Fitzsimmons + Take A Chance On Me

 Jemmacouldn’t take this awkwardness anymore. She and Fitz had been made partners forthis project and he was going to have to accept that. He had hardly talked toher about it since they began two days ago. So it was time for that to change.

Shemarched up to Fitz in the cafeteria. Thankfully, he was sitting alone so shewouldn’t be as nervous talking with him.

Shesat down so hastily that it caused Fitz to jump. “Oh, hey Jemma,” he saidsetting down the book he had been reading.

“Fitzwe need to talk.”

“Aboutthe project?”

“Well,in a way. I feel like you’ve been avoiding me. And listen I know we’re rivalsmost of the time in class and I’m not your favorite person. However, we havebeen assigned to do this project together and I imagine you want a great gradejust like I do.” Jemma stopped to breathe and give Fitz time to reply.

Slowly,Fitz nodded in agreement.

“Fitztake a chance on me. If we can communicate better then we can do better thananyone in the class on this project. All you need to do is put some trust inme. If you really want to do this I’ll be around. I’m free for the rest of theday.”

“Ido,” Fitz replied. His voice cracked slightly. “I want to work together more.”

Jemmasmiled more to herself than to him. His voice might still be changing. Afterall they were the youngest in their class. “Good. So meet in the library in anhour?”

Fitznodded eagerly and smiled at her for the first time. Now that Jemma saw himsmile she realize that he actually looked pretty cute.

As Fitzlay awake in his bed he couldn’t help but think of Jemma struggling through thePTSD of having been on another planet for so long. No matter what she said, heknew she was having nightmares. Sure enough a moment later began to hear hercries.

Heimmediately jumped to his feet and began to run down the hallway. He flung openher door and charged in to find Jemma thrashing under her covers.

“No,no, no!” she screamed throwing her arms around violently.

“Jemma!”He slipped onto the bed taking hold of her arms trying his best to keep herfrom hurting herself.

Finally,she woke up and her dark eyes met his bright ones. “Fitz,” whispered Jemma.“I’m-I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Heshook his head vigorously. “No, I’m glad I can help. That’s all I want to do.”

“It’salright. I’m fine.”

“Noyou’re not! This is the third night in a row you’ve woken up screaming. PleaseJemma let me help you.”

For amoment the two stared at each other intently, one wanting to begin and theother wanting to give up. Finally, Fitz broke the silence.

“Jemmado you remember when we had to work on that project at the Academy. I was sonervous to talk with you. But then you asked me to do something. You asked meto take a chance on you. Now I’m going to ask you to do the same. Let me helpyou Jemma.”

Shesmiled softly up at him. “I had forgotten about that…” She chuckled slightly. “OkayFitz I will.”

“Good,”he grinned. “Now that we’re both up how about we do something to clear outminds? We could go walking, or maybe just talk.”

Jemmashook her head. “Just hold me please Fitz. Just stay here.”