#Abbott elementary imagine

[the-fandom-abyss]

Prompt: here

First Sentence Prompt

“How will I explain this to the others?” Melissa chastised herself for leaning in, for brushing her lips against yours. She swore that she wouldn’t, that she couldn’t and yet, she moved closer. She was spiralling with thoughts of her fellow teachers, how they would react to the news.

“You say, that you slipped and fell?”

“Be serious!” Melissa paced her living room, panicked that Jacob would be home any minute. She didn’t intend to bring you to her home, or to become quite intimate with you. She clearly didn’t think it through and now she had to deal with what will come next. “How will I explain that I brought home the temp? That I’m thrice their age and that I should have known better”

“The temp? Like I’m some stray you found on the street?” Melissa halted, her head slowly turned to you. She was thinking out loud, she never gave a thought to how you would feel, how you would want to proceed.

“No, that’s not what I meant. People may think that I used my power over you or worse, took advantage” she nibbled on her lip in worry, her fingers playing with the jewellery on her hands.

“I don’t think that and isn’t that all that matters? I like you Melissa and I would like to pursue this, I don’t care what others think” her heart thawed at your words and the confidence behind them. She just needed to get out of her head.

[uses-for-fics]

I’m Yours | Manny Rivera

ft Jack Griffin

YN had been heading to the art room to grab some supplies for a class project. Her students are working on creating a skeletal system out of construction paper, combining biology with hands-on creativity.

As YN rummaged through the art room shelves, she heard a voice behind her. “Need any help?”

Startled, she spined around to see Manny, a warm smile on his face. Without missing a beat, she blurts, “If I’d known the school board was visiting today, I wouldn’t have left the kids in charge of the classroom!”

Manny raised an eyebrow, chuckling nervously. "Wait… they’re not actually alone, are they?"

She grinned and shook her head. "Relax, they’re at recess. Mr. Gregory offered to watch my class while I grabbed the supplies."

Manny lets out a relieved laugh and glances at the stack of construction paper and glue sticks in her arms. "Need some help with that?"

"Sure," YN replies with a smile, and Manny grabs a few supplies to lighten her load. As they walk back to her classroom, they fall into easy conversation. Manny teases her about her creative lesson plans, and the topic shifts to their dinner plans for that evening.

“I’m excited for tonight,” Manny says, his tone warm. “You’ve been opening up more, and I’m really glad you’re letting me into your space.”

YN smiles softly. “Thanks for being patient with me. It means a lot. You don’t mind taking it slow?”

“Not at all,” he replies sincerely. As they approached her classroom door, YN hesitated, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Would it be wildly inappropriate if I kissed you at school?”

Manny grins, then gently lifts her hand to his lips, placing a light kiss on it. “How about this for now?” he says, his voice low and affectionate.

YN blushes, their connection palpable even in the brief moment. She opens the door, and they part ways as she prepares to dive back into teaching, already looking forward to the evening ahead.

Later that evening, YN and Manny are enjoying a cozy dinner at her house. The conversation flows easily, with YN recounting her day at school while Manny listens attentively. She giggles as she tells him about a student who glued the construction paper bones to his face instead of the paper skeleton. "But," she laughs, "he got all the bones in the right place, so I gave him a B+ for effort."

Manny chuckles, shaking his head. "That’s one creative way to learn anatomy." As he reaches across the table to hold her hand, YN moves to take his hand in hers but accidentally knocks over his glass of water, spilling it all over his shirt.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” she says, jumping up.

“It’s fine,” Manny reassures her, laughing.

“I think I have an oversized tee somewhere,” she says, heading toward her bedroom. "You can change into that." Manny follows her, amused by her flustered energy. While YN rummages through her dresser, she waves toward the closet. “Feel free to look in there if you want to see if anything works for you.”

As she’s searching, Manny calls out, “Hey, I didn’t know you were a cardigan person! This one’s really comfy!” She turns to see him standing shirtless, wearing an old burgundy cardigan that’s clearly a size too big for her. Manny’s grinning, doing a little spin. “Wow, it even fits me!”

YN stares for a moment before rushing over. “Oh no, Manny, not that one. You shouldn’t wear that.”

Feigning offense, he asks, “What, does it look bad on me?”

She sighs, sitting on the edge of her bed. “It’s not that… It was my ex-boyfriend’s. I forgot I even had it.” Manny immediately softens, sitting beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Want to talk about it?”

She hesitates, then begins to open up. “His name was Jack Griffin. We worked at the same school in Toledo. I taught biology, and he taught AP Bio. He was brash, cynical… and, well, magnetic. It was one of those fiery, all-consuming relationships, but it just wasn’t healthy. He was too controlling, too cynical about everything, and he wanted to move faster than I was ready for. I had to end it. He tried to play it off like it was mutual so he could save face, but…” Her voice trails off, and she shakes her head, embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m saying way too much.”

Manny rubs her shoulder gently. “It’s okay. I’m glad you’re comfortable enough to tell me. That stuff’s important.” He stands up and removes the cardigan, setting it aside. Spotting an oversized tee with a Paddy’s Pub logo, he grins. “This will do nicely.” He pulls it on and stretches his hand out to her. “How about we go finish dinner and watch a movie? Your choice.”

