when life gives you lemons

The surprise caught him entirely off guard, perhaps paired with the news he was still trying to process, he wasn’t expecting such a welcomed return home. “Jemma?” He questioned, as he made his way to the table, unsure of anything anymore. “Any particular reason why you’ve prepared dinner for us?”

She smiled as he came into view, looking over the table. “It’s an apology. I know I’ve been awful lately, and you’ve done nothing but give me a place to live and a family for our daughter.” Only one thing was missing, hoping to change that tonight when she slipped the potion into his drink. “I’m sorry for making your life more stressful than I needed to be. We lived in peace before, there shouldn’t be any reason we can’t do that now.”

@emersonwheaton

“You just keep yourself stocked up on it, you should be fine. It doesn’t take a whole bottle to get anybody to fall in love with you, and it’s not something that has a time limit. It’ll depend on the person in how long it affects them.” He stopped dancing as he stepped back with a slight grin. “I wouldn’t know, I’ve never had to use it on anybody. Like I said, I’m happily committed. But there’s no harm in trying it once.”

“You make it sound like a simple task.” Though nothing about it was simple, yet it gave her exactly what she wanted. If Emerson were to take, they could be a family. A real family, with a mother and father who didn’t only love Paisley, but loved each other. She let go as he stopped dancing, giving him a smile. “Thank you for all the help. Maybe the next time we see each other, we’ll both be committed.”

“Oh god, that did sound really old, didn’t it?” Lottie said, only partially kidding. “I have not gotten a drink yet, and that sounds like something that needs to be remedied right away.” She gestured to the bar, smiling at Jemma. “After you,” she said with a laugh, already trying to figure out what drink she’d want to start off with.

“Not old so much as the need to get out and have some fun. Let’s get that drink then to get the party started.” She went in the direction of the bar, needing a drink for herself if she wanted to get through the night. “I hope you’re up for dancing too because that’s probably going to happen later.”

“Like I said, money speaks volumes if you have it. If not, then you’ll have to bribe someone in a different way.” He eyed her up and down, before giving a slight shrug. “I wouldn’t tell anybody you’ve had a baby because your body can go a long ways too.” He offered his advice. “There’s moral ambiguity among the magical community. A love potion is no different.”

Her eyes rolled, not wanting to fully admit she’d go to those lengths if she decided to go this route. “But it’s not permanent, right? I’d have to repeatedly have it made to keep him around?” If it needed to be made more than once, she’d have to repeatedly come up with the money, or put herself out there to have someone make it for her. “Do you think it’s worth using?”

“I’m just being real with you. That sounds like a shit situation, and if I were you, I’d invest in a love potion immediately if you ever want to have any chance with this guy.” Andrew uttered, easily grinning at what seemed to be a rather convincing conversation. “Well, you’d have to find a potion maker, and then you’ll have to get the ingredients. But, it’s not easy, like I said. And it takes time, though, there are plenty of people around here willing to make a quick buck to brew a potion for you, no questions asked.” 

A love potion? It sounded like some hocus pocus nonsense, except living in this town meant it was probably true. “How am I supposed to find all that? I know there are probably plenty of people around here could whip it up for me, but don’t they know what it is? Why would anyone be okay with just handing those out for people they don’t know.”

“This old thing, please, been sitting in my closet for years just waiting to see the light of day again.” She laughed, covering her mouth as she did so. She smiled fondly at Jemma then, crossing her arms over her chest. “Adults can be so boring though, can’t they? Especially at formal events like this, everyone is always so stuffy, you know what I mean?”

Jemma raised an eyebrow, “You sound like someone who needs a bit of non-stuffy fun. You may be in luck because I am in need of a good night out without my daughter. Have you had anything to drink yet?”

“You have this guy’s kid, and you live together? You must be doing something wrong.” Andrew teased back, slim grin ever growing before finding that she was interested in his way. “Oh, it’s not just advice, and it’s a rather….cruel pathway, but it works.” He paused as he came closer to her, whispering into her ear as they swayed softly. “Have you ever considered a love potion?”

“Thanks for that vote of confidence,” she laughed dryly, not wanting to admit that she hadn’t exactly been the best housemate to begin with. Jemma waited to hear what he had to say, the word cruel sticking out like a sore thumb as she debated whether or not this was the path she wanted to take. “A love potion? I’m new to the whole magic thing, how exactly would that even work?”

