops happening." She wipes at the coffee along her wrist careful not to let it drip.
"I am sure that there is a certain sense of security with the door being heavy and metal," Jemma responds automatically. She flinches realizing that maybe her idea of practicality isn't the best fuel for conversation.
"It also helps with a little discretion doesn't it?" There's a smirk at her lips and Jemma blanks at her comment.
"Haha...right," Jemma forces herself to say. There is absolutely no certainty behind her fake laugh and they're about a breath away from awkward.
"Commander Johnson, please report to sub level three," goes off on the PA to spare Jemma the agony.
"I will see you later, Agent Simmons," she says with a sweet smile on her face.
Jemma has no clue where in her body she feels a flutter but she weakly regards her with, "Commander Johnson," and a slight head bow.
Just as she opens the door, Agent Triplett is ready to enter and Jemma bites the urge to follow her out quickly.
"Hey Jemma, how you doing?" He greets her as the commander brushes by him so quickly that he doesn't even regard her. Also, his eyes are on Jemma solely and he has a huge smile on his face.
At least with the help of Leo, she understands why things are intensely awkward with Antoine being in the room. He has taken an interest in her for awhile now. For Jemma, it was nice of him to ask how her days were going at first when they had lunch about the same time but soon he would try to make conversation with her at very inopportune times, like when she would be having lunch with Leo, or reading the latest Scientific American, or catching up on lab reports, and now during her tea time.
At some point, he seemed to remember Jemma's schedule, making it hard for them to avoid each other outside of briefings, debriefings, and check ups. In all honesty, it was nice to talk to someone but Antoine didn't exactly fall into a comfort level Jemma had to speak freely. Their conversations were always so choppy and awkward because he had always caught her at a bad time.
They have a quaint conversation as Jemma steeps her tea. She painfully wishes the three minutes would pass sooner as she tries to evade questions about what she's been up to out of work. Eventually it's over but he alludes to going out for drinks later that week and she was already halfway out of the break room.
For some reason, Jemma realized that she was probably the only girl in all of SHIELD that wasn't attracted to him.
The next day, Jemma has a clutter of information on her mind because in a week she and Leo have to prepare a set of gauntlets for the Commander's next mission. They have to take a lot into consideration with the materials that they will need, the tests they have to run, and the amount of time Commander Johnson has to approve their project considering it's her body the gauntlets are basically protecting.
Jemma pushes the door open with a heavy push and suddenly there's a low thump and it stops halfway ajar.
"Oh god! Commander!" Jemma lets out. She is halfway to profusely apologizing.
Commander Johnson smiles kindly at Jemma and laughs again. "Jemma."
The way she says her name is so endearing that it makes Jemma's stomach flutter with a burst of butterflies.
"I am so sorry! Truly, I apologize! I know--"
"Jemma, please stop apologizing," Commander Johnson cuts her off quickly. "I am alright, this time I was just getting a snack from the cabinet and I heard you coming." There's is a lightness in her voice and it makes Jemma feel a modicum better. Then she realizes, the commander did hear her coming because she lets go of the door to let it shut. "We should just rebuild this break room so cabinets aren't placed ridiculously behind the door."
"That wouldn't be such a bad idea," Jemma has to agree as she makes her way to the stove.
Luckily, the commander is also a woman of few words but she smiles at Jemma before sitting down at the small around table to eat her protein bar with her coffee. She doesn't say anything until Jemma settles the kettle on the stove without realizing how much force shes put down and there's a clang of metal meeting metal.
"Are you feeling okay?"
The question bypasses Jemma's train of thought almost completely before the commander adds, "Jemma?"
"Oh! I am sorry, Commander Johnson," Jemma winces, knowing she has apologized profusely enough.
"Jemma," she sounds as if she's repeating herself with a slightly serious voice, "please call me Skye or Daisy. You don't need to keep calling me Commander."
Jemma feels her cheek flare at the casual remark. It feels strange and almost like they've gotten a bit closer just with the commander--Skye..or Daisy--being on a first name basis. "Skye. Daisy." She says it like she's trying out her name for the first time. It's not like she doesn't know Daisy's name, it's just, "Skye?"
