lavieverde

[lavieverde]

★ 彡 GIRL DAD. ✧ MIGUEL O'HARA { II }

✮ main summary. . miguel o'hara doesn't usually pick his kid up from school. but when he decides to do so as a surprise, he finds himself meeting the pretty teacher (you) that his daughter has been talking about.

✮ chapter 02 summary. . miguel and gabi are grocery shopping on one weekend. he didn’t think he would run into you in the grocery store. you look different from your work life and it’s an opportunity for him to take a good look at you. (read part one here)

✮ tags. . modern au, single dad miguel + afab teacher reader, found family, slight angst, eventual romance + smut. divider creds: cafekitsune.

✮ wc. . 2,145 words

Miguel knows that it's that time of the month for grocery shopping. It isn't his favorite thing to do, but he understands it's a necessity. He finds himself in the supermarket with Gabriella on one of the weekends. He’s buying the essentials for himself and his daughter: food, something for himself, and anything Gabriella might want. While the world around him buzzes with people, Miguel focuses intently on his shopping list, eager to check off each item.

He's not alone on this trip; his good friend Jess Drew is with him. She has her own list, shopping for groceries for her growing family. They always help each other out, supporting their families. Without Jess, Miguel doesn’t think he could manage as a single father, and he’s grateful for her presence. There are things Miguel feels inadequate discussing or understanding when it comes to Gabriella’s needs. Sometimes, he makes mistakes with his daughter, but he tries his best to be a good father.

“This brand is good for chicken broth,” Jess says, holding up a package to show him. He glances at the brand’s name, taking note. “Have you also thought about what type of chicken you’re planning to cook with?”

Miguel thinks for a moment before answering, “A mix of thighs and drumsticks. I might throw in some wings too.”

“Chicken wings cook faster than thighs and drumsticks, so don’t be surprised if the wings break into pieces,” Jess advises.

“Daddy,” Gabriella calls, and he turns to look at her. She holds out a cereal box with labels like ‘delicious,’ ‘nutritious,’ and ‘cravingly good.’ He hasn’t seen this type before, but he can guess she’ll ask if he can buy it. “Can we try this?”

“Of course, mija. It can go in the trolley,” he says, taking the box and placing it in the shopping cart. Gabriella skips ahead happily.

Alongside Jess, Miguel continues gathering items from his list while keeping an eye on Gabriella. He ignores the side glances from mothers and women who pass by, noticing their interest in him.

“Hey,” Jess says suddenly. “Gabi, isn’t that one of your teachers?”

Miguel hadn’t processed her words when Gabriella yells a little louder down the aisle. Her voice catches the attention of people by the fridge section, who glance between her and him. He looks up to see Gabriella running ahead towards someone he doesn’t recognize at first. When they turn around, his eyes widen.

“Miss [Last Name]!” Gabriella exclaims, waving in your direction. Confusion on your face turns into a bright smile as you recognize her. You embrace Gabriella in a hug, nearly stumbling backwards from her enthusiastic greeting. “Gabi, hi! I’m glad to see you here.”

Miguel watches Gabriella break away from the hug and hears her ask, “Do you come to this Target store often?”

“I do,” you nod. “I needed to buy a couple of things before heading home.”

In that moment, you lift your gaze and lock eyes with Miguel. He doesn’t register what Jess says when he spots the smile forming on your face. Gabriella calls for him again, breaking his attention momentarily. “Daddy, look who I found!”

“Hi,” Miguel greets, letting go of his cart and walking towards you and Gabriella. His mind buffers a bit as he takes a good look at you; you're in leggings, workout sneakers, and a seamless fitness jacket, with your hair pushed back neatly.

If he hadn’t met you before, Miguel wouldn’t have believed you’re a middle school teacher; you look so different compared to the casual yet professional outfits he remembers. He can’t tear his gaze away and prays he doesn’t appear to be gawking. “It’s been a while.”

“Hi,” you say, your eyes finally meeting him. “It has been a while, almost three weeks, hasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Miguel nods. He’s been counting the days since he last saw you, and three weeks feels like an eternity.

“I’m so glad we bumped into you,” Gabriella says with a wide smile, her brown eyes shining with excitement.

You smile at his daughter and playfully ruffle the top of her head. When your eyes meet Miguel’s once more, his throat tightens as he suppresses a hitch. “How have you and Gabriella been since we last spoke?”

“We’ve been doing well,” Miguel replies, his eyes lingering on you. You look almost unrecognizable and well—great, in fact. His mind fills with thoughts of what your life might be like outside of school—a life he isn't aware of but believes must be beautifully content. Which might explain why he thinks your face glows when he looks at you.

“Hey, girl!” Jess says suddenly, approaching you. Miguel watches the two of you embrace in a tight hug. “You look real good, lovely.”

A sheepish smile appears on your face. “Thank you. Just got back from the gym,” you say, glancing between Jess and Miguel. “Are you two doing grocery shopping together?”

“Daddy is planning to make the food Auntie Jess always makes for me after school,” Gabriella explains.

He nods. Miguel considers himself a decent cook, but now that you know he’s preparing a meal, he can't help but show off a little about his culinary skills. He presses his lips together at the sight of your intrigued eyes, noting how your mouth curves into a smile. “I’ve always wanted to try and make your recipes, Jess.”

“Only if you trade me some of your delicious baking treats,” Jess counters.

“I’m altering the marble cookie recipe next week with a new cocoa brand,” you say. “I’ll give you a free sample.”

Jess grins and glances at Miguel before looking back at you. “Have you tried Mexican food before?” she asks. “I can’t remember if you have.”

“Oh,” you look at Miguel with a smile. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance.”

“Mexican food is the best!” Gabriella exclaims proudly.

“You know, if you’re interested in trying some, Miguel is your guy,” Jess says, grinning knowingly at Miguel. He realizes she’s up to something. “He makes amazing Mexican dishes.”

“Oh, really?” you turn to look at Miguel.

Miguel nods, almost stammering—he never does, but he nearly slips up this time. “I can. Let me know your preferences, and I'll do my best to make a dish for you.”

“We can trade,” you say, your eyes lighting up with joy. “You cook a Mexican dish, and I’ll bake something for you.”

“That sounds like a good proposal,” Miguel smiles, his mouth curving into a grin.

Your gaze holds his, creating a moment of calm despite the busy retail environment. You look at him in a way that makes him pause, his chest thumping, and throat tightening, but not unpleasantly. He can’t get over how different you look. How good you look on this mundane Saturday afternoon. His eyes inadvertently trace the curves of your hips and waist, hidden behind the shade of his glasses.

“I should get going; I have another commitment,” you say apologetically. You step back, snapping Miguel out of his thoughts. “But it was nice to see all three of you, especially you, Gabi.”

Gabriella smiles at you despite the conversation ending sooner than Miguel had anticipated. “See you at school, then, Miss [Last Name]!”

“Bye, Gabi,” you smile and wave at her. “And goodbye, Jess, Miguel. I hope we run into each other again.”

