What had originally seemed to be a simple task, kissing each other became the hardest thing for Fitzsimmons to accomplish, and they were starting to get frustrated.

In the lab when they thought no one was around, Leo would purposely set up his supplies right next Jemma, inching closer to her every few minutes. He'd gotten so far as to wrap his arm around her waist, but whenever he thought he could lean in and go for it, someone would walk in.

While in the lounge, Jemma had excused herself to go get another drink from the kitchen. On her way out she brushed her fingers gently against Leo's shoulder, inviting him to follow. He told the group he, too, needed to go to the kitchen to grab a snack. Once there, he didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Jemma, the anticipation unbearable. And just as Jemma closed her eyes, Ward called out, asking Leo to bring him some potato chips. He rolled his eyes, letting go of Jemma and bringing Ward his food.

Jemma was convinced that the universe hated her being with Leo, because all of these interruptions just seemed too coincidental. She found it hard to concentrate on her work. She would absently look through her microscope, not really observing anything, her mind in a far away place.

Their nights would have seemed like the perfect time, being able to sneak into each other's bunks. But lately they've been going to bed at different times. Sometimes, even though Leo knew Jemma was asleep, he would go and sit by her bed, just admiring her. He thought about kissing her like that, a sleeping beauty, just so he could get it over with and be satisfied, but that wouldn't be fair to her.

---

"So, Fitz, you ready for this mission?" Ward asked him one night.

Coulson was taking on a case that required a field team, and even though Leo technically wasn't cleared for field work, he was needed. The facility they were going to was in possession of a generator powered by a suspicious energy source. Leo's job was to take this generator apart and see if the energy source could be removed, and proceed to remove it. Ward, of course, would provide backup and defense.

"I guess. I mean, I'm the only one on this team who is capable of doing this job so, yeah, sure." Leo shrugged. 

"You'll do great, I'm sure of it. Now, let's get some sleep. We'll be up early tomorrow." Ward gave him a firm pat on the back as he headed toward his bunk.

Leo could only think about how he would be leaving Jemma. He'd get up early, he and Ward would be driven hours away to complete the mission, he wouldn't get to say goodbye. 

---

Jemma stirred in her small bed, her eyes barely opening to glance at her clock. 7:00am exactly. She remembered that Leo was leaving today for the mission and wondered if she still had a chance to say goodbye. She flung herself out of her sheets and, not caring how dreadful she looked, ran out of her bunk toward the cargo bay. 

It was obvious that she had arrived just seconds late as she stood there, watching the black SUV drive off into the gloomy, grey horizon. Skye walked over to her, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"I...I wanted to say goodbye." Jemma said solemnly.

"It's okay. They'll be back within another day or so. They know what they're doing. Our boys always come back to us." Skye reassured.

Jemma figured she might as well just go back to bed, she had no reason to be awake now.

---

Approximately 32 hours later, Jemma waited at the same spot as before in the cargo bay. About an hour ago, Coulson reported that the mission was successful and the agents were on their way back. She sat there, gazing at the sky, trying to hold back her excitement.

Jemma practically jumped to her feet when she saw the small black dot in the distance, gradually getting closer and closer. When it got close enough to make out that it was, in fact, the black SUV, Jemma smiled so wide that her cheeks hurt.

"They're almost here!" she shouted behind her, letting her team members know.

Skye, May, and Coulson joined Jemma in the cargo bay, all looking pleased as they saw the car approach them.

As the car came to a stop outside the entrance, Coulson walked over to greet the agents.

Jemma inhaled sharply as one of the car doors opened, a head of curly brown hair peeking out. 

Leo's pulse pounded in his ears as he saw Jemma waiting for him just yards away. Her smiling face beamed at him. He didn't even acknowledge Coulson as he began walking toward her. 

This was it. No more waiting. No more interruptions. He was going to kiss Jemma. She'd never looked more beautiful than she did now. The sun making her skin glow, her eyes filled with pure joy, she was absolutely gorgeous.

Jemma saw Leo practically start running toward her. She opened her arms, waiting to be hugged by him. But what happened next took her completely by surprise.

Leo rushed to her, closing the remaining distance between them. His hands immediately cupped her face, pulling her to him. He smashed their lips together eagerly, causing Jemma to gasp. Her eyes went wide as she tried to process what was happening. 

He was kissing her, and she was kissing him back, and it was real, not just another fantasy.

Jemma's tense muscles now relaxed, letting her arms grab hold of Leo. He continued to kiss her. Their lips parting again and again and again. A kiss for every single time they were interrupted, for every missed opportunity. He kissed her nose, her forehead, her chin. 

