Jemma had been in the same school as Daisy Johnson for three years now. They didn't know one another well, but she had noticed the taller girl had a mischievous streak that ran wild and free. Jemma wished she didn't find that as attractive as she did. It was clear she was smart, no matter how obvious the prank, or how plain to anyone who paid attention she was the perpetrator; Daisy never got caught. Sometimes Jemma wished she could be so bold.
"Hey Simmons, I heard we were getting assigned our final projects today." the girl in question said sliding behind the lab bench alongside Jemma.
"I did as well, and that is not your seat." Jemma said, surprise coloring her voice. Daisy didn't often have any reason to talk to her.
"I know it's not. I was thinking, however, it seems we're the only two people in this class who know what the fuck is going on. What do you say to team up for this one and make a mess out of everyone's lives?" Daisy asked with a wicked grin Jemma found entirely too charming.
"Usually, I disapprove of and want nothing to do with your bad girl shenanigans, but this time I think it does sound rather enjoyable... unless this is a play to get me to do all of your work for you?" Jemma just had to check.
"No, no, of course, I will do my share." Daisy replied. "I just want to see everyone else run around like chickens with their heads cut off, and this way you won't get stuck with a partner who <em>would</em> take advantage of you. "
Daisy grinned... again. She had seen how others slacked off, knowing their more driven classmates would cover their ass. She could sympathize. Despite their not being close, Daisy was fond of the book-ish Englishwoman. She was just too damn busy in her first year. She had been so worried she wouldn't be able to stay in school and avoided any meaningful friendships like the plague.
Jema didn't know how to reply. Daisy took her by surprise. There was just something so different and enigmatic or even magnetic, Jemma couldn't look away.
"You're cute when you're flummoxed." Daisy laughed without moving from her stool even as their teacher entered the classroom. Jemma grew even more flustered but Daisy only continued to only grin.
"Sir, I was wondering if I might be allowed to partner with Simmons for our upcoming project?" Daisy asked with all of the charm and cuteness she could muster. Even if the act didn't work on the teacher, Jemma knew she was buying anything and everything Daisy was selling. Jemma was beginning to understand how Daisy got away with everything.
"Interesting... " he replied. "I'll allow it. Since you all seem to already know what's going on, the rest of you can go ahead and pair up."
This was met with the abject grumbles of the rest of their classmates. Daisy and Jemma knew they were being shot the dirtiest of looks but didn't mind. To them, pissing off their classmates added to the fun.
"I look forward to working with you." Jemma grinned and offered Daisy her hand to shake.
"You as well, Ms.Simmons." Daisy replied."Though I know I won't be able to call you that for too long yet. You are going for a doctorate right?"
"Right. I can't believe you remembered." Jemma chuckled. "You don't miss a thing, do you?"
"I do my best not to." Daisy grinned again and Jemma wondered if her face hurt from doing that so often. Jemma's insides fluttering in a way she wasn't sure if she appreciated. "Plus, I think you are a fascinating little woman, Jemma Simmons. I look forward to learning more if you'll let me."
"I think I might enjoy that as well, Ms.Johnson." Jemma blushed, realizing she had yet to release Daisy's hand.
"Like I said... cute when flummoxed." Daisy laughed and pulled out her books.