“See ya later, girl,” Jess says with a wave. Miguel is so deep in thought that he doesn't notice Jess’s departure until he feels a light nudge on his forearm.

Blinking behind his dark shades, he quickly recomposes himself and nods in your direction. “Hope to see you again soon.”

“I hope so too,” you reply, beaming at him and waving one last time.

Miguel watches you walk away from the aisle. Gabriella chatters about your baking and how excited she is to try a new recipe from you. You're still on his mind when he turns to Jess. “She loves baking?”

“Her baking is to die for. The marble cookies she makes are my favorite,” Jess sighs contentedly. “I hope I get to eat some before I deliver the baby next month.”

Miguel lingers at the spot where you stood, your presence like a vivid memory. The thumping in his chest settles, yet he can't shake off the sensation. You're still in his thoughts when Gabriella calls him to come down the shopping aisle. He hopes to see you again because, after all, the third time’s a charm, right?

*****

It’s Monday afternoon, and you're in your classroom when Jess Drew stops by as she waits for Gabriella to finish her soccer practice. You feel the tiredness settling in after a long, hard day of teaching and looking after your students. Even though school hours have ended and most of the students have gone home, your workday isn’t over. You still have papers to grade, a classroom to tidy up, and lesson plans to prepare for tomorrow.

“Oh, thank goodness for these,” Jess says as you place a Tupperware of freshly baked cookies on your desk. It always makes you happy to see a smile on someone’s face when they enjoy your baking. “Thank you so much.”

You hear the Tupperware open and know that Jess is taking a bite of your cookies. A contented groan fills the classroom. “You always know the way to a person’s heart.”

Her comment makes you smile sheepishly. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Jess.”

Jess continues to enjoy the cookies, groaning softly with each bite and calling them ‘perfect as always.’ While she treats herself, you reorganize the paperwork piling on your desk. Your plan for the rest of the afternoon is to grade the students’ papers before heading home, avoiding bringing work into your personal time.

“So… tell me. What did you think of Miguel O’Hara the other day?”

“Miguel?” You look up from the papers to Jess. Pressing your lips thoughtfully, you say, “He’s a good father. I can see why Gabi looks up to him so much.”

Jess hums, “Anything else?”

“Nothing else,” you reply, a little unsure of what she means but suspecting the direction of the conversation. Her growing smile makes you chuckle nervously. “I just think he’s a good person who loves his daughter very much.”

“Miguel isn’t seeing anyone, by the way,” Jess adds, raising her hands when you give her an unamused look. “I’m just saying.”

“Jessica,” you sigh, a nervous smile forming. “I won’t take it as a chance just because he’s available.” You wonder if Miguel had been married before, but quickly dismiss the thought. “I care about Gabi too much to risk making her uncomfortable or hurting her feelings.”

“I understand,” Jess smiles kindly. “But I don’t think you could upset her. She looks up to you a lot, you know? You’re one of her role models. I think she loves you as if you were one of her guardians.”

That brings a smile to your face, thinking about Gabriella. Teachers shouldn’t have favorite students, but you can’t help yourself with her. She’s the sweetest girl you’ve ever met. A bright, beautiful child who will grow up to be an amazing young woman. Miguel is fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter. “Well, I do my best to set a good example for the kids.”

“You are a great example,” Jess adds. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

You smile and return to grading the papers. It’s not just her words that make you think about the O’Haras. You recall the unexpected encounter at the store and Miguel. It's been three weeks since your first meeting, and a small part of you hopes the universe will bring another chance to see him again. Yesterday was unexpected, but you’re not complaining because, well, the universe listened to you, didn't it? Even though you were a bit self-conscious about possibly smelling of sweat from exercising, the way his eyes followed you is a thought you can’t shake off—you swear he was checking you out behind his sunglasses.

“He is handsome, isn’t he?” you admit, a smile curving at the corners of your mouth. “With his shades, I mean. Although, I have seen his eyes before. They’re brown, right? But they looked lighter under the lights—almost red when I first met him.”

“He is your type,” Jess grins, laughing softly when you call her out.

“I’m not going to lie, I think so too,” you say, shaking your head, amused by the conversation. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to pursue him.”

“You think he’s your type? Girl, he is exactly your type,” Jess insists.

Groaning, you playfully hide your face in your arms on the table, grumbling shyly at her teasing. Miguel O’Hara stays in your mind throughout the afternoon. Even when the topic shifts, your thoughts keep flickering back to the single father of your student.

feel free to support me more at ko-fi!

[lavieverde]

enzo vogrincic 🖤

[lavieverde]

Enzo Vogrincic as Numa Turcatti in Society of the Snow (La sociedad de la nieve)

directed by J. A. Bayona (2023)

"My name is Numa. I died on December 11, 1972. In my sleep. [...] There is no greater love than to give one's life for friends."

[lavieverde]

being a doctor must be painful. imagine you are celebrated for your achievements, for the cures of the illnesses you have made, and yet the haunted faces of all the patients that didn't make it still live in the back of your mind. all of those lives you could have saved and yet if you were a little faster, some families could be complete again. if only you were a genius.

maybe if you had taught a little bit better, those students wouldn't be walking out the door and dropping your class. maybe if you'd paid a little more attention to their needs in class, they wouldn't be emailing you telling you that they just can't take your course anymore. maybe if you had been a bit better, all these students would push themselves harder and persevere.

maybe if you had been more intelligent. faster. stronger. more knowledgable. you could have saved more lives, changed more children for the better, lead more people onto the correct path, reunite more families. but you can't.

you are not a genius, after all. it was a lie.

[lavieverde]

★ 彡 GIRL DAD. ✧ MIGUEL O'HARA { II }

✮ main summary. . miguel o'hara doesn't usually pick his kid up from school. but when he decides to do so as a surprise, he finds himself meeting the pretty teacher (you) that his daughter has been talking about.

✮ chapter 02 summary. . miguel and gabi are grocery shopping on one weekend. he didn’t think he would run into you in the grocery store. you look different from your work life and it’s an opportunity for him to take a good look at you. (read part one here)

✮ tags. . modern au, single dad miguel + afab teacher reader, found family, slight angst, eventual romance + smut. divider creds: cafekitsune.

✮ wc. . 2,145 words

Miguel knows that it's that time of the month for grocery shopping. It isn't his favorite thing to do, but he understands it's a necessity. He finds himself in the supermarket with Gabriella on one of the weekends. He’s buying the essentials for himself and his daughter: food, something for himself, and anything Gabriella might want. While the world around him buzzes with people, Miguel focuses intently on his shopping list, eager to check off each item.

He's not alone on this trip; his good friend Jess Drew is with him. She has her own list, shopping for groceries for her growing family. They always help each other out, supporting their families. Without Jess, Miguel doesn’t think he could manage as a single father, and he’s grateful for her presence. There are things Miguel feels inadequate discussing or understanding when it comes to Gabriella’s needs. Sometimes, he makes mistakes with his daughter, but he tries his best to be a good father.

“This brand is good for chicken broth,” Jess says, holding up a package to show him. He glances at the brand’s name, taking note. “Have you also thought about what type of chicken you’re planning to cook with?”

