Falling like the Stars

11

Skye’s Point of View

It’s Friday. Four days since I expressed my true feelings for Jemma in the play. Three days since I reconfirmed those feelings to her. And two days since I was kicked out of the group and asked Jemma on a date. Now I am officially one day away from seeing her in a different place other than school. I will see her on a date with…me. I have never been more excited for anything in my life. I can even say that this surpasses the feeling I got when the Bennet’s adopted me. Jemma Simmons with her ties, cardigans, brains, and attractive face. Unf. Yeah, definitely better.

“Skye! Let’s go.” Ward screamed from outside. He began honking the horn which brought me out of my thoughts.

I walked to the window and looked to see Ward staring back at me. “Alright. I am coming! I was just thinking is all.”

He rolled his eyes before giving a smirk. “Well can you stop thinking about Simmons long enough to get in the car!”

I rushed down the stairs and yelled my goodbyes before closing the door behind me and entering Ward’s car. I turned and socked him in the shoulder. “I was not thinking about Jemma! Okay?”

He laughed and rubbed his now sensitive shoulder. “Oh really? Then what were you thinking about?”

“I was thinking about—you know…Jemma.” I said hesitantly.

He laughed once more. “You see? I told you. Now…” he turned to grab something from the backseat. “…Open it.” He handed over a box that was wrapped in plain paper.

I raised my eyebrows in confusion. “What is this for?”

“Skye. Really? It’s your birthday tomorrow and you know that we are not going to have a chance to celebrate it when I am picking you up early in the morning to take you to the DMV to get your license. Oh and then there’s the fact that I am letting you borrow my car to take her on this amazing date you have planned.” He scoffed.

I had honestly forgot it was my birthday. When my parents had adopted me, I made it very clear to not go out of their way to make a party or anything. This was because after many years of being in the foster system, it became just another day. However, my parents and Ward always got me presents and had dinner with a birthday cake ready to go. Luckily I told my parents right when I got home after asking Jemma on a date that this year I wanted to spend my night hanging with a couple of friends. They reluctantly agreed.

I ripped open the box and opened it to find a picture of Ward and me when we were kids and another one with us from not too long ago. The frame had the words best friend in all different fonts and sizes carved around it. There was a card at the bottom that had a cheesy saying that was already printed on it with Happy Birthday Kid written in his handwriting. I smiled wide and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks Grant.”

He smiled back and started to drive off. “No problem…Bennet.”

We got to school with time to spare, walking past the group who was glaring at the two of us. Miles had a nice little shiner on one eye. We sat at a bench that was close to Agent May’s class. “You know, I realize I hit him with everything I am, but I didn’t think it was going to bruise or anything.”

Ward squinted his eyes to look at his brother from afar. “Oh yeah. That’s because you didn’t. I convinced him yesterday to spare with me and I made sure to sock him a good one in the face. If he thinks that he is going to mess with you and Simmons…well…he has another thing coming.”

I smiled and nudge him in the arm. “You’re the best, you know that?”

“Yes I do.” He smiled proudly, straightening his position.

“Shut up.” I responded playfully.

He laughed and cleared his throat. “Hey do you want to know what I was thinking? You are turning sixteen tomorrow. Which means you are going to be taking a girl that is technical two years younger on a date. What a pervert.”

I hung my mouth open in shock. “Shut up! Her birthday is June 6th. Mine is tomorrow, May 24th. Which means I am only one year and thirteen days older. Not much of a pervert if you ask me.”

“Whatever you say…” he stopped and made a dumbfounded look, “…how do you know that June 6th is her birthday?”

“Future Hacker here. Remember that? I can know everything all the way down to her weight.” I scoffed.

Ward rolled his eyes and then motioned his eyes in front of him. “Well are you going to tell her that it is your birthday tomorrow or what?”

I turned to see Jemma and Fitz walking toward us. I couldn’t help but feel butterflies forming in my stomach. “Probably not. I don’t want my stupid birthday to be the topic of discussion when we are on our date.”

Ward stood up getting ready to greet the two of them. “Whatever you say Skye.”

Jemma’s Point of View

“Hello Ward. Hello, Skye.” I greeted rather shyly.

Ward gave me a hug. “Sup Simmons.” He turned to grab Fitz by the arm, which was returned with Fitz turning red. “Come on Fitz, you know the drill.”

