Jemma Simmons and the Yule Ball
Jemma could see the snow fall from her dorm window, and she sighed softly, before turning back to her reflection in the mirror. Her dress was bright yellow (Skye said it fitted her, even if Jemma had found it a little too bright) and her hair was up in a bun. She didn’t wear makeup – it wasn’t her thing. But as she looked into a mirror, she was rather happy with what she saw.
She couldn’t lie and say she wasn’t excited for the Ball. She had heard many great things, and there was a sense of excitement throughout the school these days. It seemed to have rubbed off on her.
Leo was waiting for her downstairs, and Jemma grinned at her friend, waving with excitement. He was dressed in dark blue dress robes. He looked nice. When she made her way towards him, he grinned and said :
- Hi, miss. Have you seen my friend Jemma ? She’s about your height…
- Oh, shush, Jemma said, hitting him on the arm with a grin.
- Ow ! It was my way of saying you looked nice, you know.
- I know ! And thank you. You look very nice too. Oh, I’m so excited, Leo ! I can’t wait to see the Great Hall !
Leo smiled at her excitement, and Jemma grabbed his arm before making her way towards the doors.
The Great Hall was absolutely beautiful. Jemma gaped, her eyes widening at the sight before her. Snow fell through the starlit roof, stopping above the twinkling lights hanging mid-air. The walls were decorated with gold and silver ribbons, and the usual tables had been replaced with smaller, round tables, covered in white and silver linen. There was a small stage in front of the dancefloor, but it was still empty. Ballroom music, elegant and waltz-like, rung through the air, and there was a big buffet table covered in delicious-looking food.
- Oh, Leo ! Jemma breathed out, squeezing his arm. Look, how pretty !
- Yeah, Leo agreed, his eyes wide. Look… look, they have sandwiches !
- Sandwiches, Jemma repeated, rolling her eyes. That’s what you’re focusing on ?
- I’m hungry.
- Everything is so sparkly ! she squealed. I still wonder how they get the roof to look like this – some kind of enchantment, I’m guessing, of course, but…
- Guys !
Leo and Jemma both turned to see Skye bouncing towards them, wearing a hot pink dress. Her hair was up in a bun, like Jemma’s, glitter shining in her dark curls. She was smiling widely :
- You guys look so cute ! she squealed. Did you just get here ?
- We did, Jemma said. And you look great !
- You look very… pink, Leo said, gulping slightly.
Jemma resisted the urge to kick him in the shins, but Skye just laughed out loud, throwing her head back. She glanced behind her, waving at her date, and Jemma felt a pang in her chest.
Over the last few weeks, it had grown clear to Jemma that Skye really, really liked Miles. Jemma was glad to see her friend happy, but she just wished it didn’t make Leo so miserable. She wondered if he even realized how much he liked their mutual friend. Maybe he was in denial.
Speaking of denial…
- I think the Champions are going to arrive soon, Skye said, glancing towards the now closed doors. There’s some kind of ceremony, and all.
At this, Jemma’s smile froze a little.
It wasn’t that she had been avoiding Grant – she just hadn’t made a point to run into him. Their last encounter had left her oddly confused, and she hadn’t liked it one bit. Soon after that, when she had learnt that he had a date to the Ball, she hadn’t been able to stop the pang in her chest. It had returned now.
Why did this make her feel this way ? He was her friend. A good friend.
He was always sweet to her. He seemed to smile more around her, as she had realized during the last few days, where he had barely left her mind. She had gone over their interactions in her head, wondering how she could have missed it before, and if she was just imagining it. The possibility that he might like her was present, and she was dying to talk about it to someone, but she had refrained from it.
She trusted her friends, she did. But Leo had enough on his plate, and if Skye found out, she was sure to try and play matchmaker, and Jemma wasn’t ready for that at all. She wasn’t even sure of how she felt. She was confused, she felt silly, and she was constantly torn between smiling and burying her face into a pillow and scream.
Being a teenager was no fun at all.
And it didn’t help that of all people, Grant was apparently taking Natasha Romanoff, the gorgeous Durmstrang champion, to the Ball.
Just as Jemma was lost in thought, a voice announced the Champions’ upcoming entrance, and students made way for them. Jemma took a step back, standing beside Leo, behind some people that were blocking her view. She heard the doors open to a celebratory music, and she caught a glimpse of the three headmasters walking together, the Champions following them.
Jemma saw a flash of red, and she knew that it was Natasha Romanoff, who looked absolutely gorgeous in a red dress. Beside her, Leo gaped a little, and Jemma would have been amused if she wasn’t too busy trying to catch a glimpse of Grant. She saw him soon, dressed in black dress robes. Her breath hitched.
To be honest, she had always been partial to him in his Quidditch uniform, even if she had never admitted it, but he looked very handsome. She wanted to hide and scream at the same time.