Miguel thinks for a moment before answering, “A mix of thighs and drumsticks. I might throw in some wings too.”

“Chicken wings cook faster than thighs and drumsticks, so don’t be surprised if the wings break into pieces,” Jess advises.

“Daddy,” Gabriella calls, and he turns to look at her. She holds out a cereal box with labels like ‘delicious,’ ‘nutritious,’ and ‘cravingly good.’ He hasn’t seen this type before, but he can guess she’ll ask if he can buy it. “Can we try this?”

“Of course, mija. It can go in the trolley,” he says, taking the box and placing it in the shopping cart. Gabriella skips ahead happily.

Alongside Jess, Miguel continues gathering items from his list while keeping an eye on Gabriella. He ignores the side glances from mothers and women who pass by, noticing their interest in him.

“Hey,” Jess says suddenly. “Gabi, isn’t that one of your teachers?”

Miguel hadn’t processed her words when Gabriella yells a little louder down the aisle. Her voice catches the attention of people by the fridge section, who glance between her and him. He looks up to see Gabriella running ahead towards someone he doesn’t recognize at first. When they turn around, his eyes widen.

“Miss [Last Name]!” Gabriella exclaims, waving in your direction. Confusion on your face turns into a bright smile as you recognize her. You embrace Gabriella in a hug, nearly stumbling backwards from her enthusiastic greeting. “Gabi, hi! I’m glad to see you here.”

Miguel watches Gabriella break away from the hug and hears her ask, “Do you come to this Target store often?”

“I do,” you nod. “I needed to buy a couple of things before heading home.”

In that moment, you lift your gaze and lock eyes with Miguel. He doesn’t register what Jess says when he spots the smile forming on your face. Gabriella calls for him again, breaking his attention momentarily. “Daddy, look who I found!”

“Hi,” Miguel greets, letting go of his cart and walking towards you and Gabriella. His mind buffers a bit as he takes a good look at you; you're in leggings, workout sneakers, and a seamless fitness jacket, with your hair pushed back neatly.

If he hadn’t met you before, Miguel wouldn’t have believed you’re a middle school teacher; you look so different compared to the casual yet professional outfits he remembers. He can’t tear his gaze away and prays he doesn’t appear to be gawking. “It’s been a while.”

“Hi,” you say, your eyes finally meeting him. “It has been a while, almost three weeks, hasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Miguel nods. He’s been counting the days since he last saw you, and three weeks feels like an eternity.

“I’m so glad we bumped into you,” Gabriella says with a wide smile, her brown eyes shining with excitement.

You smile at his daughter and playfully ruffle the top of her head. When your eyes meet Miguel’s once more, his throat tightens as he suppresses a hitch. “How have you and Gabriella been since we last spoke?”

“We’ve been doing well,” Miguel replies, his eyes lingering on you. You look almost unrecognizable and well—great, in fact. His mind fills with thoughts of what your life might be like outside of school—a life he isn't aware of but believes must be beautifully content. Which might explain why he thinks your face glows when he looks at you.

“Hey, girl!” Jess says suddenly, approaching you. Miguel watches the two of you embrace in a tight hug. “You look real good, lovely.”

A sheepish smile appears on your face. “Thank you. Just got back from the gym,” you say, glancing between Jess and Miguel. “Are you two doing grocery shopping together?”

“Daddy is planning to make the food Auntie Jess always makes for me after school,” Gabriella explains.

He nods. Miguel considers himself a decent cook, but now that you know he’s preparing a meal, he can't help but show off a little about his culinary skills. He presses his lips together at the sight of your intrigued eyes, noting how your mouth curves into a smile. “I’ve always wanted to try and make your recipes, Jess.”

“Only if you trade me some of your delicious baking treats,” Jess counters.

“I’m altering the marble cookie recipe next week with a new cocoa brand,” you say. “I’ll give you a free sample.”

Jess grins and glances at Miguel before looking back at you. “Have you tried Mexican food before?” she asks. “I can’t remember if you have.”

“Oh,” you look at Miguel with a smile. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance.”

“Mexican food is the best!” Gabriella exclaims proudly.

“You know, if you’re interested in trying some, Miguel is your guy,” Jess says, grinning knowingly at Miguel. He realizes she’s up to something. “He makes amazing Mexican dishes.”

“Oh, really?” you turn to look at Miguel.

Miguel nods, almost stammering—he never does, but he nearly slips up this time. “I can. Let me know your preferences, and I'll do my best to make a dish for you.”

“We can trade,” you say, your eyes lighting up with joy. “You cook a Mexican dish, and I’ll bake something for you.”

“That sounds like a good proposal,” Miguel smiles, his mouth curving into a grin.

Your gaze holds his, creating a moment of calm despite the busy retail environment. You look at him in a way that makes him pause, his chest thumping, and throat tightening, but not unpleasantly. He can’t get over how different you look. How good you look on this mundane Saturday afternoon. His eyes inadvertently trace the curves of your hips and waist, hidden behind the shade of his glasses.

“I should get going; I have another commitment,” you say apologetically. You step back, snapping Miguel out of his thoughts. “But it was nice to see all three of you, especially you, Gabi.”

Gabriella smiles at you despite the conversation ending sooner than Miguel had anticipated. “See you at school, then, Miss [Last Name]!”

“Bye, Gabi,” you smile and wave at her. “And goodbye, Jess, Miguel. I hope we run into each other again.”

“See ya later, girl,” Jess says with a wave. Miguel is so deep in thought that he doesn't notice Jess’s departure until he feels a light nudge on his forearm.

Blinking behind his dark shades, he quickly recomposes himself and nods in your direction. “Hope to see you again soon.”

“I hope so too,” you reply, beaming at him and waving one last time.

Miguel watches you walk away from the aisle. Gabriella chatters about your baking and how excited she is to try a new recipe from you. You're still on his mind when he turns to Jess. “She loves baking?”

“Her baking is to die for. The marble cookies she makes are my favorite,” Jess sighs contentedly. “I hope I get to eat some before I deliver the baby next month.”

Miguel lingers at the spot where you stood, your presence like a vivid memory. The thumping in his chest settles, yet he can't shake off the sensation. You're still in his thoughts when Gabriella calls him to come down the shopping aisle. He hopes to see you again because, after all, the third time’s a charm, right?

*****

It’s Monday afternoon, and you're in your classroom when Jess Drew stops by as she waits for Gabriella to finish her soccer practice. You feel the tiredness settling in after a long, hard day of teaching and looking after your students. Even though school hours have ended and most of the students have gone home, your workday isn’t over. You still have papers to grade, a classroom to tidy up, and lesson plans to prepare for tomorrow.

“Oh, thank goodness for these,” Jess says as you place a Tupperware of freshly baked cookies on your desk. It always makes you happy to see a smile on someone’s face when they enjoy your baking. “Thank you so much.”

You hear the Tupperware open and know that Jess is taking a bite of your cookies. A contented groan fills the classroom. “You always know the way to a person’s heart.”

Her comment makes you smile sheepishly. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Jess.”