When Fitz face cleared of his redness he said, “I do. We need to give the girl’s their time to give a proper how do you do.”

Skye’s face seemed to mirror mine. Red just like a tomato. The boys went inside of Agent May’s classroom, leaving the two of us alone. After a couple of seconds of the two of us bouncing on our heels, we embraced fully in a hug. Her hugs will never get old. She feels just like safety and home.

“Tell me, are you still resisting the urge?” I could feel the hot breath tingle on my neck as she asked.

I pushed her abdomen forward, signaling that our hug was getting a little bit too long; while we are still in the friend zone at least. “Yes. But it is rather difficult. I am a future scientist you know. Every time I look at the lily I just want to know everything about it.”

She laughed. Ah her laugh. “I’m sorry Jems. One more day and I promise you will know what the meaning is.”

I pursed my lips and let out a sigh. “I guess I can survive until then. What time should I be ready by?”

She turned her head to the right like she was thinking hard. “Normally I would say around seven-ish, but this is going to be the date of a lifetime. So be ready at five. Is that okay?”

I walked forward and placed a kiss on her cheek which was returned with a glowing smile. “Sounds perfect.” To be honest I would be ready at seven in the morning if she asked. I cannot wait to see what this girl has in store for our date.

Skye’s Point of View

Ward picked me up early in the morning just like I asked. The DMV was packed just as I thought it would be, but luckily we made it out by one o’clock with my license in hand. We went back to my house so he could help pick out my outfit. The two of us decided on one of my many flannel button ups with jeans and sneakers. After many thank you’s, I dropped him off at his place and drove to Jemma’s. Well here goes nothing. 

I pulled up to the house and got out of the car. But not before checking the mirror two or seven times to make sure my small amount of make-up I had on was good to go. I didn’t even get to the front steps before Jemma stepped out and closed the door behind her. She as well was wearing a flannel and jeans topped with one of the cardigans I bought her. Double Unf.

Jemma ran to embrace me in a hug and took a step back to face me. “I’m ready! Are you ready? Good, let’s go.”

I grabbed her arm before she could walk all the way past me. “Whoa, Whoa. I thought that I was going to be like the gentleman and say hello to your parents. And maybe even get the, if you hurt my daughter I’ll kill you speech.”

Jemma rolled her eyes and took a step forward. She grabbed my arm and began caressing it with her hand. “I already said good bye to them. I figured we could…,” she walked closer and put her face centimeters away from mine, “…get a head start on our date.”

My eyes went wide and I could feel the blush creeping up on my cheeks. “I-I um. I’ll open the car door for you.”

She smiled, walked toward the car and stopped abruptly. “Where is Ward? I thought he would be like our chauffeur since neither of us have our license.”

I let out a sigh. There is no way to get around this now. I’m going to have to tell her I got my license, which is going to lead to the fact that I’m sixteen, which will lead to the fact that it’s my birthday today. Great. I motioned my eyes for her to get into the car. I closed the door behind her and walked around to also get in the car. “Yeah, about that. I kind of… sort of…have my license.”

She looked at me with confusion. “How is that possible unless you are sixteen?”

I squinted my eyes and turned to face the front so I am not looking at her when I say, “I am sixteen.”

“Since when? I mean last I knew you are fifteen.”

I turned back to face her. Her eyes were full of wonder and I just couldn’t lie. “As of… today.”

She leaned forward and hit me on the shoulder. “Skye! Why didn’t you tell me that today is your birthday?”

“Because I didn’t want anything to ruin today. Even my dumb birthday.”

She pouted her lips and leaned forward to give me a hug. “Skye your birthday is not dumb. This is the day that a special person was born. You. Now we can reschedule for another—“

I stopped and grabbed her hand. “No. Why would we reschedule?”

“Well I am sure that you would like to spend today with your family. I mean why would you waste it with me?” she scoffed.

I grabbed her other hand and entwined our fingers. “Jemma, I have been waiting for this moment since I first walked into Agent Mays class. I wouldn’t have asked you to come out with me tonight if I didn’t want to spend time with you. This. This right here. Me and You. This is how I want to spend my birthday.”

She smiled and proceeded to kiss me on the cheek. Then she went to open the car door. “I’ll be right back.”

I grabbed her hand to stop her. “Where are you going?”

“To go get more money inside.” She pointed to the front door and began to get out of the car.