She takes his hand and kisses it softly. “Thank you for being so perfect.” The night ends with the two of them cuddled on her couch, accidentally falling asleep while watching Wallace and Gromit. Plates of half-eaten dessert and a shared blanket are the only witnesses to their growing bond.

[oscars-wifeyyy]

Dinner with Manny

(MASTERLIST FOR THIS STORY)

Lina was greeting all her students in her classroom, but she took her phone out when she felt her Apple watch vibrate. When she looked down, she saw a text from Manny telling her good morning and that he hoped that she had a good day today, then another text from Janine letting her know that her presentation for Jacob was coming for an ASL interpreter to come in and help the student out. She smiled and quickly responded to both texts before putting her phone away and focused on teaching. Her students were paying attention today, filling her with joy as she took in their faces.

It was recess, and Lina went to the gym/lunch area to oversee the students and see Barbara and Melissa together at the center. She approached them but stopped when she saw Tariq walk into the room.

“What is Tariq doing here?” Lina asked as she stared at her friend’s ex-boyfriend wave at Barbara.

“I forgot to mention that Tariq is now the father of one of the students in my class,” Barbara said.

“Janine was pregnant?” Lina asked.

“I got so good at ignoring Janine that I never noticed she was pregnant,” Melissa continued scrolling through her phone.

“That child does not have a child. Tariq is just dating the student’s mother,” Barbara looked at both of the women.

“He’s not a father. He’s just a male figure in that child’s life until he leaves,” Lina shrugged, “There is a difference between a father, male figure, and dad,”

“Amen to that, sister,” Melissa said.

“Hey, Mrs. Howard. Hey, mean Italian lady. Hey, Lina,” Tariq smiled as he approached the trio.

“Tariq, you cannot keep showing up here unannounced,” Barbara said.

“Ok, but it’s an emergency. I accidentally took TJ’s lunch and gave him mine, so I’mma just switch these out real quick,” Tariq placed the brown bag on the table in front of a student and grabbed the Lunchable out of the kid’s hands, “Thank you. And I’m out of your hair,” 

“That is a lunchable,” Barbara pointed out.

“And it is delicious,” Tariq said, “Alright, have a good day, Junior,”

“You’re not my dad!” The little boy said.

“That boy is hilarious, and he gets that from me. Bye, y’all,” Tariq ate the lunchable.

Lina rolled her eyes and stood around the gym until it was time for her to take her kids back to class. Then, she took her phone out to see Manny, who had texted her again, so she continued texting him with a smile on her face.

“Who’s got you all smitten there?” Melissa asked with a smirk.

“Nobody,” Lina pulled her face together with a stoic look again.

“Bull. I saw you smiling at your face and texting someone,” Melissa said.

“Ok, I’m texting Manny,” Lina caved.

“Manny as in the district, Manny?” Barbara asked.

Lina nodded.

“Traitor,” Melissa smirked.

“Whatever,” Lina softly smirked and chuckled.

It was the end of school, and Lina was high-fiving her class as they left to their parents, so she quickly cleaned up her class when Jacob popped into her class.

“Hey, wanna go to Ruben’s with Janine and me?” Jacob asked.

“I can’t. I got like two classes at school tonight,” Lina said.

Jacob nodded and bid his byes before walking out,, so Lina quickly grabbed her belongings and left the school. She jumped into her car and began her way to school. Manny called her as she parked in the parking lot.

“Hey, you,” Lina said as she gathered her school bag.

“Hey, you,” Manny’s voice rang through her phone, “how was your day?”

“It was good. My students were angels today, and I’m at school to go to my two classes tonight, so it’s an overall good but busy day,”

“That’s good. What time does your classes end?” Manny asked.

“It ends around 8ish,” Lina responded as she stopped at the door of her class.

“Ok. Would you be interested in grabbing some dinner with me? Nothing too fancy or anything,” Manny’s nervous voice rang.

“Yeah, sure. What are you thinking?” Lina asked, “Because. I’m not gonna lie. I got some food at home that I can cook up for both of us,”

“That doesn’t sound fair. I’m the one that invited you out,” Manny protested.

“It’s ok. I love cooking,”

“That's okay if you insist. Text me your address, and I’ll see you at 8:30, " Manny said.

“Yeah, see you,” Lina grinned before hanging up and skipping into her class.

Hours seemed to be passing slowly as she looked at the clock, anticipating it would be over so she could head home and look presentable for her guests. Time had finally caught up, and she went to her place at 8:15. She rushed inside and into the shower. When she got out, her phone read 8:25, so she ran to her closet, grabbed a lounge dress that hugged her figure in the right places, and put on her slippers.

When she was fully ready, she heard a knock on the door. She rushed to the door and opened it to see Manny in a nice short-sleeve button-up shirt, dark pants, and Jordan 1ss.

“Hey! I was just about to grab all the ingredients from the fridge,” Lina smiled, letting him in.

“Great! What are we making?” Manny asked.

“We?” Lina asked.

“Yeah. I figured we could cook together, seeing as though I'm the one who asked you to dinner again,” Manny stated.

“Ok. We are doing something different. We’re gonna be eating some Korean barbecue,” Lina smiled, “I already had the meat marinating as well as prepped the side dishes and everything,”

“I never had Korean barbecue,” Manny said, “Also, I never said it, but you look absolutely stunning tonight,”

“It’s only a lounge dress,” Lina blushed.