Jess continues to enjoy the cookies, groaning softly with each bite and calling them ‘perfect as always.’ While she treats herself, you reorganize the paperwork piling on your desk. Your plan for the rest of the afternoon is to grade the students’ papers before heading home, avoiding bringing work into your personal time.

“So… tell me. What did you think of Miguel O’Hara the other day?”

“Miguel?” You look up from the papers to Jess. Pressing your lips thoughtfully, you say, “He’s a good father. I can see why Gabi looks up to him so much.”

Jess hums, “Anything else?”

“Nothing else,” you reply, a little unsure of what she means but suspecting the direction of the conversation. Her growing smile makes you chuckle nervously. “I just think he’s a good person who loves his daughter very much.”

“Miguel isn’t seeing anyone, by the way,” Jess adds, raising her hands when you give her an unamused look. “I’m just saying.”

“Jessica,” you sigh, a nervous smile forming. “I won’t take it as a chance just because he’s available.” You wonder if Miguel had been married before, but quickly dismiss the thought. “I care about Gabi too much to risk making her uncomfortable or hurting her feelings.”

“I understand,” Jess smiles kindly. “But I don’t think you could upset her. She looks up to you a lot, you know? You’re one of her role models. I think she loves you as if you were one of her guardians.”

That brings a smile to your face, thinking about Gabriella. Teachers shouldn’t have favorite students, but you can’t help yourself with her. She’s the sweetest girl you’ve ever met. A bright, beautiful child who will grow up to be an amazing young woman. Miguel is fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter. “Well, I do my best to set a good example for the kids.”

“You are a great example,” Jess adds. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

You smile and return to grading the papers. It’s not just her words that make you think about the O’Haras. You recall the unexpected encounter at the store and Miguel. It's been three weeks since your first meeting, and a small part of you hopes the universe will bring another chance to see him again. Yesterday was unexpected, but you’re not complaining because, well, the universe listened to you, didn't it? Even though you were a bit self-conscious about possibly smelling of sweat from exercising, the way his eyes followed you is a thought you can’t shake off—you swear he was checking you out behind his sunglasses.

“He is handsome, isn’t he?” you admit, a smile curving at the corners of your mouth. “With his shades, I mean. Although, I have seen his eyes before. They’re brown, right? But they looked lighter under the lights—almost red when I first met him.”

“He is your type,” Jess grins, laughing softly when you call her out.

“I’m not going to lie, I think so too,” you say, shaking your head, amused by the conversation. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to pursue him.”

“You think he’s your type? Girl, he is exactly your type,” Jess insists.

Groaning, you playfully hide your face in your arms on the table, grumbling shyly at her teasing. Miguel O’Hara stays in your mind throughout the afternoon. Even when the topic shifts, your thoughts keep flickering back to the single father of your student.

feel free to support me more at ko-fi!

[lavieverde]

COMMISSION BULLETIN BOARD !

**UPDATED**: i'm openning different number of slots for different types of commission.

it's a first come, first serve basis (if you're already paid, it means you've reserved a commission slot). you can always check how many slots i have left on my ko-fi page. please do reblog if you think someone might be interested in commissioning!

acceptable payment: ko-fi or paypal

read my terms and conditions here before commissioning.

i accept both USD and GBP currencies and i charge both currencies the same $4.50USD or £4.50GBP for 500 words. just let me know which currency you would like to pay in.

you can access my portfolio on my ao3 for more fandoms i've written for that i haven't get a chance to transfer to my tumblr blog.

feel free to contact me on tumblr @oharababe or discord at #lavieverde1482 if you would like to commission something or have any questions.

[lavieverde]

GIRL DAD (CROSSING PATHS) | MIGUEL O'HARA

✮ main summary. . miguel o'hara doesn't usually pick his kid up from school. but when he decides to do so as a surprise, he finds himself meeting the pretty teacher (you) that his daughter has been talking about.

✮ chapter 02 summary. . miguel and gabi are grocery shopping on one weekend. he didn’t think he would run into you in the grocery store. you look different from your work life and it’s an opportunity for him to take a good look at you. (read part one here)

✮ tags. . modern au, single dad miguel + afab teacher reader, found family, slight angst, eventual romance + smut. divider creds: cafekitsune.

✮ wc. . 2,145 words

Miguel knows that it's that time of the month for grocery shopping. It isn't his favorite thing to do, but he understands it's a necessity. He finds himself in the supermarket with Gabriella on one of the weekends. He’s buying the essentials for himself and his daughter: food, something for himself, and anything Gabriella might want. While the world around him buzzes with people, Miguel focuses intently on his shopping list, eager to check off each item.

He's not alone on this trip; his good friend Jess Drew is with him. She has her own list, shopping for groceries for her growing family. They always help each other out, supporting their families. Without Jess, Miguel doesn’t think he could manage as a single father, and he’s grateful for her presence. There are things Miguel feels inadequate discussing or understanding when it comes to Gabriella’s needs. Sometimes, he makes mistakes with his daughter, but he tries his best to be a good father.

“This brand is good for chicken broth,” Jess says, holding up a package to show him. He glances at the brand’s name, taking note. “Have you also thought about what type of chicken you’re planning to cook with?”

Miguel thinks for a moment before answering, “A mix of thighs and drumsticks. I might throw in some wings too.”

“Chicken wings cook faster than thighs and drumsticks, so don’t be surprised if the wings break into pieces,” Jess advises.

“Daddy,” Gabriella calls, and he turns to look at her. She holds out a cereal box with labels like ‘delicious,’ ‘nutritious,’ and ‘cravingly good.’ He hasn’t seen this type before, but he can guess she’ll ask if he can buy it. “Can we try this?”

“Of course, mija. It can go in the trolley,” he says, taking the box and placing it in the shopping cart. Gabriella skips ahead happily.

Alongside Jess, Miguel continues gathering items from his list while keeping an eye on Gabriella. He ignores the side glances from mothers and women who pass by, noticing their interest in him.

“Hey,” Jess says suddenly. “Gabi, isn’t that one of your teachers?”

Miguel hadn’t processed her words when Gabriella yells a little louder down the aisle. Her voice catches the attention of people by the fridge section, who glance between her and him. He looks up to see Gabriella running ahead towards someone he doesn’t recognize at first. When they turn around, his eyes widen.

“Miss [Last Name]!” Gabriella exclaims, waving in your direction. Confusion on your face turns into a bright smile as you recognize her. You embrace Gabriella in a hug, nearly stumbling backwards from her enthusiastic greeting. “Gabi, hi! I’m glad to see you here.”

Miguel watches Gabriella break away from the hug and hears her ask, “Do you come to this Target store often?”

“I do,” you nod. “I needed to buy a couple of things before heading home.”

In that moment, you lift your gaze and lock eyes with Miguel. He doesn’t register what Jess says when he spots the smile forming on your face. Gabriella calls for him again, breaking his attention momentarily. “Daddy, look who I found!”

“Hi,” Miguel greets, letting go of his cart and walking towards you and Gabriella. His mind buffers a bit as he takes a good look at you; you're in leggings, workout sneakers, and a seamless fitness jacket, with your hair pushed back neatly.

