Jemma stood from the couch and began to gather the empty containers from their dinner.
Daisy watched her from her spot curled up on the couch. The remote held lazily between her fingers as she absentmindedly flipped through the selections on NETFILX. Jemma turned her head slightly and smiled at her best friend before returning her attention to her task.
Daisy shifted in her seat, folding her legs underneath her. "Hey, Jemma?"
"Hmm." Jemma responded, stacking containers inside themselves.
"Have you ever thought about the possibility of us-you know-" She paused for a brief moment then shrugged. "Making out every once in a while?"
Jemma's hand froze in mid-air. Her attention turned to Daisy. The confusion set in quickly as her brow furrowed. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah." Daisy responded with a small grin. "Why not?"
The stare lasted for what felt like an eternity. Jemma hadn't uttered a word. Her mind was still trying to process what the hell exactly was happening here. "You're serious?"
"Yes." Daisy chuckled, crossing her arms against her chest. "How many times are you going to ask me that?"
"As many times as it takes to understand what the bloody hell is going on in that head of yours." Jemma responded, shaking her head. She straightened up and started toward the kitchen.
Daisy untangled her legs and stood up quickly. She caught up to Jemma and followed her into the kitchen. "Think about it. We're best friends."
"And I'd like to keep it that way." Jemma responded, tossing the containers in the trash.
Jemma and Daisy had met two years' prior at work. Jemma had come over to help Daisy's area for the season. That was one of the benefits of working in a very large, very popular theme park. You met someone new every day. They clicked instantly and had become fast friends. After exchanging numbers and social media information, the two had become inseparable. Daisy was a very important part of Jemma's life and vice versa.
Which is exactly why this suggestion was a horrible idea.
Daisy knitted her brow together. "Nothing will change between us."
Jemma scoffed, rolling her eyes.
Brown eyes narrowed back at her. "You know nothing can break this up." She pointed between herself and Jemma. "Just hear me out." With one swift motion, Daisy was sitting on the counter, staring down at her. "You and I always talk about how we miss physical contact. And how great it would be just to kiss someone again." She placed her hand on her chest. "I could be that someone for you and you can be that someone for me."
Disbelief crossed Jemma's features. Filling her beautiful eyes and adorable smile. Her nose scrunched. "And you don't see anything wrong with it? Anything that may or may not ruin our friendship?"
"No." Daisy stated, firmly. Her eyes locked on Jemma and she gripped the counter. Her eyebrow raised and the smirk spread further on her lips. "Don't tell me you've never thought about it."
Jemma broke eye contact for a moment and looked down at the floor. She could feel her cheeks start to burn pink. She cleared her throat and looked at Daisy again. "Did you find another movie to watch?"
Daisy gaped at her for a moment then shook her head. She chuckled lightly. "You're not going to answer me."
"No, no, I'm not." Jemma confirmed with a smirk of her own. She slapped Daisy's knee and nudged her. "Get off of my counter. You're blocking the bowls."
"Fine." Daisy rolled her eyes and hopped off the counter. "I'll go find another movie." She bumped Jemma with her hip causing the other girl to bump her back. Daisy released a small huff of a chuckle and started walking toward the living room. "What do you want to watch?"
Jemma watched her retreating form. "Something funny." She turned, reaching up to grab a bowl.
Her motions were fluid as she grabbed all the necessary items for their snack. She made sure to grab the chocolate fudge for Daisy because heaven forbid she didn't. It was like she had just hid her favorite toy. A soft smile crossed her lips at the thought. Her mind shifted back to their previous conversation.
She and Daisy. Making out just because.
"Of all the ridiculous ideas." She muttered to no one as she shook her head and continued her task….
The movie was a solid hour in when Jemma found her attention drifting elsewhere. She inspected the discarded bowls and the open bottle of chocolate syrup. Hazel eyes moved away from the mess and over to the person sitting next to her. To Daisy. Who was intently staring at the screen with a smudge of chocolate on her face.
Jemma shook her head and giggled. "Your face." She whispered.
"Huh?" Daisy replied with a quick glance before turning her attention back to the screen.
"You're a mess." Jemma raised her hand and brushed her thumb against Daisy's cheek. Daisy stuck out her tongue and licked her finger. She made a disgusted face followed by a grunt. "And you're incorrigible." She wiped her hand on Daisy's shirt. "Not very attractive qualities, I might add." She teased.
Daisy grinned. "I happen to think those are my most attractive qualities."
Jemma rolled her eyes and returned her attention to the movie. Before long, she found herself staring down at her hands. Watching her fingers wrestle with one another. Her teeth grazed her bottom lip, pressing in lightly as thought after thought ran through her head.
"Okay." She murmured, her eyes still focused solely on her fingers.
"What?" Daisy questioned, turning to look at her.
"Okay." Jemma repeated and she finally raised her eyes to meet Daisy's. She had to admit, the confused look on her face was absolutely adorable. "Let's do it."
There was still a beat of confusion. A minute to let the words wash over her brain and process in the memory of every conversation she and Jemma had that day. Her brown eyes slowly widened and the smile spread across her face.