Their night was deemed successful, and Lina blushed furiously at the end. However, nothing more had happened, and Manny was out the door by 10:30. This left Lina confused about whether it was a date or not, so she deemed it just a dinner with a friend.

The next day, the school day came and went, and Lina was grateful that it was over because it had been stressful for her. It had looked up when she saw a text from Manny informing her that Janine, him, and Simon were going out for drinks later. She asked if she wanted to go. She responded with a yes and packed her bag to head home and get ready to leave again. When she was done, Manny texted her that they were on their way, so she smiled and ran out the door.

“Manny, who are we waiting for?” Janine asked when she noticed Manny kept looking at the door.

“Oh, we’re waiting for Lina,” Manny said.

“Oh! Are you guys like a thing?” Janine asked.

“Maybe. At least I want it to be,” Manny blushed.

At that moment, Lina walked in and caught Manny’s eye, putting him in a trance. She wore flare jeans, a crop top with a black blazer, and some booties. When she got to the table, Manny stood up.

“Want to get a drink?” Manny asked.

“Yeah, sure,” Lina grinned.

The two started walking to the bar, with Manny’s hand on the small of her back, which made her blush. When they got to the bar, the bartender immediately approached them.

“Can I get a tequila pineapple?” Lina asked. The bartender nodded and looked toward Manny. He shook his head and gave him his card. “Why’d you do that? I could’ve got it,”

“What? And let a beautiful girl get her own drink with her own money? Nah, my mom raised me better than that,” Manny grinned.

“Well, your mom sounds like a great woman. I remember you telling me that she was a teacher and all the struggles she went through, especially with being a single mom,” Lina said, “I hope I get to meet her some day,”

“Yeah?” Manny smiled, “Maybe that will happen. I was wondering, would you maybe wanna go on an actual date with me?”

Lina looked at him with a dumbfounded look, “Really? Me?”

“Yeah, who else,” Manny looked around jokingly.

“Yeah, of course,” Lina grinned as the bartender set her drink down, and the two joined Simon and Janine at the table.

When they slid into the same side of the booth, Manny casually threw an arm to rest on the headboard behind her and secretly played with her hair. The table cheered to celebrate Janine’s win in getting Jacob an ASL translator, and they all had a fun time afterward. 

[multifandomfix]

Imagine being a new teacher who’s openly flirty with Barbara Howard.

It was the start of your second month teaching at Abbott and you greeted everyone in the staff room at lunch, giving a special little wave to Barbara. It was clear to everyone that your eyes were only on her. She smiled at you and you sat down at the open seat across from Janine.

“Come on, Barb, you can’t tell me that wasn’t flirting,” Melissa whispered to her best friend, though not quite quietly enough, as you heard every word.

“It was not,” Barb denied.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Melissa conceded, not wanting to have the same argument yet again. To Melissa, and almost everyone else, it was obvious you had the hots for Barb.

Melissa stopped you after lunch, the room having just cleared out. “Hey, newbie, you’re into Barb, right?”

“I—” you started to deny, but if you’d learned anything since being here, it was that you couldn’t get anything past Melissa. “Is it really that obvious?”

“To everyone but her. You want an in? You’re going to have to be a lot more direct.”

For @zalera8310

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @ghostsunderstoodmysoul, @immyowndefender, @valencethefriendlychangeling, @crimsonwidow666, @rebelbossheart, @thedailyspiritualist, @orangeisnttheonlyfruit, @woman-simp, @aperol-with-izzy, @leonoralessoem, @ellepossum69, @devotedlyscentedtocomedians, @lakita-fisher

[multimilfs]

Melissa Schemmenti x Fem!Reader: No Kiss For Cupid

Summary: Melissa Schemmenti + 15 - “Hi, I’ve been subtle at hinting that I want your attention all day and you haven’t noticed once and now I’m pissed.”

AO3

A/N: This request was from back when I did the grumpy affectionate prompts. I totally forgot about this one, I'm so sorry!! But I'm making it right, now! I hope you enjoy!

Prompt comes from this!

Tag List: @escapetodreamworld @multifandomfix @ghostsunderstoodmysoul @merci-bitch @carolncwman

Warning(s): None

“Janine,” You whisper, “This is an awful idea.” 

“There’s nothing awful about love!” Janine whispers back. 

You don’t know how she roped you into this, honestly. One minute you’re both discussing your plans—or lack thereof—for Valentine’s day and the next, well, you’re here; sneaking through Abbott’s halls at 3am, arms full of pink and red decorations to play Valentine’s fairy. 

Cupid! Janine had said tersely when you called yourself that, but Cupid was the last thing you were going to play. You had no interest in shooting someone, even if it was with an arrow of love or whatever. It doesn’t matter what it is, a weapon is a weapon, and you work in a public school—the two don’t mix. 

“Someone is going to catch us and we’re probably going to get in trouble for being here.” You say.

“Yeah, right. Who else would be here this early?” 

A third voice says behind you both, “Someone who knows how to whisper.” 

Janine shrieks and drops her box of decorations. You drop yours too, but not before grabbing something to defend yourself with; a styrofoam arrow with a heart on the end, much to your dismay. 