If he hadn’t met you before, Miguel wouldn’t have believed you’re a middle school teacher; you look so different compared to the casual yet professional outfits he remembers. He can’t tear his gaze away and prays he doesn’t appear to be gawking. “It’s been a while.”

“Hi,” you say, your eyes finally meeting him. “It has been a while, almost three weeks, hasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Miguel nods. He’s been counting the days since he last saw you, and three weeks feels like an eternity.

“I’m so glad we bumped into you,” Gabriella says with a wide smile, her brown eyes shining with excitement.

You smile at his daughter and playfully ruffle the top of her head. When your eyes meet Miguel’s once more, his throat tightens as he suppresses a hitch. “How have you and Gabriella been since we last spoke?”

“We’ve been doing well,” Miguel replies, his eyes lingering on you. You look almost unrecognizable and well—great, in fact. His mind fills with thoughts of what your life might be like outside of school—a life he isn't aware of but believes must be beautifully content. Which might explain why he thinks your face glows when he looks at you.

“Hey, girl!” Jess says suddenly, approaching you. Miguel watches the two of you embrace in a tight hug. “You look real good, lovely.”

A sheepish smile appears on your face. “Thank you. Just got back from the gym,” you say, glancing between Jess and Miguel. “Are you two doing grocery shopping together?”

“Daddy is planning to make the food Auntie Jess always makes for me after school,” Gabriella explains.

He nods. Miguel considers himself a decent cook, but now that you know he’s preparing a meal, he can't help but show off a little about his culinary skills. He presses his lips together at the sight of your intrigued eyes, noting how your mouth curves into a smile. “I’ve always wanted to try and make your recipes, Jess.”

“Only if you trade me some of your delicious baking treats,” Jess counters.

“I’m altering the marble cookie recipe next week with a new cocoa brand,” you say. “I’ll give you a free sample.”

Jess grins and glances at Miguel before looking back at you. “Have you tried Mexican food before?” she asks. “I can’t remember if you have.”

“Oh,” you look at Miguel with a smile. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance.”

“Mexican food is the best!” Gabriella exclaims proudly.

“You know, if you’re interested in trying some, Miguel is your guy,” Jess says, grinning knowingly at Miguel. He realizes she’s up to something. “He makes amazing Mexican dishes.”

“Oh, really?” you turn to look at Miguel.

Miguel nods, almost stammering—he never does, but he nearly slips up this time. “I can. Let me know your preferences, and I'll do my best to make a dish for you.”

“We can trade,” you say, your eyes lighting up with joy. “You cook a Mexican dish, and I’ll bake something for you.”

“That sounds like a good proposal,” Miguel smiles, his mouth curving into a grin.

Your gaze holds his, creating a moment of calm despite the busy retail environment. You look at him in a way that makes him pause, his chest thumping, and throat tightening, but not unpleasantly. He can’t get over how different you look. How good you look on this mundane Saturday afternoon. His eyes inadvertently trace the curves of your hips and waist, hidden behind the shade of his glasses.

“I should get going; I have another commitment,” you say apologetically. You step back, snapping Miguel out of his thoughts. “But it was nice to see all three of you, especially you, Gabi.”

Gabriella smiles at you despite the conversation ending sooner than Miguel had anticipated. “See you at school, then, Miss [Last Name]!”

“Bye, Gabi,” you smile and wave at her. “And goodbye, Jess, Miguel. I hope we run into each other again.”

“See ya later, girl,” Jess says with a wave. Miguel is so deep in thought that he doesn't notice Jess’s departure until he feels a light nudge on his forearm.

Blinking behind his dark shades, he quickly recomposes himself and nods in your direction. “Hope to see you again soon.”

“I hope so too,” you reply, beaming at him and waving one last time.

Miguel watches you walk away from the aisle. Gabriella chatters about your baking and how excited she is to try a new recipe from you. You're still on his mind when he turns to Jess. “She loves baking?”

“Her baking is to die for. The marble cookies she makes are my favorite,” Jess sighs contentedly. “I hope I get to eat some before I deliver the baby next month.”

Miguel lingers at the spot where you stood, your presence like a vivid memory. The thumping in his chest settles, yet he can't shake off the sensation. You're still in his thoughts when Gabriella calls him to come down the shopping aisle. He hopes to see you again because, after all, the third time’s a charm, right?

*****

It’s Monday afternoon, and you're in your classroom when Jess Drew stops by as she waits for Gabriella to finish her soccer practice. You feel the tiredness settling in after a long, hard day of teaching and looking after your students. Even though school hours have ended and most of the students have gone home, your workday isn’t over. You still have papers to grade, a classroom to tidy up, and lesson plans to prepare for tomorrow.

“Oh, thank goodness for these,” Jess says as you place a Tupperware of freshly baked cookies on your desk. It always makes you happy to see a smile on someone’s face when they enjoy your baking. “Thank you so much.”

You hear the Tupperware open and know that Jess is taking a bite of your cookies. A contented groan fills the classroom. “You always know the way to a person’s heart.”

Her comment makes you smile sheepishly. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Jess.”

Jess continues to enjoy the cookies, groaning softly with each bite and calling them ‘perfect as always.’ While she treats herself, you reorganize the paperwork piling on your desk. Your plan for the rest of the afternoon is to grade the students’ papers before heading home, avoiding bringing work into your personal time.

“So… tell me. What did you think of Miguel O’Hara the other day?”

“Miguel?” You look up from the papers to Jess. Pressing your lips thoughtfully, you say, “He’s a good father. I can see why Gabi looks up to him so much.”

Jess hums, “Anything else?”

“Nothing else,” you reply, a little unsure of what she means but suspecting the direction of the conversation. Her growing smile makes you chuckle nervously. “I just think he’s a good person who loves his daughter very much.”

“Miguel isn’t seeing anyone, by the way,” Jess adds, raising her hands when you give her an unamused look. “I’m just saying.”

“Jessica,” you sigh, a nervous smile forming. “I won’t take it as a chance just because he’s available.” You wonder if Miguel had been married before, but quickly dismiss the thought. “I care about Gabi too much to risk making her uncomfortable or hurting her feelings.”

“I understand,” Jess smiles kindly. “But I don’t think you could upset her. She looks up to you a lot, you know? You’re one of her role models. I think she loves you as if you were one of her guardians.”

That brings a smile to your face, thinking about Gabriella. Teachers shouldn’t have favorite students, but you can’t help yourself with her. She’s the sweetest girl you’ve ever met. A bright, beautiful child who will grow up to be an amazing young woman. Miguel is fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter. “Well, I do my best to set a good example for the kids.”

“You are a great example,” Jess adds. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

You smile and return to grading the papers. It’s not just her words that make you think about the O’Haras. You recall the unexpected encounter at the store and Miguel. It's been three weeks since your first meeting, and a small part of you hopes the universe will bring another chance to see him again. Yesterday was unexpected, but you’re not complaining because, well, the universe listened to you, didn't it? Even though you were a bit self-conscious about possibly smelling of sweat from exercising, the way his eyes followed you is a thought you can’t shake off—you swear he was checking you out behind his sunglasses.

