"So do you suppose you two will ever have a date without having me along?" Leo asks, leaning against the doorway.
Jemma sighs, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Presently she has a small suitcase sitting open on her bed and is in the final stages of packing it.
"Very funny," Jemma says. "Well, Jasper's bringing one of his female friends along. Maybe he's setting you up."
She watches Leo's face go a mortified shade of red at the very idea of it. "You don't really think that's what this is, do you?"
"Relax, I've been assured it's just a friendly night out," Jemma assures him. She pauses a beat before innocently adding, "Although you never know, she could be very nice…"
"No, no," Leo says throwing his hands in the air as he turns away. "This is what happens when you've got friends in a relationship. They're always out to set you up with one of their single friends. I won't have it. Not one bit."
He continues his rant as he moves through the apartment and Jemma laughs quietly to herself. Leo has always hated being set up on dates, for as long as she's known him. There were a few attempts made while they were at the Academy, but nothing he ever really saw through more than a handful of dates. She knows it isn't Jasper's intention to turn this into a double date but she and Leo can have their fun teasing each other all the same.
Tonight is simply a night out with friends, but for the next three days she's got Jasper all to herself. Following their little Asgardian adventure, Skye had recovered sufficiently enough that Jemma could afford herself some time off. Jasper had managed to swing four days off—how exactly, she doesn't know, and so long as she has him, she doesn't care—and they'd made plans for her to stay at his apartment for the duration. She's never seen where he lives before, so she's more than a little curious as to what his living space will be like. Is he the tidy sort? Or more of the stereotypical bachelor? Somewhere in-between? Does he have family photos on the walls? On his shelves? Is there a color scheme? Is there no color scheme?
Knowing she'll find out later tonight and that wondering now will only waste time, she finishes her packing and zips up her suitcase. Jasper will be along to pick them up soon and the last thing she wants is to be caught still packing. It's bad enough she's debated this long over what to bring and what to leave behind, she doesn't want him actually knowing any of that. At this stage, she knows she shouldn't have to feel embarrassed over something so trivial, but she finds she just can't help herself. She's spent so much of her life anxious to make a good impression that she can't seem to turn it off.
"Jemma, your beau is at the door!"
Grabbing her bag, she walks out towards the living room, deciding Leo is getting an extra-hard pinch on the arm tonight when he least expects it. She finds Jasper and Leo chatting amiably in the doorway when she emerges and smiles as she approaches them. It's good to see him looking so relaxed, wearing jeans and sneakers, his hands shoved into the pockets of a leather jacket and a flat cap settled on his head.
"Is he trying to ascertain whether or not you're setting him up on a blind date?" Jemma asks as she walks over.
"Come on, I'm mean but I'm not that mean," Jasper snorts. He grins wolfishly at Leo. "Or am I?"
"I despise both of you," Leo declares, opening the door.
"Love you, too," Jasper calls after him as he picks up Jemma's bag. He leans in to peck her on the cheek before saying, "Not as much as you, though."
She smiles and turns to kiss him back, still elated at the few days ahead of them. As they lock the apartment behind them and walk down to where Jasper had parked, she considers herself lucky that he and Leo have been getting on well. It's difficult when your friends don't like your boyfriend, but considering Leo is much more to her than simply a friend, it's an immense relief that he seems to approve of and even likes Jasper. She wouldn't call them friends exactly, but they're certainly moving in that direction. Jemma likes having all her ducks in a row and it feels like they're starting to line themselves up rather nicely.
"So you said you know the owner of this place?" Jemma asks, once they start driving.
"Petr? Yeah, he was a contact for S.H.I.E.L.D. inside Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic after that," Jasper explains. "He retired and came stateside around ten years ago and started up this little place. His obložené chlebíčky are the best you'll ever eat. I mean, there shouldn't be anything special about it, since it's basically just an open-faced sandwich, but that guy will make you the best damn open-faced sandwich ever."
"Popular spot for agents then, is it?" Leo asks from the backseat.
"Well," Jasper answers, "above a certain clearance level, sure."
"Ehm…" Leo mumbles uncertainly.
"Don't worry, that's only for the back room," Jasper assures them. "We're in the main lounge tonight."
"So you're not intending to get us in any trouble?" Jemma asks suspiciously.
"Oh, I fully intend to get you into trouble tonight," Jasper says. "Just not with S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Naughty," Jemma says with a cluck of her tongue.
"You haven't seen anything naughty yet, believe me," Jasper replies smugly.
"Care to demonstrate?" Jemma counters.