Turning on your heel and brandishing your styrofoam weapon brings you face-to-face with Mr. Johnson. He’s looking pleased with himself, hands folded behind his back. 

You groan, “Mr. Johnson, for real? You could have killed me.” 

“Less mess than whatever you’re planning.” He shrugs. 

“These are decorations, not trash.” Janine pipes up. 

“Looks like trash to me.” 

Janine looks to you for help, but you just shrug. He isn’t exactly wrong. Janine managed to recycle her decorations from last year, including the dusty crepe paper she had hanging from the ceiling for a little too long. It should be trash. 

She throws her hands up and then crosses her arms. You smile sympathetically. Janine is your friend, and you admire her ability to get the most out of everything, but the early hour has affected your patience. 

“I just want to do something nice for everyone.” She says. 

You sigh, “I know, I’m sorry.” 

Even Mr. Johnson looks a little apologetic. 

“We’ll try not to make too much of a mess, Mr. J,” You smile, “Promise.” 

He shakes his head and walks off, grumbling about how there will be a mess anyway. It speaks volumes that he’s letting it happen. You won’t let yourself take it for granted. 

You nudge Janine, “Come on, we’re wasting time.”

The both of you pick up your boxes and head in the direction of her classroom. There’s a little more pep in her step now, making you release a relieved sigh. 

—

You haven’t exactly been honest with Janine. 

You do have plans for Valentine’s day, but she had seemed so in the dumps when asking that you hadn’t wanted to upset her more. It’s how she roped you into the decorations; she didn’t want anyone else to feel left behind in all of the festivities. Janine was so kind it could make you tear up. 

But the week before you asked a certain redhead to be your Valentine. It wasn’t often Melissa Schemmenti got shy, but at dinner you surprised her with flowers and a cheesy one-liner, and you bagged yourself the most beautiful Valentine Philadelphia had to offer. 

Now, though, running on significantly less sleep than you wanted, you’re wondering if you should have just told Janine the truth. 

Pouring yourself an extra large mug of the burnt teachers-lounge coffee helps. It warms you up from the inside, you only hope the caffeine will kick in before your class. Sometimes your students are tired enough to fall asleep at their desks, one of you needs to be awake and alert. 

You turn and lean against the counter when Melissa walks in. 

Behind your mug, you offer up a smile reserved only for her. She returns it before letting her face drop when a few other teachers walk in. Barbara is one of them. She sits down in her usual chair looking so perfectly put-together it almost makes you envious. 

When Melissa brushes against you to grab some coffee, though, it’s all forgotten. You prop one hand on the counter next to her own, wiggling your fingers; a silent request for Melissa to hold your hand for just a moment. She must be really tired though because it never comes. 

You hide your scowl when she turns and plops down next to Barbara in comfortable silence. 

— 

“Hey, don’t you have lunch duty today?” You ask, tilting your head at finding her in her classroom. 

She puts a finger to her lips and motions silently to her rug, where a couple of her students are either napping or reading silently. You offer a small wave to the ones who look up. You crouch next to Melissa where she sits at her desk.

Melissa’s voice is soft, “Traded with Barb. I’m a little out of it today.” 

“Everything alright?” 

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just had my sleep interrupted when someone texted me at 4am.” 

You wince, “I did tell you to put your phone on silent…” 

“What were you even doing up that early?” She raises her brows. 

“Janine and I were coming in to put the decorations up.” 

Melissa nods, but looks a little confused. Between working so much and your conversation with Janine, you must have forgotten to fill her in. Oops. 

Careful to make sure the action is blocked by her desk, you put your hand on her knee. She doesn’t blink or acknowledge the action. You frown. Your text message must have really messed with her sleep. Guilt floods you. 

“I’ll explain later,” You promise, “Tonight, maybe?” 

She smiles in her fond way, “Tonight.” 

You stand up and try to ignore the pain in your knees. Offering her a wink and her students a smile, you walk—limp—back to your classroom. 

—

It’s your class’ turn for gym class when you pass by Melissa in the hall. She’s bringing her class back, walking in the opposite direction as you. The kids are out of breath, practically bouncing in their single-file line. Once upon a time you would have expected the kids to come back from gym tired; that was before you knew better. 

Melissa is joking around with Mya and one of her other students when she catches sight of you. You wink and she grins, nodding in your direction. 

You fold your fingers into your palm as you approach, with the exception of your pinky. It’s something you pulled from Bridgerton when you forced Melissa to watch it with you; her compliance with it is begrudging, as she refuses to let you pick shows to watch anymore. But it comes in handy to show a little affection without alerting anyone else. 

You pass, pinky out, but her’s never makes contact. 

It takes all your willpower not to stop in your tracks. Somehow, Melissa has managed to miss every indication of wanting touch you’ve shown. She’s usually just as eager to return it. 

Before you can think on it too hard, you’re rounding the corner to the gym, just barely stopping your students from breaking their line and rushing inside. 

—

Knock, knock, knock 

At the third knock, you glance up. Melissa walks in and closes the door behind her. She’s bundled up in her coat and green scarf, bag slung over her shoulder. 

“Hi.” You smile 

“Hey yourself, hon. You almost ready?” 