I pulled her hand so she could land right back in the seat. I leaned over her and closed the door. “No. No Jemma. This is all me tonight.”

“Skye. Do you honestly think I’m going to let you pay for anything at all on your birthday?” she asked.

I turned on the car and drove off. “Well now you really do not have a choice. Besides I am the older one, so I am paying for everything. Deal?”

Jemma smiled and nodded. She put her hand on my thigh and left it there for the rest of the ride. “Deal.”

We pulled up to a fancy restaurant that Ward told me about. He said that this place has the best steaks which he knows that I love with a passion.

Jemma looked out the window and saw the restaurant in full view. We got out of the car and walked toward the door. She grabbed my hand and said, “Skye I don’t know about this. This place seems really expensive. Are you sure?”

I rolled my eyes and intertwined our fingers. “I’m positive. Don’t worry about it. I got it.”

We got a table outside and even though it was only six o’clock by the time we got our food, it was already dark. Jemma ordered a plate similar to mine. Which was rather hard for her to order anything when she kept comparing prices. I finally had to be stern and tell her to order whatever the hell she wants.

“Are the two of you finished with your plates?” the waiter asked.

“Yes. Thank you.” Jemma said handing over her plate.

He looked at me expectantly. “Oh yeah. I’m done too. Thanks.”

Jemma looked past me to see the small crowd of people that were dancing along to a slow song. This place was so fancy that they have live bands play with a small stage so people who want to, can dance. She looked back to me and pursed her lips. “Would you like to dance?”

I opened my mouth and turned to look at people already dancing. I turned back to look at her. “Thanks, but I uh… Don’t dance.”

She laughed. “Neither do I. I mean, not normally in front of people.”

I straightened my position in my chair and sighed. “No I mean… I don’t…like as in I can’t. At all actually.”

“Nonsense! Everyone can dance Skye.”

“Not me. I’m horrible.”

She pouted her lips and tilted her head. “Please. For me?”

I shook my head and looked back to her. Her lips were still quivering and I stood up to grab her hand. “Fine.”

We made our way to the floor and finally managed to get our hands in a proper position. She started to sway and of course that’s when it all went to crap.

“oof.” Jemma made a noise as she felt my foot step on her.

“Sorry! I told you I was bad at this.” I started to step back before she pulled me back and started to sway again.

“In fair-ness you did warn me right?”

I smiled. “That’s right.”

We were getting the hang of it and I decided that I was going to ask the question I still wanted to know. “So, what’s your number one?”  She raised an eyebrow and smiled. Nodding her head no, I knew that I would have to work toward what number one is on that list of hers. “Well, my number one is to graduate. I have not been doing so hot this year.”

She laughed and rested her chin on my shoulder. “That won’t be a problem. You are smart Skye. I have full faith in you.”

I couldn’t help but feel more butterflies than ever before. “Thanks Jem.”

“Where are we going?” Jemma asked patting my thigh.

We had left the restaurant and been on the highway for about two hours. “Just hold on. You’ll see.”

When I had seen the sign that I have been longing to find I pulled the car over. I opened the door and motioned my eyes for her to get out of the car. I grabbed her hand and started running. “Alright. Come on, Come on, Come on!”

We stopped abruptly right by the sign. She took a deep breath and gazed into my eyes. “What’s going on Skye? You’re acting like a crazy person.”

“Okay put one foot here. And the other foot here.” I motioned for here to spread out her legs so she was on either side of the line. She looked back to me expectantly. “Right now Jemma, you are straddling the state line.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Okay…”

I turned my body so she could see the Welcome to Arizona sign. I pointed at it and looked back to her. “You’re in two places at once.”

She gazed at the sign and looked back to me. The biggest smile formed on her face when she jumped forward and embraced me in a hug. “Thank you Skye!”

I squeezed back tight and said, “One off the list.”

We got back in the car and drove a mile away from where we already were to an empty parking lot. I opened the arm rest and pulled out the three sheets of tattoos. “Okay butterfly, rose bug, or star?”

She looked back at me and smiled. She made a face that read I can’t believe this girl. What can I say? I remember everything she told me. She shook her head. “You choose.”

I looked down at the tattoos and remembered my love for stars and also the fact that Jemma is in the Stars and Planets club. I looked back at her.

“Star.” We said in unison.

We started laughing and when I finally settled down I got nervous to ask the next question. “So…”

She looked back at me and laughed. “What?”