"Really?"
Jemma nodded, licking her lips. "Yeah. Sure." She shrugged. "I mean, it makes sense."
"Right. Right."
"We both are-you know-comfortable with one another."
"Exactly."
"And, I love you."
"I love you." Daisy smile was wide and bright.
Jemma smiled back, but faltered a bit. Her eyes dropping downward. "I just don't want to ruin our friendship." The concern in her voice was thick and made her accent seem even more beautiful. "You are honestly the best friend I've ever had." She quickly looked up, raising her hand. "Besides Fitz, of course."
Daisy nodded. "Oh, yeah, of course." She shifted in her seat so she was sitting as she was before. Her legs tucked under herself. Her hand rested gently on Jemma's thigh. "I promise. We will be fine."
Jemma thought for a long moment. Her teeth pressing into the corner of her lip. Her hands fidgeted and her legs moved from side to side, bouncing her knees against one another. She breathed out and turned to face Daisy, mimicking the position the other girl was sitting in. Her tongue darted across her lips and she finally raised her eyes to meet Daisy's once again.
"So, we just-kiss whenever we want?" Jemma asked, her eyes narrowed in questioned.
Daisy shrugged. "I mean, yeah." She raised her arm to rest on the back of the couch. "Just-whenever we want, you know? It's not expected or planned. We just kind of-" Her head tilted from side to side. "Do it when the mood strikes."
"Okay-" Jemma said, dragging out the word a bit.
Daisy watched her curiously. She could see the wheels turning inside Jemma's head. Processing every move and going over every possible scenario. She couldn't help smiling. Jemma always made her smile when she got this way. Her brain was a wonder and, even after all these years of friendship, Daisy still couldn't figure it out.
"What are the rules?"
The darker haired girl's brow knitted tightly together. She raised an eyebrow. "Rules?" She smirked. "We need rules?"
"Yes." Jemma stated, frankly. She pointed at Daisy. "More importantly, you need rules."
A mock offended look covered Daisy's face for a brief moment. She then shrugged one shoulder, blew out a breath, and waved her hand.
"So, what guidelines should we establish?"
"You tell me."
"Alright." Jemma swallowed hard and thought even harder. Her eyes scrunched in the corners and her nose wrinkled a bit. "Touching."
"What about it?" Daisy inquired. It almost seemed as if that mischievous smirk was never going to leave her lips.
"I tend to-" Jemma moved her hands in near Daisy. Ghosting around certain areas of her face and neck. Never actually resting her fingers on tanned skin. "Touch a lot when I kiss someone." She furrowed her brow. "Would that be acceptable?"
"Oh hell yeah." Daisy agreed, a little more enthusiastically then she expected. She cleared her throat. "I mean, yeah, that's fine." She shifted in her seat as her drummed against the couch. "I do the same thing. I just like touching."
Jemma nodded. "Same." She worried her lip between her teeth. She seemed to be doing that more than normal. Her eyes scanned the floor for a moment then she returned attention to the woman sitting before her. "Okay, so touching is good, but just not under anything."
That smirk again. "So, no hand contact on skin."
"No."
"That means sex is off the table."
"Daisy!"
Daisy barked a loud laugh and raised her hand in defense. "I'm kidding. I'm kidding." Her eyes widened for a moment. "Not about sex being off the table because it most definitely is. That is not what this is about. Sex is not even an option. We are not going-"
"Daisy, it's fine." Jemma interrupted with a small smirk of her own. She leaned back a bit. "Looks like someone just had a tiny freak out."
Daisy narrowed her eyes, glaring at Jemma. "Whatever. I was just trying to clarify something, that's all."
Jemma seemed to relax a bit. Her features softened and she nodded. "So, basically, just a regular, run of the mill make out session."
"Yes."
Jemma took in a deep breath. She released it and shook her head slowly. "Okay. Okay." Hazel eyes stared deeply into brown and she continued to nod. "When do we start?"
Daisy lifted her hand and waved it at Jemma. "Whenever you want."
"Why do I have to make all the decisions?" Jemma inquired, curiously.
"Because I want you to be comfortable." Daisy shifted, taking Jemma's hands in her own. "I've had a lot more time to process this idea. It was mine, after all." You could almost see the pride shining off of her. "The ball is in your court now. You came up with the rules. You set the terms." She shifted their hands, intertwining their fingers. "Whenever you're ready, I'm ready."
Jemma felt her stomach knot at her best friend's words. She swallowed hard, not realizing how dry her throat had become. She knew she couldn't think about this anymore. If she did, she would change her mind and that would be the last chance. She tugged lightly on Daisy's hands, jerking her forward.
"Kiss me."
Daisy's surprise registered instantly. "Like, right now?"
A quick nod was Jemma's only response. After a beat of silence, she finally spoke. "Now. Before I change my mind."
Daisy scoffed. "Well, you just know how to set the mood, don't you?"
"Daisy." Jemma scolded, a flat stare following shortly after.