“Almost…” 

Melissa raises a brow. 

“I've been subtle at hinting that I want your attention all day and you haven’t noticed once,” You say, leaning back and crossing your arms. Jokingly, you add, “and now I’m pissed.” 

“Oh, I’ve noticed.” Melissa says. 

Her smile is downright evil. It’s the one she reserves for home, when she’s intent on getting you worked up, or worse, when she can tell you’re already worked up. 

The reaction in your body is immediate. You shift a little in your desk chair, licking your lips as she approaches, but she doesn’t do anything to invade your space. She stays standing tall. It’s almost more delicious in the way she looks down at you. 

“You just have to use your words, honey.” 

You swallow. Your mouth is suddenly dry. 

“Melissa…” You start. She waits, “Please, kiss me?” 

She does lean into your space this time. Her perfume fills your head, but you can’t look away from her lips. Somehow her lipstick has stayed in place all day long. You want nothing more than to smudge it, to wear it yourself. 

Melissa leans closer. There’s a breath between you when your eyes flutter shut. 

You’re stunned when she kisses your cheek instead. 

“Time to go.” 

Melissa’s grinning over her shoulder when you open your eyes, opening the door and disappearing through it. It takes you a few moments before your brain catches up. When it does, you hastily throw everything in your bag, and run after her.

[itsmarsss]

Abbott Elementary Masterlist

Gregory Eddie x Reader

laying it on heavy [coming]

empty for now! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Requests for this fandom are open! Request away :)

[honeysorwell]

all of it (all of you) 

Pairing: Melissa Schemmenti x fem!Reader

Prompt by anon + Idea for reader's nationality by anon

Synopsis: After more than 10 years with the same hairdresser, Melissa Schemmenti must change salons.

Tag list: (Since this is my first time writing for this character, I thought it best not to tag anyone. So if you want to be tagged just let me know.)

Warning: MELISSA AND Y/N ARE MAaaaD *in Ava's voice*

Words: 4k

Synopsis of the story + Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10

Enjoy!

Link on AO3

Chapter 1 - Changes

Barbara Howard's friendship had a transformative impact on Melissa Schemmenti's personal life from the beginning.

The religious woman's friendship at the beginning of the redhead's career made the Italian woman rethink many things about herself. Regardless of their moral differences, how their individual relationships with religion are almost opposite, or even their small disagreements, one thing right at the beginning turned Melissa's world upside down.

The once chaotic and disorganized woman discovered the calming practicality of being hostage to well-established standards with a Christmas gift from her black coworker in her second year working at Abbott Elementary.

A schedule with a small calendar.

The year she received that gift, the redhead was furious with what was left written between the lines.

Disorganization.

After all, Melissa had absolutely everything under control.

She always had.

In her own way.

And Melissa also thought it was stupid to waste precious time that could be spent working by just planning to work, but after a terribly inconsistent semester (with more art, music and physical education teachers being fired than she can count on one hand), the redhead decided to give it a try.

So, 22 years ago Melissa started to use a schedule and a calendar every year faithfully and never looked back.

As she got older, the certainty of her upcoming appointments and how easy was to change what was needed on that sheet of paper to make better use of her time kept Melissa calm even during all the chaos that continued to live in her head and in her classroom every day. But everything changed when the spaces on pages that were reserved especially for her monthly visits to her family's hairdresser were now blank.

Rationally, the redhead knew that the hairdresser who had taken care of her grandmother's hair for the last twenty years of her life, two of her aunts out of town, washed and cared for her mother's hair every week, and three of her sisters periodically couldn't last long. But Melissa couldn't help but feel fooled and betrayed when Andrea Rossi announced her retirement.

The redhead hadn't been Andrea's client for her entire life, after all, the older hairdresser's regular clients had always been her priority. However, Melissa began to be part of the select group of Schemmenti women helped by Andrea when her former hairdresser (the one who had a Greek accent and many opinions that she hated but didn't discuss because he was her brother-in-law's friend), decided to call her Melinda, even after having her as a client for over three years.

Melinda.

Even though it was seventeen years ago, Barb still remembers the angry redheaded hurricane that entered the teachers’ lounge that week and still manages to make jokes about it whenever she gets the chance.

Monthly visits to the older woman had started with a simple hair color, but unlike her old hairdresser, Andrea had become much more than that for Melissa.

It was a ritual, a moment of care that for a long time brought her joy and confidence. It was talking animatedly with an Italian woman who showed her affection and care, something neither of them would admit out loud but was lacking in the Schemmenti family when it came to recognizing Melissa’s efforts and personal victories.

And now it was over.

“Ragazza (girl), don’t be like that… I’m old now, my hands hurt more than I can handle after a busy weekend,” Andrea tried to justify, stroking Melissa’s head with a tender smile as she finished coloring her hair that day, but which did not hide the weight of the decision.

“And what am I going to do now? Let the gray hair give me another 30 years in less than 6 months?”

“Don’t be silly! I’ve already transferred all my clients to hairdressers that I trust. You included! So stop it now!”

“I don’t want someone new.” Turning uncertainty into resistance is like armor for the redhead, even though she knows she has no choice, her brain still tries to break the meaning of Andrea’s retirement, “It’s going to mess up my entire schedule, Andrea! Two classes and now with you gone? I almost went crazy with the first semester of the year alone, now I know I’ll as soon as classes start after winter break!”

