IC Inbox | Entranceway

[bravejemma]

"This is Jemma Simmons. Leave a message! ♥"

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[bravejemma]

[She hadn't considered the location. But being backed up against the desk with plenty of delicate equipment and the possibility that they could be walked in on deserves consideration, of course.]

... Of course. Elsewhere?

[She asks a bit shyly, unsure of his answer.]

[hypoxic]

E-elsewhere??

[His voice cracks pubescently. Elsewhere is an option?]

[bravejemma]

[She realizes what she's said and how cavalierly she's said it, and blushes immediately, covering his speech with hers.]

No, of course not, I mean -- that was a ridiculous suggestion, forgive me--

[hypoxic]

N-no -- it's only --

[Suddenly, Guilt. Jemma's all but inviting him. She's been so honest, and yet...]

I have to tell you something.

[bravejemma]

[Ah yes, here it is, the other shoe, ready to squash them like insects. Ignoring the sudden return of anxiety in her stomach best she can, she speaks calmly.]

All right. I'm listening.

[hypoxic]

[His mouth feels dry. Jemma is here, and willing, and so ready, and that's about to change.]

Well. ....The thing is, I...

Before you got here.

[She'll hate him.]

There was an event, and I...

[bravejemma]

[God she wishes he'd just say it.]

An event... and...

[hypoxic]

And there's been a girl, and -- I've not touched her intimately since then, but.

[But he hasn't been entirely faithful.

To the woman who was never actually dating him.

And this has been a legitimate source of guilt to him for months now.]

[bravejemma]

[Logically, she knows she shouldn't be hurt. They weren't -- aren't -- together, and it's foolish to let something like that bother her. But it would also be a lie to say it didn't have any effect. But it bothers him.]

I've been with other people, too, Fitz.

[Not just Will. She's been with other men, and he knows that. But he'd been without her, just as she'd been without him, thinking you could never get home. And if it was an event, who knows what have happened?]

Was it... is she... were you... ?

[hypoxic]

It was one of the sorts where they get everyone's heads scrambled, make you think you're living a different life. It wasn't either of us, but -- I still take responsibility for -- the things that happened.

And. You... Needed to know about it.

[He rubs at the back of his neck, shifting his weight.]

[bravejemma]

[She kind of wants to ask who, even if it's not all that proper to ask. After all, what would she do with the information once she had it?

She takes his hand and holds it between hers.]

I'm sorry. I... that the event can do that.