"Please don't," Leo begs from the backseat.
They take pity on the poor engineer and dial back the flirting, knowing there will be more time for that later. Instead, Jemma strikes up a conversation about what movies are currently playing or coming soon that look interesting. While the three of them excitedly chatter on about Godzilla, she notices Jasper's right hand leave the steering wheel and reach out across the console. Without a second thought, she places her hand in his and notes that, while his eyes don't leave the road and he doesn't miss a beat as he speaks, she can see the slight smile that comes to his face at the action.
There's something about the simplicity of it all; driving through the busy streets, talking about anything that comes to mind, the feeling of his hand in hers as his thumb brushes gently back and forth across her knuckles. It's something she could get used to. She would never dream of leaving S.H.I.E.L.D., of course, but a few more days like this now and again certainly wouldn't hurt. It's not as though she hadn't been warned that relationships and S.H.I.E.L.D. don't mix, it's just that she never thought it would be quite as bad as they said. After all, there were agents who were married, who had families, right? If it's meant to work out then it will, won't it?
Before long, they reach their destination; a large, old building sporting multiple businesses, shops and various other little hidden gems. Jasper manages to find a parking spot not too far from where they're going, but just far enough for a little walk. To their surprise, Jasper doesn't direct them to a door, but rather, a staircase.
"It's on the lower level," he explains with a grin.
Leo looks to her with a shrug as they follow their fellow agent down a short set of stairs, below street level, where they turn right and find themselves at a plain, wooden door. There is no sign, no identifying marks of any kind, just a door. Jasper knocks and waits.
"Is this is?" Leo asks.
"This is it," Jasper affirms.
"But how does he stay in business?" Jemma wants to know. "I couldn't find anything to say this was even down here."
"You'll find that, in most cases, the places that are truly the best don't feel the need to advertise that fact," Jasper says as the door swings open. "And when you're that good, you don't need to go looking for business: it finds you."
"Much how trouble finds this one."
Attached to the thick, Czech accent is a tall, slim man who lays his hands on Jasper's shoulders. His hair is grey and his features worn, but he still manages to exude a welcoming aura.
"I'm beginning to see that," Jemma says.
"Ah, so this is the girl that puts such stars in your eyes," the man says, humming in recognition.
"Petr, this is Jemma and Leo," Jasper says, with a shake of his head. "Guys, this is Petr."
Introductions are made and they're ushered inside. The interior is dimly lit, but bright enough so as not to be gloomy or dingy. It's a full house as far as Jemma can see, but the noise level is at a comfortable murmur. It's not a formal dining arrangement, either; there are plush sofas and chairs arranged around ornately carved wooden coffee tables, topped with candles. Hanging lanterns light the rest of the way, giving the overall atmosphere a soft, inviting feel. The clientele is about as eclectic as could be, ranging from 9-to-5-ers to college students to little old ladies. It seems everyone is welcome and happy to share the space with each other.
They're lead to the back, where a sofa and two armchairs await them—one of the chairs being presently occupied. As they near, a young woman rises from it to meet them. She seems to be close to Jemma's age, though quite a few inches shorter. Her hair is boyishly short and parted neatly at the side and though the lighting is dim, Jemma can see enough to guess that it's brown.
"So this is the mysterious girlfriend you've been hiding from me," she says.
"It's not my fault Phil's intent on flying her around the world at a moment's notice," Jasper retorts. "Jemma, Leo, this is Andy King. Andy, this is Jemma Simmons and Leo Fitz."
"It's a pleasure," Jemma says, holding her hand out.
"The pleasure's all mine," Andy responds. As they shake hands, Jemma is close enough to see the other woman's pale face is accented by heavy freckling and two blue-grey eyes which crinkle at the corners as she smiles. "It's been a long time coming. Jasper hardly shuts up about you."
"Oh," Jemma says, feeling her cheeks flush.
It's actually nice to hear. Jemma can't say she knows much about who Jasper chooses to spend his time with, but the idea that he enjoys talking about her is gratifying. She'd hate to think she was the only one who spent her time gabbing with Skye about her boyfriend.
"All good things, don't worry," Andy says with a wink. She turns to Leo. "And you have my unending gratitude for saving me from the fate of the third wheel."
"Well at least I know I'm not alone in that," Leo says, shaking her hand. "It's disgusting."
"Aren't friends in relationships the worst?" Andy agrees.
"The worst. All the flirting and the moon eyes," Leo says, shaking his head with a serious air.
"And the texting. All those emoticons!" Andy exclaims.