“I know that, Melissa. That’s why I talked to the hairdressers I know, and the best choice for you is Y/N, my last trainee. She’s great, hard-working, very talented and was willing to easily change her own clients’ schedule to see you at the same time I see you every month, she also works just five minutes away from here. You’ll like her.”

“But I don’t know her.” Even though she didn’t admit it, the idea of ​​a stranger touching her hair disturbed Melissa deeply, and the murmur that left her mouth made a point of emphasizing this.

The change came too quickly, and with it, a wave of anxiety took over Melissa's heart. This feeling was temporarily drowned out by her more than exhausting end-of-year routine. She was the hostess of the Schemmenti family's Thanksgiving dinner, and this, along with the end of the year, drained her ability to think about her other problems. But when the following month arrived, and along with the return to school after winter break, her colorless hair also started to show again, so Melissa swallowed her pride and went to the salon that Andrea had recommended to her.

Riverfront Roots.

The name was silly, a clear reference to the Delaware River that Melissa preferred not to think about too much as she looked at the large letters printed on the facade of the place. As soon as she entered the new salon, the smell of hair products and the sound of blow dryers buzzing caught her attention. The place was modern and well-decorated, but Melissa couldn't feel completely at ease. The smell was different, the decor was different, the voices were different, and the redhead hated each of these things.

She wasn't so reluctant to little changes in her daily life, but that week was so exhausting. The two classes together made a point of actively getting on her nerves, Gary also changed some of the lemonade brands in the vending machine and none of the new ones lived up to the taste of the old ones. The man made a point of telling the redhead that it wasn't done on purpose, thanks to the end of their relationship, and she genuinely believed him, but even so, such a change in such a tiring week only made the teacher's discomfort that Saturday morning turn into a gratuitous and deep antipathy towards the new place.

The woman of Italian descent approached the counter, where a receptionist graced her with a friendly smile.

"Hello, how can I help you today?", was the question that greeted Melissa, with a kindness that, in the redhead's mind, was completely unnecessary.

The teacher hesitated for a moment before answering sharply, ignoring the hello offered to her.

"Schemmenti. Melissa Schemmenti, please. I have a coloring booked here. A recommendation from Andrea Rossi." While the receptionist checked her information, Melissa looked around, trying to get used to the new habitat, but she barely had time to do so because, in less than thirty seconds, the receptionist escorted Melissa to a chair in front of one of the largest mirrors in the salon.

The chair that was chosen for the redhead was a little isolated from the other people present, who were laughing and talking without worrying about the noise, but if the redhead was being honest with herself, she actually preferred it that way.

“Hello, Melissa. My name is Y/N and it’s wonderful to meet you. I hope you fell welcome and comfortable here with me. Andrea has told me wonderful things about you and I have her notes in my hand to make sure you leave here satisfied.”, a younger woman with a thick accent appeared out of nowhere, vomiting the words at Melissa with a smile and a sweet voice that were already starting to give the redhead a headache.

The speech seemed rehearsed, still genuine, but her voice seemed too practiced to instill comfort in the redhead. And if that wasn't enough, the younger woman was enthusiastically waving a note in her hand like a triumph, making Melissa even more insecure about Y/N's talent than she already was.

The teacher knows she's not an idiot but… This hairdresser wasn't even thirty years old. This Y/N was clearly in her early twenties, with rich hair and a quick smile that probably lit up the room more than those stupid ringlights that surrounded the chairs in that place.

Not to mention that she was beautiful. Very beautiful.

A part of Melissa, hyper-aware of her own age, felt the bitter taste of envy take over her tongue as she looked at the younger woman's reflection in the mirror in front of her, but another part, even more recklessly, awakened a dormant desire in her mind.

However, even with that spark hidden behind Melissa's eyes, their initial interaction couldn't have been worse.

Y/N seemed excited, first asking Melissa for permission to touch her hair – something the redhead almost said no to, just to see if that smile would die on her lips – but quickly the hairdresser started discussing ideas for Melissa's hair, something that forced the redhead's voice to sound cutting:

"I just dyed my hair red for years.", Melissa made sure her voice sounded as sharp as she intended, "Get those ideas out of ya head and just do what Andrea used to."

The lack of niceness caused Y/N to feel strange, but the hairdresser tried to remain calm despite the discomfort.

New clients were always a little insecure, so the Brazilian woman would just prove to the one in front of her that she had talent.

Y/N always had magical hands. When she was still a girl, on the hot afternoons in her hometown, she would have fun braiding the hair of her school friends. Long locks of hair shiny thanks to the summer sun and strands yellowed by the chemicals of several women in the city often passed through Y/N's hands as if she were an artist molding a sculpture.

Her friends loved the hairstyles she did. At first, they were not at all sophisticated due to her young age, but they were done with so much love and dedication that they always seemed to transform any hair into something unique. For Y/N, it was more than just fun.

It was a passion.

When she reached her teen years, that passion became something more serious. Y/N was not satisfied with just doing the hair of her friends and family. The Brazilian woman wanted to learn, she wanted to master the art of transforming people's hair into something even more special.