An odd, strangled, muffled sound came from her throat, and, mortified, she coughed to cover it. Only Leo seemed to notice, giving her an odd look.
These weren’t friendly feelings at all, she realized. Oh, what was happening to her ? Why her ? Why now ?
As the couple passed by them, Grant caught Jemma’s eyes for a brief second, before he continued his way towards the dance floor. The Champions opened the Ball, and a waltz started, just as they began to dance. Soon, a few couples joined them, and Jemma fought the urge to sigh.
Still, she was determined not to let these new and odd feelings ruin her night. After eating a little, she dragged Leo to the dancefloor, despite his protests and as the band started, she bounced around, jumping up and down, drawing a few chuckles from Leo.
Jemma wasn’t a good dancer at all. But still, she was having fun, and that was all that mattered.
Out of breath, the two friends soon retired to their table, and Jemma left Leo to go get some punch. She helped herself to a glass, taking a sip, before bumping into someone.
Of course.
- Hi ! she said breathlessly, looking up at Grant’s face.
- Hey, Grant answered.
- How are you doing ?
- Fine. Thirsty.
- Oh ! Of course. From dancing !
- That, and you’re standing in front of the punch.
- Oh. Right.
Awkwardly, Jemma moved aside, and watched as Grant poured himself a glass of punch.
- How are things going with your date ? she asked with a smile (after all, he was her friend, and she wasn’t about to act jealous and silly).
- Fine, I guess.
- She looks really pretty, Jemma said, unable to stop a little sigh from escaping her lips.
- Yeah, I guess.
Jemma couldn’t help it : she rolled her eyes at him :
- You guess ? she said. She’s drop-dead gorgeous ! You’re impossible, she commented.
Grant kept his face neutral, but there was a light of humor in his eyes :
- Well, maybe she should be your date, instead, since you find her so beautiful, he replied.
- Maybe, Jemma answered, tilting her head. I’d appreciate her more than you do.
- Then, by all means. She’s all yours.
- All right. But if we’re swapping dates, that means you’re becoming Leo’s date.
- Ah, Grant said, rubbing his chin with his hand. That might be a problem. Given that he hates my guts.
- What ? He does not !
Grant glanced towards Leo, and Jemma followed his gaze. To her surprise, she spotted a Hufflepuff student, a red-haired girl, sitting next to him and speaking with him.
- Well, he’s not my biggest fan, Grant added, turning back to Jemma.
- He doesn’t hate you at all ! He likes you, Jemma assured.
- If you say so.
- I do say so.
Jemma grinned, feeling more relaxed all of a sudden. Their banter was returning, and she felt as though her worries were fading. This felt nice. This felt good.
- Do you want to dance ?
The words were out before she could stop them, and she mentally kicked herself. What was wrong with her ? Grant raised his eyebrows, and she added quickly :
- Or not. It was just an idea. A bad one. I’m a terrible dancer. I’d probably stomp on your feet. I almost knocked Leo over earlier.
- I can take it.
He put his glass on the table, and extended his hand to Jemma. The young girl bit her lip, and took it, trying not to focus on the feeling of having her small hand in his warm one. He led her to the dancefloor and she suddenly shuddered :
- Wait. What about your date ? Won’t she mind ? she asked.
- Nah. She’ll be cool with it.
Without warning, he spun Jemma around, pulling her back to him. Her front collided with his chest, and she looked up at him, eyes wide :
- Wow, she said. Go easy on me. I just told you how terrible a dancer I am…
- Hey, you asked for it, Grant said. Deal with it, princess.
Princess ?
Jemma was about to protest, when he spun her around again. She laughed, and she saw his face light up, as though he was gaining joy from making her laugh and squeal. He kept spinning her around, sometimes lifting her up as if she weighed nothing more than a feather. The song was fast-paced and fun, and Jemma didn’t remember dancing ever being this fun. When the song neared its end, she was breathless, highly amused. It took her a few seconds to realize that the beat of the new song was quite slow, and that couples were making their way to the dance floor.
Her awkwardness came back, and she realized that Grant wasn’t making a move to exit the dance floor. Did he want to dance again ? To a slow song ? With her ?
This seemed like a terrible idea.
Nervously, she smiled and said :
- I actually have no idea how to slow dance.
- It’s not my strong suit either, he said.
She felt the urge to gulp. Should she make a move to go ? What was happening ? Why wasn’t he moving ? Was he as uncomfortable as she was ?
Why did he have to be so hard to read ?
He took a breath, and she froze, not knowing what to expect :
- Do you want to take a walk ? he asked. It’s a little crowded here.