She smiles. "I picked it out when I was in the orphanage." She takes a bite out of her protein bar and hides her smile behind her coffee cup as she sips.
Jemma purses her lips, thinking about how Skye rolls off her tongue and just seems to fit the woman before her. "I like it," she unconsciously says.
"You can call me, Skye," she reaffirms and Jemma feels that much more comfortable.
Jemma smiles in return and bites the urge to ask Skye about what she means by orphanage. She's read her file and there is no mention of her history prior to her recruitment when she was 16.
"You haven't answered my question," Skye playfully says.
"Huh?"
"Are you feeling okay?"
Jemma feels her brain short circuit. She's been preoccupied and answers, "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"I mean, ever since the briefing, you've had this look on your face that is a mixture of concern and uncertainty," Skye assesses casually.
It stuns Jemma because she has had concerns about the mission and there were uncertainties about Skye's gauntlets. The commander hits Jemma's emotions on the head. She shrugs with a sound of agreement.
"I--I" Jemma bites the inside of her cheek to think of the words she wants to say, "I would like to have an assessment for you that's all. Just to make sure that the gauntlets we prepare for you properly fit your needs." Truth was that she was also worried about Skye, even if she couldn't rationalize where it was coming from.
Before Skye could say anything, Jemma hears a distinct voice through the door, "Hey Ward, I will see you at the truck in 10 just have to make a quick stop!"
In a panic, Jemma looks around the room. It's Antoine. And her tea isn't close to done. What is she going to do? After talking to Leo, he is sure that Antoine wants to eventually move up to asking her ona date. She paces back and forth wondering where to hide. Her water hasn't boiled yet either.
"Are you okay?" Skye asks with concern as she stares at Jemms trying to think of a place to hide.
Jemma realizes she can hide in the pantry and darts towards it. Just as she hears the big metal door click, Jemma finds sanctuary in the pantry. Then she realizes, she didn't explain to Skye why she was hiding.
"Hey, Commander Johnson," Jemma hears Antoine's voice greet. It was too late, Skye has no idea she has to help Jemma hide from the agent.
"Triplett," Skye regards casually.
"Uh..have you seen Jemma?"
Oh god.
"She stopped in to make tea but she rushed back to the lab. I don't know if she's coming back."
Jemma feels her heart soar because the commander had just lied so smoothly.
"Damn. I was hoping to ask her something. I'll catch her tomorrow I guess. See you tomorrow, Commander Johnson!"
"Good luck on the mission."
Jemma waits a minute after the door closes before she deems it safe to exit. She really hopes, Antoine doesn't return because she really doesn't want to put Skye in an awkward situation nor does she want Skye to witness how awkward she can get.
She lets out a huge sigh of relief as she stands next to the stove. "Thank you so much, I don't know what I would've done, if you told him I was in the pantry."
Skye raises an eyebrow as she sits back in her seat. "Should I be concerned?"
Jemma shakes her head quickly. "I am just unsure of how to take his approach towards me. I am not very forthcoming with my emotions."
"Are you involved?" Skye asks tightly.
"Oh lord, no!" Jemma immediately protests. She doesn't know why but she definitely does not want Skye to think that. "We are absolutely not involved in any capacity. He has just been more flirtatious I suppose was how Leo has pointed out to me and I am not quite sure how to let him down being so awkward and all."
"Are you already involved with Leo?" Skye asks further.
"No!" This time she is vehement and slightly disgusted at the thought. "Leo is my best friend. He is a lot better at interpreting people than I am."
Skye takes a moment to process but she is quite understanding. She nods thoughtfully in her seat as she finishes her protein bar.
"Thank you," Jemma blurts out, feeling as though she needs to. Skye has been helpful, understanding, and in an odd way, her presence is quite comforting.
"For?" She repsonds with an eyebrow raised.
"You helping me with Antoine and being understanding," Jemma lists, "you also asked me how I was feeling." Jemma shrugs, not sure what else to add. "If there is some way to repay you I would be happy to oblige."