That's why when she graduated from high school, Y/N started studying, and within a few months, she was already working professionally at a salon in her city. It didn't take long for her to be recognized for the quality of her work. Her skill with scissors and dye made her quickly stand out among other professionals. She knew what she was doing, she knew how to transform people into more beautiful versions of themselves, she knew what her clients wanted and, most importantly, she knew how to make them feel good.

Little by little, Y/N began to stand out even more and her life began to change.

She knew that her talent could not be limited, and so, when some close friends who had already moved to the United States began to encourage her to try her luck in Philadelphia, Y/N was scared at first. But if the chance to start over in another country meant more opportunities, she couldn't let this pass, even if the exciting idea had the power to scare her. But even though she was frightened, she was soon embarking on a new chapter in her life in a plane.

It was hard to save money for the travel, it was hard to get all the necessary documents to enter the USA legally, it was hard to leave loyal clients behind, and it was even harder to leave her country and its traditions. But the youthfulness of her soul and the hope of a new life embraced her heart and the hairdresser decided to give herself this chance.

Wen she arrived in Philadelphia, Y/N felt, at the same time, small and full of possibilities. The city was big, the competition was powerful, and she was seen as just another foolish immigrant.

But she was determined.

The Brazilian woman knew that her skill could be the key to a promising future. She just didn’t expect that her future would be shaped by Andrea Rossi, an older and more experienced Italian hairdresser who worked at a well-known salon nearby.

The story happened by chance. One of Andrea’s regular clients mentioned that her son had gotten a haircut from a really new Brazilian hairdresser.

“It was something very different… Like those stupid things we see on TikTok, but it was exactly what James wanted, and we had never found anyone willing to do it. What this young woman did perfectly and without thinking twice, and my son loved it!”, the woman commented in admiration before giving the older woman an idea, “You should meet her!”

Andrea was curious and, figuring she had nothing to lose, asked for more information about the Brazilian woman. The client was enthusiastic and told the Italian one everything she knew and, even though she was skeptical, Andrea let her curiosity get the best of her and decided to see it for herself.

The next day, she went to the salon where Y/N was working and, observing closely, immediately noticed the young woman’s skill. The Brazilian woman had the touch of someone who knew what she was doing, an eye for beauty trends, and the needs of her clients, but she also had more than that.

Y/N had a natural connection with people, a charisma that, combined with her smile and strong accent, made any client feel at ease, and Andrea saw that.

So the Italian woman wasted no time. She called Y/N for a chat at the end of her shift and, soon, took her on as her last pupil before announcing her retirement.

Normally, hearing Andrea Rissi's name made Y/N happy. All the advice, recommendations, affection, and wisdom shared by the older woman were a pleasant memory for the Brazilian woman.

But there, while she tried in vain to be nice to what was Andrea's transfer, having her work compared to the older woman's began to annoy her.

First, the owner of those pretty green eyes began to verbalize her dissatisfaction with the work tools Y/N used, telling her how much she preferred Andrea's work tools, which were always on display for her clients to see. Then the redhead started rolling her eyes at Y/N's coworkers, who, since they had no clients, were chatting spiritedly while planning to get their nails done at the end of the day, muttering how much she would appreciate some peace and quiet.

But the first sign Y/N gave that she was definitely not the type of person who would just ignore or shrink from Melissa's bad mood was when the redhead made a point of directly comparing her work to Andrea's before Y/N even started dyeing her hair.

"Andrea, don't part my hair like that. You'll leave my hair full of spots!"

Trying to preserve the good mood she had woken up in that morning, the hairdresser chose to be sneaky and ironic. Y/N looked around theatrically and curiously, as if she was searching for something important, and Melissa, unable to contain her fear and confusion, made her voice present.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just looking for Andrea Rossi since you want to talk about her so badly.”

Receiving only silence as an answer, and thinking that the unhappy attitude of that client was over, the hairdresser continues her journey. Y/N measures the dye with all the care in the world, making sure to double-check on the scale in front of her that the weight is correct when compared to what Andrea gave her over the phone before applying the dye accurately, fearing giving Melissa another reason to complain. The Brazilian woman divides Melissa’s hair locks with the focus of a professional with much more experience, doing everything she can to not lose a single gray hair, and when she goes to wash it, she does so with a gentleness that surprises Melissa.

But the teacher doesn’t want to admit it, so she continues to stare sullenly at the mirror, even while Y/N gently untangles her wet hair.

When the redhead’s hair is nice and completely ready to be dried, Y/N looks at her hair curiously before turning once more to Melissa’s reflection in the mirror.

“I usually do this before dyeing, but what do you think about maybe cutting a few inches? The ends are starting to lose their shape.”

“I don’t want to cut anything.”, the words are said low enough for no one but the hairdresser to hear but Y/N, but with a hint of anger that surprised the young woman, “And stop talking, your voice is too annoying for the kind of mediocre work ya deliver, kid.”

It was insensitive. Even to Melissa.

The redhead knows that Andrea would never send her to a bad hairdresser. She knows she is being harsh and critical to someone who gave her no reason to do so, but before she realizes it the words have already escaped her mouth.

But the teacher simply has no idea what was coming.