“He is handsome, isn’t he?” you admit, a smile curving at the corners of your mouth. “With his shades, I mean. Although, I have seen his eyes before. They’re brown, right? But they looked lighter under the lights—almost red when I first met him.”

“He is your type,” Jess grins, laughing softly when you call her out.

“I’m not going to lie, I think so too,” you say, shaking your head, amused by the conversation. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to pursue him.”

“You think he’s your type? Girl, he is exactly your type,” Jess insists.

Groaning, you playfully hide your face in your arms on the table, grumbling shyly at her teasing. Miguel O’Hara stays in your mind throughout the afternoon. Even when the topic shifts, your thoughts keep flickering back to the single father of your student.

feel free to support me more at ko-fi!

[lavieverde]

GIRL DAD (GIRL DAD MEETS HER) | MIGUEL O'HARA.

✮ main summary. . miguel o'hara doesn't usually pick his kid up from school. but when he decides to do so as a surprise, he finds himself meeting the pretty teacher (you) that his daughter has been talking about.

✮ chapter 01 summary. . miguel is stuck in traffic on the way to pick his daughter up from school. he doesn’t usually do this and knows that he is running late. when he searches for his daughter at school, there’s where miguel meets you in class when he got a little lost.

✮ tags. . modern au, single dad miguel + afab teacher reader, found family, slight angst, eventual romance + smut. divider creds: cafekitsune.

✮ wc. . 3,147

Miguel remembers why he avoids driving around the city in the late afternoon. He stares out the front window with a frown and a bored look. One hand grips the steering wheel, while the other props up his arm next to the door, supporting his face. It’s typical Nueva York traffic: cars honking, drivers speeding and flouting traffic regulations, and pedestrians oblivious to their surroundings.

Miguel sighs in frustration. He can’t believe his friend Jess goes through this every weekday afternoon just to pick up the kids. It's taking all his patience not to hit his palm on the wheel and tell the drivers in front of him to move. But Miguel endures the traffic, despite his irritation. Minutes pass like hours, with the cars inching forward. When he checks the time, it’s ten minutes to four in the afternoon. The only thing keeping him sane is reminding himself of the purpose of this entire trip.

Gabriella’s school should be a few buildings away from the traffic.

A smile crosses his face at the thought of her. His daughter. The only person he cares about in the entire universe. His bundle of light and joy. As much as he loves his daughter, Miguel rarely picks Gabriella up from school after three in the afternoon. His job as a geneticist isn't as flexible as it seems. It’s a nine-to-six job, five days a week. Despite the long hours, Miguel makes every effort to spend time with Gabriella either before he goes to work, after work, or on the weekends.

But today, he’s breaking the routine. He’s picking up his little girl from school. And Gabriella doesn’t know he’s coming.

The traffic finally eases. The cars in front of him start to move. Miguel seizes the opportunity to drive forward. He maneuvers steadily through the busy road until he reaches an urban area that’s familiar to him. Miguel continues driving through the streets of Queens until he sees Gabriella’s school and comes to a stop.

Miguel gets out of the car and locks it behind him. When he looks at his watch, it’s already four-thirty, and he's definitely late. He glances at his reflection in the car window. Dressed in casual blue denim jeans, a white shirt under a black leather jacket, and black sunglasses that hide his eyes, he looks like a typical father picking his kid up from school, not like a man who just got off work.

Miguel hasn’t visited Gabriella’s school in a while. The last time he was here was for a parent-teacher conference. As he enters the school building, he’s unfamiliar with the layout. The quiet, peaceful setting is devoid of students or teachers. He didn't expect the main area to be so vast and isn't sure where to go to find his daughter. He decides to wander around, hoping to find his way.

The hallways grow eerily quiet as Miguel walks, feeling he's farther away from where he should be. School buildings have always been like mazes. He doesn't recognize anything familiar. Unsure of his direction, Miguel considers calling his daughter for directions. But he decides against it, wanting to surprise Gabriella when she finishes soccer practice.

Maybe a teacher in one of these classrooms can point him in the right direction. Surely, not all the teachers have gone home for the day.

Miguel looks down the hallway and decides to try the door at the farthest corner on the right. He’s not sure why he chose that door, but he has a feeling someone might be in there who could help him. Or at least, he hopes there will be.

Miguel knocks twice before turning the doorknob. When he opens the door, he pokes his head into the room, seeing that it’s an empty classroom. A frown appears on his face, disappointed. Looks like he'll need to find someone else.

He’s about to close the door and leave when he hears a voice. “Hi, can I help you with anything?”

Miguel still doesn’t see anyone. But when he steps further into the classroom, he spots a woman behind a desk he didn’t notice before. The person turns around, and Miguel finally sees her—sees you.

You seem preoccupied, and he must have interrupted you. The locker behind you is wide open, filled with stacks of papers and boxes. He guesses you were in the middle of organizing when he disturbed you.

“Hi,” he says.

“Hello,” you respond, a hint of a smile on your face as you place the box on the desk. Miguel removes his sunglasses out of courtesy, taking a better look at you. You’re wearing a polo shirt and white jeans, casual attire for a staff member. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“I…” Miguel’s voice trails off. Judging by your youthful appearance and demeanor, he guesses you are in your twenties, making him a few years older than you. You must be a teacher here. Miguel clears his throat lightly. “Sorry, I think I got myself lost. I’m looking for the sports field. I’m here to pick up my daughter. She has soccer practice today.”

“Oh, right.” You smile apologetically. “Well, you’re a bit far from where you need to be. The field is on the other side of the building.”

That makes sense. No wonder he hasn’t made any progress. He’s gone the wrong way. School buildings are always a maze. “Thank you for your help.” Miguel nods in acknowledgment. “I hope you have a good rest of the afternoon, señorita.”

Miguel is about to leave when you stop him. “I can show you where to go if you’d like,” you offer. “So you won’t get lost again.”

He looks at you, contemplating the offer. You don’t know him, and he doesn’t know you, yet you’re willing to help. He watches you close the cupboard door, lock it, and turn to him. You’re still smiling kindly, waiting for his response. “I’d appreciate it if you could help me out.”

“Sure thing,” you say, grabbing your keys from the desk. They jingle as you grip them. You walk around the desk to approach him. Miguel immediately notices the height difference between you and him—you’re about chest-high to him. “Shall we get going?”

Miguel opens the door wider and gestures for you to lead the way. You step out, and he follows, closing the door behind him. Walking beside you down the hallway, Miguel observes your stride—elegant, confident, and relaxed. He wonders if you might be one of Gabriella’s teachers. There's something about you that piques his interest, an inexplicable feeling of appreciation for every second of your presence.

“So, what’s your daughter’s name?” you ask, breaking the silence. “Maybe I recognize her from one of the classes I teach.”

It takes a moment for Miguel to process your question. “Her name is Gabriella O’Hara,” he says. “She’s in seventh grade. Brown hair, wears a purple backpack, about this tall?” He estimates her height with his hand.