The kettle screeches as the water has finally come to a boil. Jemma quickly turns to shut off the stove when Skye answers, "Have your tea with me. I don't think you answered my question about how you're doing properly enough."
Jemma blushes and she's glad her back is to the commander as she steeps her tea. "I wouldn't mind that at all."
She really doesn't mind talk to Skye at all. There's nothing wrong with talking to Skye. There is no apprehension or nervousness. Jemma doesn't dread thinking about what she has to say. Skye makes conversation really easy.
When Jemma sits down and talks to her about her concerns for the mission, Skye sits there with rapt attention. She offers Jemma comforting alternatives, rational explanations for the purpose, and reassurance. It puts Jemma at ease on a whole new level. It's hard to explain because it has to be the best conversation Jemma has ever had with the commander in all of their tenure at SHIELD. She very much looked forward to their next one, maybe involving more of Skye talking about how she was doing.
Of course, her next tea time, Jemma knows its irrational to expect Skye to be in the break room but there’s a sliver of hope that they could have another conversation. There was somethung about the commander that made Jemma want to get to know her more...intimately.
They have had plenty of opportunities to talk ever since Skye was promoted to Commander. She often came to the lab for tests and assessments and inspections. Then they always had breaks around the same time. At first, Jemma stuttered when she spoke to Skye because she honestly didn't have much to contribute to the conversation.
Now, Jemma's curiosity has gotten the best of her. She wants to know more about Skye, wants to ask her a myriad of questions about her history. There is a deep curiosity of who Skye really is.
Jemma slowly pushes the door to the break room in just enough to make sure no one (ie Skye) is coming out or standing behind the door. There is a level of panic when she does see Antoine's strong muscled back as he fixes himself a cup of coffee. She immediately lets the door close and turns around to head straight back to the lab when she bumps into something tough.
"We have to stop meeting like this."
It's Skye and Jemma feels a sense of relief because Skye has her hands on Jemma's upper arms steadying her and they are a few breaths apart. Jemma feels like she could melt at any moment.
Jemma blushes. She honestly feels her cheeks warm so quickly and she stutters, "Uh..m-I-" She glances back at the door.
Skye seems to pick up on what Jemma has reservations about. "Trip is already in there?" Jemma nods. "Alright, just say hello and make your tea."
"But what if he wants to talk to me?"
Skye snorts and opens the door for her. "Follow my lead."
Jemma walks in the break room with Skye following closely against her back. She doesn't freeze but for a second, she feels her heart sputter like a bad engine and almost missteps. Skye’s hand falls onto the small of her back to steady her.
"Thank you," Jemma shyly responds before walking towards the stove.
Antoine turns around at the sound of her voice with a bright smile on his face and he greets both ladies with his amiable smile. Skye merely smiles and regards him as she pours her own cup of coffee.
It feels cramped with the both of them in the break room. Skye is a bit further away from the two and Antoine is creeping into Jemma's personal space.
"How are you doing, Jemma?" He asks as usual.
"Okay?" Jemma tries not to sound unsure as she places the kettle down and turns on the flame. "Long day as all."
"Don't I know it." His attempts were becoming weak at least. "Yesterday, I tried to find you but Commander Johnson told me you rushed back to the lab?"
Jemma glances at Skye who nods as she listens before pouring some sugar into her cup. Fat load of good you are. I thought you were going to help me.
"I had some pressing matters." Jemma hopes her lying skills have improved. Antoine has a look on his face like he doesn't buy it but he does.
"I hope that it turned out okay."
Suddenly, his voiced concern manifests in a way that he bumps his shoulder with Jemma's shoulder and he is too close for Jemma as they stand against the counter.
"Yeah, right as rain," Jemma weakly says, wondering where she should move.
After a beat he says, "I'm glad." His smile is so bright and Jemma is concerned about what that means. Then the shoe drops. "I was hoping to find you and see if you were free tomorrow."
Jemma's eyes widen. She glances at Skye who leans back against the counter coolly and sips her coffee.