Just for a moment they needed this. They didn't care if the whole team was watching them. This was too long overdue, and everyone knew it.

Leo finally broke away to catch his breath. A smile spread across his cheeks, his eyes full of delight. Jemma wearing a matching expression.

"Nicely done, Fitzsimmons." Skye winked at them.

They both blushed, now seeing everyone else looking at them.

Coulson cleared his throat. "Glad to see we're all doing well. Let's head inside and finish this up."

Fitzsimmons lingered as the rest of the group left, their fingers interlocking.

"It's about time, eh?" Leo gave another quick kiss on Jemma's cheek.

In their separate bunks, Fitzsimmons found sleep very difficult. All they could think about was each other, and how close their lips came to touching. 

Leo could remember the scent of Jemma's flowery shampoo, and how soft her hands were. Jemma thought about how warm she felt being right next to Leo. None of her blankets could give her as much comfort as he did.

In the days that followed, it seemed that Fitzsimmons could never have a moment alone. Coulson needed this, Ward needed that. And then of course, the cases they work on. Flying from place to place, having to run tests and do research. They barely had time to make eye contact.

On a quiet afternoon, Skye, Ward, and Fitzsimmons were finishing up a game of cards.

"You totally cheated, Ward. You probably hid cards in your enormous biceps." Skye teased the agent.

"Huh, is that so?" Ward looked at his arms. "I think you're just jealous." he proceeded to flex, causing the group to laugh.

"So, why don't you boys go get us some more drinks hmm? Make yourselves useful." Skye ordered.

Leo scoffed. "Oi, we're not your slaves." 

Skye pressed her eyebrows together and stared at him, convincing him to get up and go to the kitchen with Ward.

After making sure they were both out of earshot, Skye leaned over to talk to Jemma.

"Sooo, have you and Fitz been able to....?" she puckered her lips dramatically.

Jemma giggled, a bit embarrassed. "No, unfortunately. We've been very busy lately. And it is a bit nerve wracking. I want to make sure it's in the right place at the right time. It has to be perfect."

Skye nodded in understanding. She began to grin as an idea popped into her head.

"Maybe I could set something up for you two? I'll make sure no one else knows about it. Not even Fitz. I'll get you guys that perfect moment." she offered excitedly.

"Really? That would be great. Yes, thank you!" Jemma gave her a quick hug.

"What are you guys talking about?" Ward asked as he back in the room with Fitz, cold drinks in their hands.

"Oh, nothing. Just girly stuff." Skye waved them off, then gave a knowing glance at Jemma.

Jemma couldn't help feeling a bit of doubt. She liked Skye, but she could be a bit...wild. She hoped her plan would work.

---

Within the next couple of days, Jemma hadn't heard anything from Skye. Which was probably a good thing. She was keeping it all a secret.

When Skye approached Jemma one evening, she was pleased to see her. 

"Hey, Jemma. Just a question. Where do you keep the extra blankets around here? I'm freezing." She asked.

"Oh, well there's a small supply closet where we keep them." Jemma had expected a different conversation to take place.

"Do you think you could grab one for me? Just leave it in front of my bunk. I just remembered that I have to go talk to Coulson about something." Skye was on her way out before Jemma could argue.

Skye didn't really need to talk to Coulson. She was currently on her way to find Leo. She needed to ask him a question. She wanted know where they keep the blankets, and if he could get one for her.

---

Jemma made her way to the small hallway in which the even smaller supply closet was located.

As she rounded the corner, she noticed the door was already open, and it sounded like someone was in there.

"....Skye....can't even get 'er own bloody blanket." she heard Leo mumbling to himself. 

Realization slowly filled Jemma's mind. But a bit too slowly. She had stepped into the closet to let Leo know that this was Skye's attempt at getting them together, and then the door slammed, locking them both inside. Skye's laughter was heard faintly in the distance as she made her escape, her plan unfolding before her.

"OH WOT THA HAIL IS THIS?" Leo exclaimed in anger, not realizing Jemma was there until he bumped into her in the darkened space.

"Jemma?" he lowered his voice.

"Hi." Jemma squeaked.

"What in the world is goin' on?" Leo continued to sound very confused.

"I think this was Skye's idea of a fun way to get us alone." she laughs nervously, the tight space suddenly feeling very hot.

"Ah. Yep, definitely sounds like her idea of fun." Jemma could almost hear him roll his eyes.

"Well, if I had to be locked in a closet with someone, I'm glad it's you." he chuckled and reached out for her hands, their fingers lacing together.

For a second, Jemma almost wanted to thank Skye. This was a nice bit of time being spent with Leo, where no one else could see them.