Your eyes light up at the mention of Gabriella’s name. “Oh, Gabi O’Hara! She’s one of my students.” Miguel looks at you, intrigued. “I’m her homeroom teacher this year. She talks about you a lot in class.”

He smiles politely. “Ah, she has?”

“Gabriella often stays behind to help me tidy up when she doesn’t have soccer practice, usually while waiting for Jessica to pick her up,” you explain.

Miguel wants to ask more about his daughter, but you continue speaking. Your confidence and politeness, coupled with a hint of wisdom, make him feel comfortable around you. He’s only just met you, but he feels a sense of ease. Surely, Gabriella must have mentioned you before. Miguel tries to recall anything his daughter might have said about you.

After a moment of silence, you speak again, hesitantly. “I’m sorry if this sounds ignorant or assumptive, but… is Jess Gabriella’s mother?”

“Ah, no. Jessica is a good friend of mine,” Miguel replies. “I often work late and can’t pick Gabi up from school. But today is different.” He explains briefly, feeling reluctant to delve into the complexities of his relationship with Gabriella’s mother. “It’s a surprise. Gabi doesn’t know I’m here today.”

You turn to him with a genuine smile. “I think she’ll be thrilled to see you after practice.” Your smile is sweet and kind, and Miguel thinks it suits you. “Gabi told me a few days ago that you have yet to see the new kicks she’s been practicing. From what I’ve seen, she’s a star player on the girls’ team.”

“Well, I look forward to seeing it,” Miguel nods.

You and Miguel continue walking, and when he spots a large door ahead, he hopes it leads to where he can find Gabriella. “The girls’ soccer team is just beyond this door.”

You open the door, revealing the outdoor environment. Fresh air greets him, along with a wide view of the track and soccer field. Students and teachers are scattered around, engaged in various after-school activities. Miguel scans the field, searching for any sign of Gabriella among the groups of girls. His eyes stop on a familiar brown-haired girl in a purple shirt and white shorts. She moves swiftly, kicking the ball until it sails into the goalpost. The girls around her cheer, and a smile spreads across his face.

“Oh, look, there’s Gabi,” you say. “Gabi!”

Gabriella looks around and spots you and Miguel. A wide smile breaks across her face. “Papa!”

“Mija!” Miguel calls back, waving to her. Gabriella rushes over, her excitement evident.

Gabriella calls your name when she sees you, the happiness on her face unwavering. You wave back at the young girl with a cheerful smile and laugh as Gabriella yells across the field, asking if you saw the game. "I sure did!" you respond, still laughing.

Miguel can't help but smile at the scene. He watches as Gabriella joins the rest of the girls for a team huddle with their coach. Her soccer practice should be done in a few minutes. "Do you want to sit on the bench while we wait?" he asks.

"I don't mind," you nod. The two of you approach the benches and take a seat. Miguel sits next to you, his gaze fixed on Gabriella as he admires her from afar. "She's a great kid, isn't she?" he says.

"Definitely," you reply.

Miguel gazes at his little girl and then turns his attention to you, curious about your work life. "So, how long have you been teaching?" he inquires.

"I've been doing this for two and a half years," you explain. "I started as a substitute teacher during the summer when I moved to the States."

Miguel nods, learning something new about you. Your mannerisms and subtle accent suddenly make more sense to him. Your voice is calming, and even though he's known you for less than an hour, he feels at ease. "So, what do you teach?" he asks.

"I mainly teach Biology and Chemistry, though sometimes I also help out with English and reading enrichment," you say. "English isn't my first language, but it's rewarding to help kids build confidence in theirs."

Miguel nods again. He understands the challenge of speaking more than one language. "It's not an easy language to completely master, but you speak it well. Gabriella and I often switch between Mexican Spanish and English, which sometimes turns into Spanglish."

You laugh quietly, and your shoulders shake. "It's often easier to express certain things in your native language, isn't it? Although when I do, I can sound a bit... 'expressive.' Or 'explosive,' as my family puts it."

Miguel chortles. "I always encourage Gabriella to speak more Spanish at home. It's important not to lose your cultural identity."

"I agree," you say. "It's easy to lose yourself in a crowd, but your roots never leave you."

"What made you move to the States, if you don't mind me asking?" Miguel asks, curiosity piqued.

A smile spreads across your face. "I was looking for a sense of adventure and decided to take a leap and move here on my own."

"That takes courage," Miguel says, glancing at you. Your smile remains, and he wonders what prompted your move but holds back from prying too deeply. "How old were you when you moved here?"

"I was nineteen," you reply. "I stayed in Canada for two years, then moved to the States when I was twenty-one. I've been here for three years now."

Miguel notes the age difference between you two. You're only seven years younger than he is, and you moved to a new country at such a young age. His interest in your story grows; what besides adventure led you to such a big move?

You and Miguel sit together in comfortable silence. The sky is bright and blue, the sun warming the field. Miguel's red eyes, hidden behind dark sunglasses, are fixed on you. He feels unusually relaxed in your presence, a rare feeling for someone he's just met.

Sensing his gaze, you turn to look at him and smile. He's grateful for his sunglasses, as they hide the potential blush creeping up his cheeks.

You turn your attention elsewhere as Gabriella runs towards you both. You're the first to rise, and Miguel follows, smiling at his little girl. "Papa! I can't believe you're here!" she exclaims.

"I wanted to surprise you, mija," Miguel says, lifting Gabriella into the air and kissing her forehead. She wraps her arms around his neck. "You did great today at practice. I'm so proud of you."

"Gracias, Papa." Gabriella kisses his cheek in return. She beams at you, clearly thrilled to see you. "What did you think of my moves, Miss?"

"They were impressive, Gabs," you say, affection evident in your voice. "You're getting better and better. You'll be a star on sports day soon."

"I think it's time for us to head home," Miguel says, noting the approaching sunset. He prefers to be home before dark.

"Can we stop at Wendy's for dinner?" Gabriella asks hopefully.

Miguel considers this. He’s forgotten to prepare dinner and sees this as a perfect excuse for a treat. "We can do that, sweet girl."

He turns to you, "Thank you for your help earlier."

"It was no problem, Mr. O'Hara," you say. "I hope we meet again. It was nice getting to know you."

Miguel nods, ignoring the slight pang in his chest. He makes sure Gabriella has everything before they leave. As they walk away, Gabriella waves enthusiastically at you. "Bye-bye, Miss! See you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow, Gabi! Enjoy your dinner!" you call back, waving. "See you again sometime, Miguel!"

Miguel waves back and watches as you turn to speak with another teacher before he finally turns away. Gabriella decides to walk on her own, and Miguel puts her down, holding her hand as they head toward the school building. With each step, Miguel finds his thoughts returning to you, wishing he could see you one last time before they go.

He glances back to find you still chatting with the other teacher. You laugh at something, your face lighting up. He watches as you say goodbye and turn away. When you notice him looking, you give him the sweetest smile he's ever seen, even from a distance.