"A few of us were going out for drinks tomorrow," Antoine tries to be as cool and suave as all the other girls have said he was, "if you're interested, you should come with me."
Skye still hasn't said anything and Jemma glances at her with pleading eyes. Antoine raises his eyebrows as he waits for her response.
What does she say? "I have other engagements actually," she tries. Skye nods.
"Come on, it'll be fun," Antoine insists. He looks like a puppy as he stares at Jemma.
Jemma makes this unsure sound. "It's just work."
"I am sure you can get that work done easily."
Jemma bites the urge to groan and say she really just doesn't want to but the words are stuck in the back of her throat and she quickly glances at Skye again. This time imploring her to do something.
Her glance is extremely noticeable and Antoine stares at Jemma glancing at Skye.
The air suddenly shifts because Skye places her mug down with a low click and crosses her arms. Her black tee tightens around her biceps slightly and the lines on her forearms are more defined. Jemma looks somewhere that isn't Skye as Antoine shoots his eyes between the two women. Skye cracks a smirk and raises an eyebrow at him.
Jemma wishes Skye would say something but she doesn't and she's worried Antoine is going to keep pressing her about coming out to drinks with him.
"Uh...Commander would you like to join us?" His voice changes and Jemma can hear an awkaard vibration in his throat. He sounds so unsure now.
"I have a prior engagement that night," she responds calmly that it's polite yet curt.
That's not helpful. Jemma grimaces at Skye's response.
There is an awkward pause after Skye's response that makes Jemma cringe.
"I am sure that it would be lovely to have you both join us if that's possible," Antoine suggests. The look on his face seems like he is testing the waters as he looks between the two women.
"I think with how much time I spend preparing for this mission, I am going to need to unwind." Skye retorts in a sultry tone that makes Jemma blush because she just sounds so attractive. Antoine even looks confused at her before Skye adds, " I am afraid that I am not one to share."
She sounds so suggestive that Jemma blushes profusely and can't look at either of them. She turns quickly to the tea kettle pretending to check on the flame.
"Commander..." Antoine isnt sure what he should say but he starts feeling uncomfortable. He shifts between the two women awkwardly. "I wasn't aware--" he is the one sputtering this time and Jemma stares in confusion for a second.
"I prefer discretion," Skye cuts him off with her commanding voice. Their eyes meet and Skye gives a small smile at Jemma.
Jemma isn't sure what is going on but Antoine steps out of her bubble and starts moving towards the door.
"Of course, Commander, I understand," he says apologetically. "I am sorry if I've overstepped any boundaries, I really didn't know."
Jemma doesn't even understand what's going on but he is standing away from her looking extremely scared all of a sudden.
"Sorry Jemma, you could've mentioned it to me," his voice comes out as unsure.
Then Jemma feels Skye pressed against her side, She glances at the commander and blushes even harder because now her heart is beating like its trying to escape her chest. "I’m sorry?" She doesn’t know what to say because the subtext of the conversation has escaped her.
"If you could excuse us," Skye says, her voice drops huskily and her arm slips around Jemma's waist. Jemma finally realizes what is going on and she is surprised she hasn’t fainted from all the blood rushing to her face.
"Skye.." Jemma feels her voice shake because they are significantly closer than they've been all week and her heart is beating in a way she doesn’t understand. Skye just moves her face in close enough that their noses are touching.
The agent's eyes widen so quickly, they are close to bulging out. He salutes quickly. "Commander. Jemma." He is out the door before Jemma can even register what’s going on because she is sure Skye's face is ready to kiss hers.
The door clicks and Skye turns her head to the door and pulls back. She lets go of Jemma and moves towards her mug. Jemma feels like a spinning top and isn't sure what she wants to do until the kettle screeches.
"Antoine won’t be bothering you anymore," Skye declares with a shrug as she sits down with her coffee. "Then again, I should’ve thought that through because I am not sure anyone is going to approach you if they think you're involved with me."
Jemma feels her heart soar and unconsciously says, "I don’t think I mind it at all."
"I don’t either."
Skye sheepishly sips her coffee and Jemma sits down next to her as her tea steeps.