"I knew bringing you here was a mistake," Jasper says, playfully punching Andy in the arm. "And stop reading my texts."
After their light banter, they begin to take their seats, deciding they should probably stop disturbing the other patrons. Jemma and Jasper take the sofa, leaving Leo and Andy to fill in the armchairs. They're still perusing the menu, chatting idly all the while, when Jasper's arm makes its way around Jemma's shoulders. Without even a second thought, she leans into the touch as they continue to pour over the same menu, quietly discussing what's on tap and what pairs well with it. It's a nice feeling, being able to be out and be with him. For the first time in weeks, a sense of peace settles in her bones which is different than those brief moments she gets on the Bus, the ones that feel like the calm before the storm.
When their selections made and menus gone, they're free to continue their conversation uninterrupted. From the get-go, Jemma can see why Jasper had described Andy to be the Fitz to his Simmons. The woman is charming and engaging, two of the qualities she so enjoys in Jasper. They feed off each other's energy in much the same way that she and Leo do, giving their foursome a pleasant, wholesome quality.
"Jasper mentioned you two are partners?" Jemma says as the waitress arrives with their drinks.
"Mmhmm. He worked with my father before I went to the Academy, so when I was made an agent, he got saddled with being my S.O.," Andy says with a grin. "And I guess I must've done alright because he didn't complain too much when we were assigned as partners a few years later."
"You only managed to get me shot once, which was better than some partners I've had," Jasper says with a shrug of his shoulder.
"And your father works for S.H.I.E.L.D.? Anyone we'd know?" Leo asks.
Jemma knows it's the wrong question to have asked when Jasper and Andy share a look. After a moment, Andy looks away, tracing the rim of her glass absently when she speaks.
"Ah, well, my father was killed during the Battle of New York," she says.
"Oh," Leo says dumbly. "I'm sorry, I didn't think—"
"No, no, you wouldn't have known," Andy says, waving him off with a forgiving smile. "But anyway, I've heard a lot about you two over the years. You're some of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s best up-and-coming talent. Good on Coulson for snagging you when he had the chance."
"So you, ehm, you know then. About Agent Coulson. Being alive," Leo says.
"The perks of Level 8 clearance," Andy says, raising her glass to Jasper.
"Amen to that," Jasper agrees.
"But yes, I know. And like I said, he was smart to call dibs on you two before anyone else," Andy says, leaning back in her seat.
"It's true we've learned a great deal in the time we've spent on the Bus," Jemma says, "but I don't think there are many agents who would trust us in the field besides."
Jasper snorts at that and she throws him a questioning look.
"You're doing that thing again," he points out. "That selling yourself short thing that you're so good at."
"Oh, don't. You know Fitz and I aren't nearly as capable in the field as other Level 5 operatives," Jemma corrects him, sipping on a beer that tastes strongly of grapefruit.
"Most Level 5 operatives I know haven't done half the things you two have," Andy says. She points at Jasper. "And I'm just going off of what he tells me, so I'm sure there's even more that I haven't heard about yet."
"Not every operative is going to be some James Bond cutout," Jasper adds. He grins. "Besides, I always had a real soft spot for Q."
Jemma has to wonder how much of that is true and how much the two of them are saying it out of politeness. Of course, she knows very well how much she and Leo bring to the table in the science department, but outside of that she wishes they could offer a little more. They're learning, it's just happening slowly. Very slowly.
"And anyway, we've got enough Bond-types running around already," Andy proclaims with a wave of her hand. "It's not all it's cracked up to be."
"So don't feel too bad about being inexperienced in the field," Jasper says. "Some people aren't cut out for it and some people just take time. Hell, we didn't even know if Andy would make it as an agent."
"Thank you, Jasper," Andy says dryly.
"I'm guessing you fall into the 'took time' category, then," Jemma says.
"Well, I almost got Jasper killed my first mission out, so I think he'll be the first to say that I took a little more time than some," Andy admits.
"What happened?" Jemma asks.
"I choked," Andy says. "And I'm lucky Jasper was with me, because if he hadn't been, then I wouldn't be here right now."
"Going from training exercises to the real thing can be… jarring the first time," Jasper says, sipping his beer. "Our intel wasn't as good as it should have been and our assignment turned out to be vastly more complicated than we'd planned for. It was the kind of op you send seasoned agents out on, not what you use to get a new agent's feet wet."