Jemma let out a breath of relief. A walk seemed like a good idea. She glanced towards Leo, who was still talking with the girl – Clarissa was her name. Jemma knew her a little. She was nice. And she had obviously gotten Leo to talk, because her friend was chatting with her animatedly. Further away, Natasha was dancing with another boy.
- I don’t think she’ll miss me, Grant observed.
- Neither will Leo, Jemma commented.
- Come on. Let’s go.
Jemma felt Grant’s hand slip in hers (well, this was new) and he lead her towards the door discreetly. In the entrance hall, they spotted a giggling couple running towards the stairs, and Jemma shook her head, amused. They were going to get in so much trouble if they got caught.
Jemma took a glance outside, by the large window in the hall. It was still snowing.
- Do you think it’s really cold, outside ? she asked, glancing at Grant. I love snow.
- In that dress, you’ll be cold for sure, Grant answered. Hang on.
He started to take off his overcoat, but Jemma stopped him, shaking her head :
- No ! No, I don’t want you to catch a cold.
Grant scoffed, seemingly amused at the notion :
- Trust me, I’ll be fine, he said.
- Why ? Because the great Grant Ward is impervious to the common cold ? she said, crossing her arms.
- I’m pretty sure my immune system is better than yours.
- What ? And why, exactly ?
- I haven’t been sick in almost three years, Jemma.
- So ? What makes you think I have ?
He gave her a look, and she bit her lip.
- Because, he answered, looking vaguely amused. Last year, I heard you complain about your cold for two weeks. Except when you lost your voice, and ran around making crazy gestures, expecting us to understand what you meant.
Jemma grimaced, conceding the point silently.
- Well, how was I supposed to express myself ? she grumbled.
- Come on. This ?
Grant started making wild gestures with his hands and exaggerated faces.
- What were we supposed to understand from this ? he asked.
- I did not do that.
- I beg to differ.
- You know what ? she said, snatching his overcoat from his hands. I hope you do catch a cold, Grant Ward.
- Such a sweet girl, you are.
- Shut it.
Grant chuckled, and Jemma bit the inside of her cheek, before letting out a giggle. She put the overcoat on her shoulders – she felt so tiny in his huge coat. Underneath, he had on what looked like a muggle suit : black pants, a dark shirt, a white tie and suspenders.
- Thank you, she said, pulling the coat tighter around herself.
Grant nodded in return, and made his way towards the door. The night wasn’t too cold, after all : snow fell peacefully on the grounds, covering the gardens of Hogwarts. From outside, the music from the Ball could be heard distantly, like a muffled, background noise Jemma stopped paying attention to. Sighing, she looked up towards the starlit sky.
- By the way, Grant said after a moment. You look very pretty.
- Mmm ?
Jemma turned towards him, shaken from her thoughts.
- You know, Grant said. The dress. It suits you.
- Oh !
It was lucky it was dark, because Jemma was sure that she was blushing furiously.
- Thank you, she answered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. You look nice too.
He did. He really did. She closed the overcoat tighter over herself, tilting her head to the side, watching Grant carefully. He was really handsome, wasn’t he ? She had always thought so, in the back of her mind, but she had never been really aware of it. There was a warmth in his eyes, that seemed to appear every once in a while, around his friends, around her. She liked it. She liked it a lot.
She usually disliked dancing with someone – she was better off bouncing all by herself, but he had made it fun. He seemed to like making her smile, and he really had a knack for it…
- Jemma ?
Shaking her head, she realized she had been staring. She smiled, blushing again, brushing it off :
- Sorry.
- Where did you go, just now ?
- Nowhere, I was just… thinking.
- About what ?
- About… I don’t know. Things.
- What things ?
She gave him a look. Really, he picked now to suddenly be the curious type ? There was a hint of a smile on his face, and she could tell he was enjoying this. She rolled her eyes, smiling, shaking her head again :
- Nothing. Just things. The Ball. It’s fun, isn’t it ? she said, trying to change the subject.
- Yeah. It is. Especially the dancing part.
Her eyes widened a little in surprise : he was smiling. She grinned, and nodded :
- Yes. It was fun, she said, shuddering slightly.
- Are you cold ?
- A bit. I’ll be fine.
- Hang on.
Grant took a step towards her, moving from the wall he was leaning against. She froze a little, her eyes widening. Grant placed his hands on her shoulders, and began to rub her arms up and down gently, to warm her up.
- There, he said quietly. Better ?
He was standing really close, and she was pretty sure he could see how flustered she was. What was wrong with her ? She needed to move away, talk, anything… She was about to thank him, but this came out instead :
- I kind of want you to kiss me.
Grant’s eyes widened, and his usually guarded expression turned to open, obvious surprise. Soon, though, the shock turned into hope, but Jemma missed it, too busy moving away, burying her face into her hands.
What was that ?
- Oh my god, she mumbled. Oh my god.