“Oh, I agree immensely.” Andrew stated for the record, having his moment to let his waltz begin on the dance floor. “What, you want someone that…you can’t have?” He questioned, a more wicked grin appearing across his face. “There are….ways around that you know. Could have any person in the world want you back.”

Jemma sighed, “Sadly. I thought having a kid and living together would be a one way ticket to getting back together.” Her eyebrow raised as she looked at him, intrigued. “What do you mean? My usual tactics aren’t going to work at this point, and I could use the advice.”

“Yeah, I should tell her that one day. And I’m lucky to have her.” In his dreams at least. But, he also knew the girl was at home, alone of all things, and while creating a very specific alibi with this young woman would be enough, Andrew was having far too much fun teasing Gabi in front of this other woman. “Well, you’re looking lovely as ever, I’m sure it’s not hard to find somebody suitable for you.”

“It’s nice to be reminded from time to time.’ She mused, wondering how she could have all those things and not have the guy she wanted. Jemma had been trying to avoid any glances in his direction, albeit hard with the color of dress his date was wearing. “Sadly, it wouldn’t be the one I wanted. He’s here with someone else, ready to flaunt it if I had to guess.”

“I’m still sorry, miss.” He offered her before his brow furrowed with concern.He knew better than to be nosy, but if she needed help he wasn’t one to say no. “It’s not any of my business, but is everything alright? If someone’s bothering you or something I can give you a cover story.”

Jemma realized how much she’d said a little to late, cursing herself for dumping her problems out in practically the first sentence. “Oh, no. I’m sorry, that was much more than I needed to say. Everyone’s kind of pairing up, and I feel a little left out is all. My own ego is getting the best of me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve gotten plenty of practice. I may have two left feet, but it just means they’re much more coordinated.” He offered her a hand as they reached the dance floor, before he began with a slight waltz. “She is. Very sweet, so beautiful, great in bed.” Andrew snickered only slightly. “Beyond trustworthy, but I’ll return to her tonight with fantastic stories to liven up her evening.”

“That’s good, then.” And less for her to worry about as one of her hands rested on his shoulders, following his lead. She chuckled lightly, “All great characteristics of a good girlfriend. She’s lucky to have you.” Though that meant this dance was purely for fun and nothing else. “Guess this means I’m still on the hunt for someone to take me home.”

“Oh shit–” He hadn’t meant to talk into them nor did he see the drink in their hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.I wasn’t playing attention. Are you alright?”

Luckily, her glass was nearly empty as the other one hit her. Somehow managing to miss spilling any on her dress. “It’s fine. Couldn’t make this night any worse, and it’d give me a reason to slip out of here without getting in trouble for coming home early.”

“Jemma!” Lottie called out, having spotted her newest friend. “You look– I don’t think I even have words to describe it.” She walked up and looked Jemma over. “Gorgeous doesn’t seem like a strong enough word. That color on you is to die for!” Lottie wanted to touch the fabric of it, but held back as that would have been rude. “How have you been?”

@jemmaxdams

The call of her name made her turn around, a smile growing as she noticed Lottie. She’d only met her recently, but Jemma was delighted to have a friend in town. “Thank you! You look stunning yourself.” She set her drink down on the table, “I’ve been okay. Excited to have this night off and enjoy hanging out with other adults.”

“Funny you say that. My girlfriend thinks I have two left feet. But, she doesn’t mind.” Andrew started off, a short grin pulling at his lips as he pulled her towards the area of the hall closer to the music. “Don’t worry though, she’s at home enjoying some time off and wanted me to come and have fun for the both of us.”

“I may need to rethink my answer then,” she teased, following him towards the dance floor. “She must be a great girlfriend then. Especially to allow you to come to a party with a bunch of drunk people and practically no holds bar.”

“Care to dance with me?” Andrew needed at least one person to vouch for him being there, and his eyes landed on the woman who was all alone in the moment. It was his opportunity and he could let it waste by as he had approached her with a simple charm and an outreach of his hand.

@jemmaxdams

The night off was much needed, yet even being in a room full of people she felt alone. She sat by herself, slowing sipping on a drink as she built up some nerve to at least mingle with a few people. A voice caught her by surprise, breaking out of her thoughts to look at the outstretched hand. Jemma smiled warmly, her hand going to his without hesitation as she took the opportunity to not be by herself. “I’d love that. As long as if you aren’t one of those who steps on others’ feet.”