I repositioned my body so I was looking at her more clearly. “Where do you want it?”

She looked up and down herself. And stopped staring at her shoulder. She took off her cardigan and unbuttoned her flannel. Once those were off she put it on her lap. “Right…here.” She said rather slyly and pulled down her tank strap exposing her bare shoulder. Triple Unf. 

She tapped her shoulder pulling me out of my gaze. She smiled once she seen the blush on my face. “Okay. Right there.” I said hesitantly.

I grabbed the wet towel that was in the back and pulled the clear paper back and put the tattoo sheet on her shoulder. I blotted it for a couple moments. I looked up at her and smiled before gently peeling back the sheet. The tattoo was perfectly placed on her shoulder. She looked over her shoulder and pursed her lips. Gazing back at me and smirking.

I leaned forward and gently blew the tattoo so it could dry. I could see the small goose bumps that were appearing on her skin. Placing my hand over her shoulder, I gently traced the lining of the tattoo.

“Two off the list.” I said and leaned forward to place a kiss on her shoulder.

We left out of the car and I lead her down a path that went to a mountain. It took about fifteen minutes for us to climb to the top, our hands entwined the whole time. Once we got to the top, I lead her to the edge. Jemma looked out to see the city lights in the distance. She smiled and I walked forward giving her a hug from behind and placed my chin on her shoulder.

I kissed her ear lobe and whispered, “Three off the list.”

Jemma turned around and properly completed the embrace. She allowed her head to go in the hallow of my neck and kissed it softly. This sent chills down my spine. She then lifted her head and placed another kiss on my cheek.

We gazed at each other for a couple moments before I cleared my throat and put my forehead against hers. “I might kiss you.”

She pulled her head back and pursed her lips. “I might let you…”

I grinned and leaned forward. We were so close, only millimeters away before she turned her head and laughed.

She stepped back and said, “…Eventually.”

I clenched my jaw and let out a long sigh. Jemma returned this by laughing hysterically. She walked forward and grabbed my hand. “Come on.”

Jemma guided me to the opposite side of the mountain. I could hear a faint water sound in the distant. When we got closer I looked down to find a waterfall that went down to a lake. I looked back to Jemma to find her once again, stripping of her clothes. My eyes went wide when, this time she did not just stop at the flannel and cardigan. She was about to take off her tank. “Jemma, what are we doing?”

She stopped of her stripping to look at me. “Oh come on Skye. After all your bad girl shenanigans that you’ve done in your life, you’re going to tell me you have never jumped off a cliff to go swimming?”

I looked down at the lake once more. “Well no. I never have. But I guess I am willing too. But I don’t have a swim sui—“I turned back to look at Jemma who was now only in her bra and underwear. Quadruple UNF. 

How could she be anymore hotter than she already is? To my surprise this girl had a small six pack going on. Thank the lord it is a little windy out tonight, otherwise I would be passed out for how hot I just became. She caught my stare and sent a wink. “I’ll see you down there.” Jemma ran off the cliff and jumped to the water below.

I do not think I ever stripped off my clothes so fast in my life. I looked up to the sky and said bless me. Then I ran and could feel the water surrounding me within seconds. When my head reappeared to the surface I saw the stars above me and smiled. “This is definitely a nice way to end a date.” I looked around me and could not see Jemma anywhere. “Jemma? Jemma!” My heart began to sink in my stomach.

Next thing I knew I felt a hand grab my shoulder and I turned to see Jemma. “Jesus Jem! Don’t ever scare me like that. I thought you were—“

She had leaned in and kissed me. Soft and gentle before I placed my hand around the curve of her neck to bring her closer. The kiss deepened. She wrapped her legs around my abdomen and put her hands around my neck. What was once soft and gentle, turned into sensual, biting, and licking.

When I could feel my lungs hurt for oxygen, I slowly pulled apart. Gosh darn my body needing air to survive. I placed one small kiss to her lips once more before we both hung apart. Staying close, gasping for air.

She rubbed our nose together and smiled. “Skye? What does the lily mean?”

I laughed and kissed her cheek. I let out a deep breath and gazed into her eyes. “The tiger lily means…” I placed my face closer, lips almost touching, “…I dare you to love me.”

Her eyes explored my face before saying, “I’m willing to take the dare…Happy Birthday Skye.” I smiled and once more we leaned in to each other’s lips, waiting until the need for oxygen would reappear…

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