She released Jemma's hands. She raised her own, shifting them from side to side as if she was trying to erase her last statement. "Sorry. Sorry. Forget I said anything." Her teeth pressed softly into her bottom look as she released a small breath. "Okay. Well— "
Daisy paused, but only for a second. Her eyes shifted downward to studying Jemma's lips. The perfect shape. The way her lip gloss shined in the dim light coming from the television screen. She shifted from side and leaned in closer. Jemma stiffened. Her nerves vibrating from every inch of her body. She felt Daisy's hand slide across her cheek. Her thumb brushing lightly against her skin.
Jemma swallowed. The dryness had returned. She could feel Daisy's breath against her lips and it was taking everything in her power not to just close the space. To pull Daisy closer and end this gut wrenching wait leading to their first kiss.
Her eyes fluttered closed as soon as Daisy's lips touched her own. It was chaste at first. Something small to familiarize themselves for the new sensation. Daisy's head tilted, her nose bumping slight against Jemma's. Her lips pressed firmly against the other girls, parting slightly to run her tongue against Jemma's bottom lip. Jemma raised her hand, sliding it up Daisy's thigh and resting it on her waist.
It felt right. Like this is something that should have happened a long time ago. Jemma gripped Daisy's side, enjoying the feeling of her tongue against her own. Daisy shifted, biting down gently on her friend's lower lip. Jemma released a small sound. A whimper at most. The sound caused Daisy to slowly pull back.
"I'm sorry." Daisy whispered, her hands still resting on Jemma's cheeks. Her lips hovering close. "Are you sure— "
Jemma closed the small space between them and pressed her lips to Daisy's. Swallowing the other girl's words. Daisy was right. This is what they both needed. Some form of intimacy with someone they both trusted. No strings. No commitment. Just that feeling that comes with kissing someone you care about. The feeling that your body craves. The touch that reminds you that you are still alive.
"Jemma!"
The sound of the door closing and Fitz's voice drifting through the empty room caused them to jump apart. Daisy returned to her original position, eyes focused on the television that was now scrolling the end credits to a movie she never even watched. Jemma was facing forward as well. Her hands running quickly through her hair and down her clothes.
"Hey." Fitz greeted with a smile. His hands were full with grocery bags and other things. "How are you both doing?"
"Fine." They answered in unintentional unison.
Fitz flashed them a strange look. He raised an eyebrow at the odd sense of tension filling the room. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, everything's fine, Fitz."
"Of course. What could be the matter?"
Their tones were clipped and curious. Fitz stared at them for another few seconds before finally shrugging it off. "I bought some stuff for dinner." He started walking toward the kitchen. "But from the looks of things the Chinese restaurant down the street received your paychecks again."
Jemma turned her head slightly, staring at Daisy's profile. Silently willing her to turn and look at her. Within an instance, Daisy turned her head and locked eyes with her friend. The adorable smirk slowly formed on her lips and she winked at Jemma. Jemma's chest fell as she released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"I should go." Daisy noted, pressing her palms into the couch.
Jemma felt a slight panic cross through her. "You don't have to." Her eyes followed Daisy as she stood up and stepped in front of her.
Daisy chuckled, sensing her friend's anxiousness. "Jemma." She leaned down, pressing her hands into the back of the couch. Her arms boxing Jemma in. "That was amazing." She whispered, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. She moved back and straightened, her eyes never leaving Jemma's. "I will snap you as soon as I get in the car."
Jemma returned her smile. "Alright. But don't do it while you're driving. I hate when you snap me when you're driving."
Daisy took her finger and crossed it over her heart. "Stop signs and red lights only." She tossed Jemma another wink and walked toward the door, grabbing her keys from the table as she went. "Fitz, I'll see you tomorrow!"
He rushed to the door of the kitchen. A distinct pout taking over his lips. "You're leaving? So soon?"
"Yeah, I have class in the morning then work." Daisy explained, mimicking his pout.
Fitz pushed his lip out further. "Fine. I'll see you tomorrow."
She and Jemma exchanged one final glance. Daisy made a ridiculous face causing Jemma to shake her head and laugh. "Talk to you in a few."
Jemma raised her hand and waved. "Bye."
With that, Daisy was gone.
Jemma crossed her legs underneath her. Her back pressed firmly into the soft cushions behind her. Fitz stepped passed her and took the seat once occupied by Daisy. Her eyes remained focused on the words scrolling across the screen. When Fitz picked up the remote and went back to the home screen, Jemma's gaze was broken.
He glanced at her, smiling with a mouth full of cookies. "Did you have a good night?" he mumbled, swallowing hard as he flipped through the selection.
Jemma felt the tinge of heat on her cheeks. "Yes." She responded, softly with a short nod.
She turned away from him, raising her hand to her lips. Her fingers brushed gently against them. She could still feel Daisy's presence. Still feel the tingle from the soft pressure of their lips connecting and moving together. It was nice to feel this way again. Nice for it to be with her best friend.
If they never kissed again, Jemma would always remember this moment and never regret a second of it.
She had to admit, she might be a little disappointed if it never happened again.
Jemma processed it all for an instant.
Was this a bad idea?
Probably.
Was it worth the risk?
Only time would tell….