She was insane. What was her problem ? What was wrong with her ? What had she said that ? Was she possessed ?
- I’m so sorry, she said, looking up at Grant, a horrified expression on her face. I don’t know where that came from – I’m so sorry. It must be the snow, or the Ball, or… the punch, maybe there was something in the punch ! Maybe somebody spiked it – maybe I should alert somebody…
- Jemma.
- I’m so, so sorry, oh my gosh…
She hid her face in her hands again, groaning, before resurfacing :
- Is there any chance you can forget I just said that ?
- I…
Grant wasn’t the talkative type, but Jemma didn’t think she had ever seen him as a loss for words like this. He blinked, rubbing the back of his neck.
- Did you… did you mean that ? he asked, staring at her.
She fought the urge to run away and bury her whole body into the snow. She met Grant’s eyes, and let out a long sigh.
- I … yeah, she answered, not having the heart to lie to him. Yes, I guess I did. You must think I’m being silly.
- No. No, I really don’t.
There was a pause. Grant was still looking at her, and she hadn’t seen him this nervous before. His expression was open, almost boyish. He took a few seconds to stare at her face, before speaking again :
- I’m going to kiss you, he said slowly, carefully. All right ?
Jemma’s heart was thumping in her chest. Kiss her.
He was going to kiss her.
Wordlessly, she nodded, and he took a step forward. She felt nervous, excited, happy – she had completely forgotten about the cold, or her previous awkwardness. Still, as he approached, she felt the urge to break the silence :
- I’ve never kissed anyone before, she whispered softly.
- I don’t mind, he answered quietly.
Her breath hitched. Grant’s hand tipped her chin upward, and her eyes fluttered shut as he pressed his lips against hers.
The kiss was chaste, tentative. Jemma had never given kisses much thought – sure, there was a part of her younger self that had thought about Steve Rogers, sweeping her off her feet after a winning Quidditch Game and kissing her like they did in novels – but she was mostly a rational girl. Being romantic wasn’t in her nature. When she thought about kissing, she mostly wondered, out of curiosity, what it felt like. Scientific interest.
But now, it was Christmas night, snow was falling from the skies, and she was wrapped into Grant Ward’s warm coat, and she was kissing him. And it was as close to perfect as it could get.
He began to move his lips tentatively against hers, and she kept her eyes closed, enjoying the moment when suddenly, her eyes opened, and she pulled back.
- This is wrong.
Grant looked back at her, a little dazed, confusion appearing in his eyes :
- What ? he stammered. I thought you wanted…
- I did ! I did, Jemma assured him, still a little stunned herself. But we’re… we’re both on dates. With other people.
- … Oh, Grant said, relaxing a bit. Right.
- And really, I don’t want to be on Natasha Romanoff’s bad side.
- Oh, trust me, she won’t mind. It’s not really a romantic date.
- Oh, Jemma answered, blinking. Good.
That was reassuring, and she beamed at Grant instinctively, the memory of the kiss still on her mind. She heard noises coming from inside, and the door opened. A giggling couple passed by them, running towards the trees in the snow, followed by an angry teacher. Grant pulled Jemma to him quickly, hiding her in the shadows by the wall, holding her close to him. She didn’t move, enjoying the warmth of his embrace. As the teacher moved away, following the students, loudly threatening detention, Jemma giggled, and Grant let go of her reluctantly. They looked at each other, and as she kept on laughing, he let out a chuckle as well, shaking his head.
- We should get back inside, he said. Unless you want detention, miss perfect student.
- I have gotten detention before, you know, she said. You forget Skye is one of my best friends.
Grant laughed, and Jemma grinned : he looked relaxed, happy. She had never seen him like this.
- Right, he said.
He placed his hand in the small of her back, leading her inside discreetly. As soon as they were inside, she parted with his overcoat, handing it back to him. He put it back on as they walked towards the Great Hall’s doors. Jemma stole a peek inside : Leo was standing by the buffet table. He was obviously looking for her. She could only hope that he hadn’t been alone for too long…
- I should get back to Leo, she said.
- Right, Grant said, still smiling slightly. I’ll… I’ll see you around, then.
- Yes, she said, nodding happily. Yes, you will.
She felt as though she was on a little cloud, and it was like she couldn’t stop smiling. Before making her way back to the Great Hall, she stopped and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Grant looked surprised, but he smiled. He grabbed one of her wrists, and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. Jemma almost swooned on the spot.
- Bye, she breathed out.
- Bye.
With a parting grin, she ran back inside the Great Hall. He wasn’t far behind her, but she went back to Leo, and he met up with Natasha, who had been chatting with Headmaster Fury. As Jemma sat back at her table, barely hearing Leo’s questions as to her whereabouts, she found herself catching Grant’s eyes a few times, smiling every time she did.
Being a teenager wasn’t so bad after all.