"I grew up with S.H.I.E.L.D. so I thought I knew it inside and out. I thought I knew better. It felt like I was being babied because of my dad and then when I was suddenly thrust into the real thing, I wasn't ready for it," Andy explains. "I didn't want to kill anyone. But being in a kill or be killed situation, that wasn't an option. Jasper took a bullet for me when I froze in the thick of it and we only just managed to escape with our lives. I lost all confidence after that. I'd nearly gotten my best friend killed and I started questioning everything I did. For a while, I wasn't sure I'd be able to continue as an agent."
"So what changed your mind?" Leo asks.
"Being an agent was the only thing I ever wanted to do," Andy says. "And Jasper bullied me for weeks."
"Because you were being an ass," Jasper points out.
"The point is," Andy says, smirking at Jasper, "some people are naturals, some people take time and some people aren't made for it. And there's nothing wrong with any of those options."
"But if you're really that interested in improving your efficiency in the field, why not go to Ward for help? Or May?" Jasper asks. "Ward's training Skye, I don't see why he wouldn't do the same for either of you."
"Are there any other, possibly less frightening options?" Leo wants to know as their server puts a large tray of food on the table before them.
"What about Agent Coulson?" Jemma poses.
Jasper laughs so hard, he begins choking on his drink and needs to take several moments to calm himself. "Jemma, if you think Phil's going to go easy on you just because he's a big softy, you've got another thing coming."
"He trained you," Jemma points out.
"Yeah, and I was miserable. He's a hardass," Jasper says with a grin. "I say that in the fondest way possible, but he was a nightmare."
"Well, who trained him?" Leo asks.
"Director Fury," Andy says.
"I suppose that makes sense, then," Jemma admits. "It just gets passed along. Oh, but wait, Jasper you trained…"
"Yeah, and he was a hardass, too," Andy says. "It's the line of succession. Plus, Coulson behaved like a little shit for Fury, Jasper behaved like a little shit for Coulson and I behaved like a little shit for Jasper. Also the line of succession. I can only hope to have some little shit of my own to play hardass to one day."
"It's the circle of life," Jasper hums.
"Did you warn her about the singing?"
"He warned me," Jemma says. "I've come prepared."
"We watched Mulan," Jasper says.
"I feel like there's something here that I'm meant to be getting that I'm not getting," Leo says, casting a wary look at them over his sandwich.
Jemma is surprised by how well the four of them seem to click. From the very start, the conversation is easy and entertaining, so that by the time they've decided to call it a night she finds herself wishing they could all stay just a bit longer. She's glad for the opportunity to have met someone who's a part of Jasper's life—she's glad they they've gotten to that stage where they can share those sorts of things. Still, she's got a full weekend ahead of her and it will hardly be the last time they get together. She decides to use the restroom before they head their separate ways and, not knowing where it's located, allows Andy to direct her. When she exits the stall, she finds the other woman leaning against the sinks, hands shoved deep in the pockets of her letterman jacket.
"I'm glad you're with him," she says as Jemma begins washing her hands. "He's a good guy; he deserves a nice girl like you."
"Maybe it will sound a bit silly to say, but I'm relieved to hear you say that," Jemma answers. "I was nervous about meeting you. You seem very important to him."
"He's family," Andy says, echoing Jasper's statement. She watches Jemma dry her hands. "You've probably already figured this out on your own, but it bears repeating. You don't find many people like him. There has never been a moment when I had to question his loyalty or his friendship or his willingness to put others before himself. He's always been there for me. After my dad died, you know… it was hard. I considered giving it all up, but he wouldn't let me. He was there for me every step of the way. So that's why I feel confident in saying that he will never, ever even consider doing anything less for you. Jemma, I think you're great. I like the way he talks about you and I like the way you make him smile. So I want to thank you for being part of his life."
"Thank you. I'm glad I am," Jemma says warmly, surprised but pleased by the little speech. "And I hope we can get to be friends as well, you and I."
"We'll have a girls' night out sometime," Andy says with a grin, her freckled face pulled into a smile that makes Jemma believe she well and truly means it.
"I'll look forward to it," Jemma says, smiling to match.
As they exit the restroom together, they locate Jasper and Leo chatting with Petr by the door. They're sure to thank Petr for having them and he only asks that they come again soon, waiving their bill for the evening as a gesture of goodwill for their first meeting. Moments later, they emerge into the night air, the street lit up by neon lights. They walk down the sidewalk together, still carrying on their conversation before Leo brings up a decent point.
"I was thinking I could call for a cab," he says. "That way you don't have to drop me off."
"If you want to give the two lovebirds their space, you could always ride with me," Andy supplies.
"It's not a problem for us to drop you off first," Jasper butts in.