She felt him tug against her arms, pulling her closer to him. His body heat radiated closer to her. Although she could really only see his silhouette, she knew his face was now directly in front of hers.

Leo just wanted to kiss Jemma so badly, and he honestly didn't care where they were, he needed her lips against his. But right as he was tilting his head, he felt Jemma's small fingers push against his mouth, stopping him.

"I'm sorry...Leo. This is just...not how I imagined it at all." Jemma lowered her hand and thumped her head onto Leo's chest. "Not like this. Not in some tiny, dark room, where I can't even see your face." 

Leo enveloped her in his arms, inhaling deeply.

"It's fine, Jem, I understand." he said softly.

Jemma let go, now reaching for the door handle. 

"Hmm, it's not locked. I think she just put something in front of it." she thought for a moment, "My dear Fitzy, do you think you could use those big strong arms of yours to push this silly door open?" she asked playfully.

"But of course, m'lady." Leo turned, pressing both arms onto the door. 

Leo, practically tripping over his own feet, stumbled into the lab. His eyes scanned the area, but Jemma was nowhere to be found. He figured the only other place she could be was her bunk. 

His palms became itchy with sweat as he stood in front of her door. How would he go about this? What would he say? Things had already been weird between them recently and he didn't want to make it worse.

Reluctantly, he knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Jemma's voice sang from the other side of the wall.

"It's, uh, it's me. Fitz." he cringed at how nervous he sounded.

"Come in." Jemma's heart began to race as soon as she heard his voice.

She panicked, realizing she didn't look presentable at all. She let her hair out of her ponytail and put on her slouchy pajama bottoms. Her makeup was off too. If Leo did like her, she had a feeling he would regret it as soon as he saw her. 

"Hey, Jem." Leo looked at her for a moment. "You look nice. Did you do something different with your hair?"

Jemma giggled with relief. Of course, Leo would only ever see her as beautiful.

"Hi, Leo." she almost forgot how to talk. "Did you need me for something?"

"No...just wanted to talk." he clenched his fists, keeping his hands from shaking.

"Alright. Well, come on then." she walked the short distance to her bed, sat, and patted the space next to her, inviting Leo to join.

He sat as if he was afraid of breaking the bed, moving slowly and steadily.

"Okay, well. How do I start? Erm...Skye. Skye told me something, today." he held his breath as he waited for Jemma to reply.

"She did? Because she told me something today, too." her eyebrows arching in curiosity at what Skye could have possibly talked to Leo about.

Leo's throat became dry. He didn't know how to form words anymore. And now he was pestered with thoughts about what Skye could have told Jemma. 

"She told me...that you like me. As more than a friend." he confessed, glancing back and forth from Jemma and the floor.

Jemma's face lit up. "She said that you like me!"

Leo smiled in reply, realizing that Skye set this up.

"I think Skye purposely got both of us alone to tell us fake secrets." Leo chuckled.

Fake. The word swirled around Jemma's head and made her heart sink. Her smiled faded. She stared at her lap.

Leo realized how his words sounded to her.

"Oh! Jemma, no! No, I didn't mean for it to come out like that!" he placed a hand on her shoulder. "What I was trying to say is that, Skye knows we like each other. What she said to us was technically fake, yes, but it was to set us up, to get us together. So, that we would finally realize our feelings for each other." he scooted closer to her, tilting his head down so she would look in his eyes.

"So, you really do like me?" she barely managed to speak.

"Of course I like you, Jem!" he intertwined one of his hands with hers.

"Good." was all she could say, her smile sneaking up to her cheekbones.

In the silence that followed, Leo thought about kissing Jemma. They both knew each other long enough to know that neither of them had ever been kissed. If this was going to be their first, now was a great time.

Leo leaned in, their faces inching closer and closer.

A knock on Jemma's door interrupted them.

"Simmons?" it was Coulson's voice.

Fitzsimmons jumped when they heard him, afraid they had done something wrong. Jemma looked at Leo and placed a finger to her lips, he nodded.

"Yes, sir?" Jemma tried to react calmly.

"Just wanted to let everyone know I found some more information on our current case and we're going to have a brief meeting in five minutes." his voice came clearly through the door.

"Alright, I'll be ready." Jemma replied

"Can you let Fitz know? He wasn't in his bunk. I figure you could find him and tell him yourself." he asked.

"Yes, of course. No problem." Jemma said, trying not to laugh as she looked at Leo, who was as stiff as a wood plank.

"Thank you." he said, his footsteps becoming distant.

Leo scratched his head, disappointed that his moment with Jemma had to end right there.

"Well," she said as she got up, "it's off to work we go, I suppose."