Fitzsimmons

It was a stupid Academy camp out. Fitz wasn't even sure why he had let Jemma sign the two of them up for it, although the way his stomach clenched when he saw her pleading smile should've given him a hint. Fitz was too busy denying each individual overreaction to evaluate his feelings as a whole. If he did take the time, he decided, then he would live with the consequences of knowing his true standing with Jemma. Maybe this trip could give him enough of a break to figure everything out.

Fitz stepped out of the backseat of the van a senior had driven down to Professor Brown's lakeside cabin. Simmons followed closely behind, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder to steady herself, and simultaneously sending shivers down Fitz's spine. He was momentarily terrified she could feel them before she drew her hand back and began rambling about how great the trip would be.

"And Professor Brown says the biodiversity here is magnificent, both aquatic and land-dwelling. Apparently there's even been sightings of Tacca Chantrieri. Tacca Chantrieri, Fitz!"

Fitz almost let himself smile at her adorable enthusiasm. Her wide eyes and broad grins gave him feelings he shouldn't be feeling about his best friend. He gulped down a breath, as if he could swallow his feelings that way.

Jemma hopped excitedly to study a nearby moss while Fitz occupied himself with the bags. Skimming through the huge pile of luggage made him realize he had forgotten something fairly important. He likely needed to have packed a sleeping bag, and the thought had slipped his mind. As he threw the duffle bag he did bring over his shoulder, he mentally noted to ask Professor Brown for extra bedding.

"I'm so glad to see all of your smiling faces," Professor Brown announced from the deck of his cabin, which rested on a hill slightly above them. He was dressed in casual outdoor clothing, which made Fitz think of a penguin in the Sahara. It was strange and off-putting, and another, not-so-pleasant shiver coursed through him. Simmons shot him a sideways look communicating the exact same opinion, and they beamed at each other.

"For the most part, this trip will be unscheduled, but I do have some mandatory times to follow." Young cadets pulled out notepads and tablets to jot down information, while Fitzsimmons stayed silent and confident in their ability to memorize important facts. "Dinner tonight is at eight, at the fire pit by the lake there." Fitz's stomach rumbled at the thought. "Lights out at midnight. Breakfast is seven tomorrow, and the last van leaves at ten. Until then, enjoy the break from schoolwork," Professor Brown smiled at many of his favorite students. "Or take advantage of the learning opportunities presented in this natural environment." That comment was aimed directly at Fitzsimmons as they smirked at each other. God, she was even beautiful when she made that half-amused, scheming face.

The students were dismissed, and many of them headed immediately to the lake, pulling off cover ups as they went and using a long tree branch to pull in a tire swing hanging out into the middle of the lake. Simmons headed in the opposite direction, taking out a film camera and clipboard. Why did he have to find her scientific qualities so bloody attractive?

He followed her scattered enthusiasms around the forest, easily excusing his fond smiles as appreciation for nature, and not appreciation for Jemma's wonderfully freckled pale shoulders. Her tank top revealed skin he had never seen before, and he often found himself distracted by a small scar or new birthmark. Stop that, Leo.

"Fitz, it's getting dark. Would you like to go swimming before dinner?" Simmons' question startled Fitz from his comprehensive analysis of her amazingly smooth curls. Did he have no self control?

"Yeah, yeah sure," Fitz stuttered out, focusing his energy on trying to clear the blush quickly approaching. Simmons grinned, then grabbed his hand and pulled him through the trees. The physical contact was too much for Fitz, and he couldn't help the blush now. Did she know the effect she had on him? It was getting hard to shoot down his feelings when she kept on reviving them right and left.