"No, no, go have your privacy," Leo says.
"Are you sure, Fitz?" Jemma asks.
"Positive. I think I can survive a car ride with Andy," Leo declares.
"Oh, we're not taking a car," Andy says.
"No? But then…"
"Ever ridden a motorcycle?"
At Leo's blank stare, Jemma offers, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather have us drop you off?"
"I'll be fine," Leo says eventually. "I'm still mostly sure I'll survive."
"That's the spirit," Andy chirps.
They say their goodbyes there and as she watches Leo and Andy walking off into the dark, she wonders if maybe they shouldn't have insisted on driving him home. She's sure he'll be fine, but she knows he'd done it so she and Jasper wouldn't have to go out of their way. Not that she doesn't appreciate that. She really does—she appreciates how Leo has made room for this relationship in his life when it's always just been the two of them. It's a been a big change to their dynamic and she couldn't be more thankful for the fact that she hasn't lost anything she wasn't prepared to lose.
"He'll be fine. Andy always has a spare helmet," Jasper says, pulling her from her thoughts. "And usually drives the speed limit. Close to the speed limit. Well… anyway, he'll be fine."
"I'm sure he will be," she agrees with a soft laugh. She reaches out, linking her hand with his as they walk. "I had fun tonight."
"Yeah?" he says questioningly.
She nods. "Andy is very fond of you. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better."
"I'm glad," Jasper says, giving her hand a squeeze. "I knew she'd love you and I've been dying to introduce you. All the same, you have no idea how much I've been looking forward to this weekend."
"Oh, I think I have an idea," Jemma says.
Jasper's apartment is tidy, but not overly so; there are stacks of magazines and books here and there, the odd DVD or video game or CD among them. There's a sofa in the living room with a throw draped over the back that looks handmade and small, potted plants on the windowsill. There's an impressive spice rack in the pantry and pots and pans hanging over the island countertop. The notes stuck to the refrigerator range from reminders to call people to grocery lists to phone numbers and email addresses.
There are framed pictures on the mantle and Jemma recognizes Phil and Andy in two of them. In another, a much younger Jasper is standing beside a man in a lab coat with dark hair, a square jaw and teeth like a military cemetery. Most noticeable, however, is the furry little surprise that greets her.
"You never told me you had a dog!" Jemma coos as a pudgy English Bulldog makes his way straight towards her.
"I probably should've, huh?" Jasper admits. "You mentioned once that you loved dogs, so I guess I just sort of assumed it would be fine."
"He's adorable," Jemma says. "What's his name?"
"Baxter," Jasper says, kneeling beside her as the dog happily licks her hand. "He's a loveable old grump. Andy dog sits when I'm out of town and I do the same for her when the reverse is true."
"Well, I think he's a sweetheart," Jemma assures him.
"I'm gonna let him out for a minute. I put your bag in my room if you need it, but make yourself at home," Jasper says, rising and pulling a dog leash off the coat rack. "I'll be back in five."
Jemma smothers a laugh as Baxter looks back at her questioningly before obediently waddling after Jasper. She can't help but do a little poking around, finding her way around the apartment to the bathroom, a small guest room and then Jasper's bedroom. Her bag is propped up in the corner, but she's more intent on looking around. However, the sound of the door opening and closing ends that a little prematurely for her. Baxter comes trotting in with a treat in his mouth and plops himself down in the doggy bed by the door before Jasper appears.
"Did you take a look around?" he asks.
"A little bit," Jemma says, sitting on the edge of his bed. "You're much neater than I thought you would be."
"I can't tell if that's a compliment or an insult," Jasper says with a chuckle, sitting beside her. "But to be fair, I cleaned like crazy this morning. And then I put some things back because I thought if it was too clean you might notice."
"Very clever," Jemma says with a smothered laugh. "You didn't have to do anything like that for me, though."
"Of course I did," Jasper says, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "I wanted everything to be just right when you got here."
"Well, it's just right," Jemma says, placing a hand on his knee and leaning towards him.
"Oh yeah?" he prompts, running a hand through her hair.
"You're here, I'm here and there's no chance of interruption," Jemma says, kissing him with a soft smile. "I'd say that's just right."
"Remember when I stayed over your place and we weren't prepared?" Jasper asks, kissing along her jaw line.
"Please tell me that won't be an issue tonight," Jemma says.
"I like to think I learn from my mistakes," Jasper says with a slight smirk.
"Then I think you may want to put Baxter to bed," Jemma says, pulling his glasses off his face and kissing his nose.
Jasper doesn't need to be told twice.