He thinks your smile makes you even more beautiful, especially when directed at him.

"Papa, let's go to Wendy's now!" Gabriella urges.

Miguel looks down at her with a gentle smile. "Alright, princesa. Let's go."

When he looks back, you’re no longer in sight. He leaves the school grounds with his daughter, your smile lingering in his mind.

***** 

As planned, Miguel and Gabriella have dinner at Wendy's. At the moment, Gabriella is indulging herself with a child's Wendy's meal. Seeing his little girl happy brings Miguel immense joy—a natural feeling for a father with his daughter. Despite his busy schedule, he seizes every opportunity to spend time with her. Gabriella is his top priority in life, and he wouldn’t trade these moments with her for anything.

“So, your teacher is nice,” Miguel speaks up. Ever since he met you, you’ve lingered in his thoughts. Your sweetness, kind personality, and the way you interacted with Gabriella earned his trust. Personally, the way you behaved around him was refreshing. There were no ulterior motives or signs that you were trying to establish a relationship with him. As a single father, Miguel's status has gained quite a reputation at Gabriella's school. He appreciates that you were simply a kind soul, great with kids like his daughter. “The one who helped show me where you were at school.”

“Miss [Last Name]?” Gabriella asks, taking two scoops of ice cream and shoving them into her mouth. Miguel learns something new about you—your last name. He thinks about how your first name fits with your surname; it has a nice ring to it. “Oh yeah, she is, isn’t she? And pretty too,” she adds.

Miguel pretends not to notice her last comment, even though he agrees. “How come you never talked about her when I asked you about your day at school?” he asks.

He’s about to take a bite of his food when he notices Gabriella looking at him with one eyebrow raised, giving him a curious look. “What is it, mija?”

“Papa, I have told you about her before. Numerous times,” Gabriella says, placing her arms at her sides, indicating her skepticism. “I told you about how she brought Mr. Oscar to a show-and-tell two weeks ago, and that she likes to bake and brings treats to school for the class to share every month. And my teacher is from England…”

Miguel presses his lips together. He vaguely remembers hearing that story. Gabriella shares so many things with him daily that it’s hard to keep track. But Miguel feels he would have remembered you if Gabriella had mentioned you before. Who could forget someone like you?

Gabriella giggles. “Papa, are you getting old and forgetting stuff now?”

Miguel gives a sheepish smile. He doesn’t consider himself old, but if it keeps his little girl from being suspicious about his interest in you, he’ll accept the indignity. “It seems so, princesa. I apologize for that.”

“It’s okay, Papa. I forget things too sometimes,” Gabriella says, shifting the conversation quickly as children often do. “I really do like Miss [Last Name]. She’s the best teacher ever.”

“Make sure you tell her that tomorrow when you see her, Briella,” Miguel smiles. “I’m sure she would love to hear that you appreciate her.”

“I will!”

Meeting you was unexpected, and if he hadn’t picked Gabriella up from school as planned, he wouldn't have met you earlier. A tiny part of him hopes he will see you again someday, perhaps by chance in the future.

feel free to also support me at ko-fi!

[lavieverde]

i've been thinking on whether i should change my username because i'm planning on making changes to the blog and what i post (and no, i'm not moving on from the miguel nation). i want to write for more fandoms in the future and i want my username to be something neutral and easy to remember as well.

[lavieverde]

Ken and his biological lizard daughter

[lavieverde]

The first Palestinian athlete to participate in the Olympic games died on Wednesday at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza as a result of kidney failure due to power outages and medical shortages as a result of the ongoing Israeli war and siege of the enclave.

Majed Abu Maraheel, who passed away at the age of 61, became the first athlete to be the flag bearer and represent Palestinians at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. Being a distance runner, he competed in the 10km race.

Since his breakthrough on the world stage, more than 20 Palestinian men and women have been able to compete at Olympic competitions.

"He was a Palestinian icon, and he will remain as such," his brother told Paltoday TV after the funeral.

"We tried to evacuate him to Egypt but then the Rafah crossing was closed (by Israel), and his condition kept deteriorating."

In his preparation for the Olympics, Abu Maraheel would often be seen on his daily runs from his home in Gaza to the Erez Crossing with Israel, which Israel closed in October after imposing a full blockade on the Strip.

Last month, it was reopened for the first time since then.

He would often have to pass through that crossing for his job as a day labourer in Israel. After participating in the Olympics, Abu Maraheel went on to become a coach for other Palestinian runners hoping to replicate his presence at the international competition.

Abu Maraheel's death highlights the grim fate of many Palestinians who are facing kidney failure in Gaza.

A report from the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor in March found that there were between 1,000 to 1,500 patients in Gaza with kidney failure, and that they are facing a "slow death" because of "a lack of medical and therapeutic services, medications and other necessities".

Israel denies blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, though aid agencies say they are not able to get aid in because of Israeli restrictions.

[lavieverde]

Considering the recent targeted terminations against blogs run by transfems in the last couple of days (angel-athetos, fungalfaggot, coyote-roadkill, hound-mother, corpse-of-omelas-ageplayer and my previous blog, zebrabyopn3), some close friends and myself worked on a google form where users can make submissions for their terminated blogs. Too many of us have lost our blogs and everything in them, yet there's no existing record of blogs that have been terminated, so we want to change that. If you're not a transfem you can also answer, as we want data about all deleted blogs in general, like: the name of the banned blog, date of termination, and if there was a reason given or warning for the deletion (or not)

The form consists of 8 questions and takes around 3-5 minutes to answer. We'd appreciate sharing this with anyone that has been unfairly terminated, so we can create a record, so those blogs and their names can be remembered

[lavieverde]

"SPONSOR A WIP" for gaza!

about: a writing for a good cause to raise awareness + helping people in need. i will be participating @ficsforgaza to help contribute to fundraising efforts.

how does it work: each of my WIP will have a donated word count goal that you can help support families in gaza + sponsor a WIP. i will keep progress and update on what WIP is available.

how to help: donate as little as $1 to a vetted fundraiser or my chosen support charity, islamic relief. send me a screenshot of how much you've donated to who and which of my WIP did you "sponsor" for. you can pick any WIP from my notion list or from my sponsor a wip highlight post. every dollar equates to a certain word count.

example: hey lavie! i've donated $3 to fadi's fundraiser as a way to sponsor chapter 03 of seven days a week. [a screenshot.png of $3 donated to the fundraiser is send to oharababe's inbox, therefore i will be writing 300 words for that wip]

what i'll do if you help donate: i will send you a snippet of a WIP that you've help increase the word count when you donate. i will also dedicate the complete WIP to those you help donate when i post them.

RULES TO REMEMBER:

Anon messages showing screenshots that you donate will not be accepted. I will not post your ask public and will reply to you privately.

To ensure that fundraising screenshots are not duplicated and send to different writers, I will be sending evidence to @ficsforgaza (which all sensitive information will be redacted) just to double check that it's legit.

All these donations to sponsor a WIP will be for a good cause.

[lavieverde]

[lavieverde]

6am in my kitchen

[lavieverde]

[lavieverde]