The hairdresser’s eyes widened, large pupils full of rage meeting the teacher’s gaze through the mirror, shocked by the words said by Melissa. And, before Melissa's mind can even work on instigating any remorseful reflexes, Y/N grabs a large chunk of hair from the redhead's bangs and takes a pair of scissors out of her pocket with her free hand, quickly placing them right on Melissa's forehead, exactly where her hair grows, like a more than concrete threat.

“Listen to me Philadelphia's beauty, I don't know what kind of hairdresser you expected when Andrea transferred you to me but as long as you sit in my chair you will respect my work and listen to my fucking suggestions.”, it is said as a whisper, but the hairdresser's anger and her thick accent along with the slight pull she gives the redhead's hair make the whole interaction sound indescribably scary, even to Melissa, “I've been nothing but polite and respectful to you, but I'm starting to regret accepting someone so unfortunate in my char that they think they can criticize my work without even knowing me.”

There, locking eyes with Y/N ​​in the salon mirror, Melissa understood how much she had crossed the line.

Melissa took a deep breath, filled with adrenaline at the thought of losing the top part of her hair, before nodding her head, causing Y/N to put down the scissors and let go of her bangs as she returned to work normally.

And then silence.

Dead silence.

The silence between the two women was so thick that it seemed to fill every corner of the room, making the sound of the dryer and the conversations around them sound muffled and filling the air with a corrosive feeling.

The scene from minutes ago was still boiling in Melissa's mind, repeating itself like a scratched record. Now, as if Melissa had finally come to her senses, the redhead wanted to disappear. She wanted to jump out of the chair and run away from the mirror which reflected her own guilt and shame. But she couldn't. Her anxiety combined with the idea of ​​leaving now, before the end of her service (something that could be even more disrespectful than her words), did a magnificent job holding her body in place, like an invisible chain that kept her feet on the floor and her mouth gagged.

With her fingers drumming on her apron-covered leg as the Brazilian woman prepared to style her hair, the teacher wanted to believe that it hadn't been so bad, that maybe Y/N had already forgotten what was said. But she knew that wasn't true. The weight of the moment still hung between them, thick and uncomfortable.

Y/N doesn't cut her hair or even mention the idea once again. The hairdresser just dries her red hair perfectly, but now with a serious gaze and a hurt look on her face. The Brazilian woman vehemently ignores Melissa's green eyes throughout the entire process, and the teacher stupidly decides too late that she prefers the incessant smile that remained on the hairdresser's lips minutes ago.

Melissa thought about apologizing, but the idea of ​​speaking made her breathing quick and shallow, along with the fear of seeming too desperate.

It was then that her eyes fell on the small ceramic jar in the corner of the counter next to her chair. It was decorated with hand-painted flowers and had, in crooked but legible letters, the words: "Tips for Y/N" next to a QR code. Even with the virtual possibility of compensation, the jar was open and with a significant amount of dollars, coins, and two lollipops, which Melissa just knew had been left there by a child.

And so, an idea formed, hesitant but clear in the teacher's mind.

A good tip seemed perfect, silent, indirect, but still meaningful. As the minutes passed, anxiety whispered again in Melissa's mind, wondering if Y/N would believe that she was doing this because of the guilt she felt at that very moment and not because of the regret that was now eating her mind. But the alternative of doing nothing was simply unbearable for Melissa.

The redhead knew she couldn't leave without at least trying, even if in her own way, to make amends.

When Y/N finished applying a light-smelling oil to the teacher's hair and walked away, silently letting her know that her work was done, Melissa tried to meet the hairdresser's eyes and give her a small smile, which she knew would be nervous, but which could give her an idea of ​​what was going on in Y/N's head.

But Y/N didn't look at Melissa.

When Melissa got up from the salon chair, her racing heart didn't stop her from taking two generous bills from her wallet — much more than she would usually give for just an appointment to dye her hair— and walking over to the pot. Her fingers were shaking slightly, but before anything could be done, she was interrupted:

“I don’t want your tip.” Before the two hundred dollars could enter the ceramic pot with the Brazilian’s name written on it, Y/N placed her own hand over the top to the object, successfully blocking Melissa from doing what she intended.

“M'kay. Now you’re being ridiculous!”

With those words, the hairdresser's eyes finally focus on the green ones again, still filled with an anger that Melissa rarely sees in people who have a disagreement with her (too used to the regretful and submissive ones) and the redhead was shocked by this when Y/N actively chooses to ignore her accusation by saying:

"I'm willing to give you the exact coloring mixture that Andrea developed for your hair so you can find a hairdresser who is like the silent imitation of Andrea that you are looking for.", and before the redhead even has a chance to answer her with an apology that would apparently be necessary, the hairdresser quickly collects everything that was used in the teacher's service and directs Melissa a few more words before walking away without looking back, "Call the salon when you want the measurements and the receptionist will share them with you with pleasure. Have a good rest of your day."

[jeridandridge]

On Your Side

Melissa Schemmenti x Reader based off of these prompts: “Please don’t lie to me again, I can’t take it.” And “Go with me?” “As long as you hold my hand.” Kinda ooc Melissa? BFFs Melissa and Jacob.

If Melissa had known how her week would start she would’ve stayed on the couch with you on Sunday instead of hosting family dinner. The day starts just as it always does, you curled up behind the redhead with your arm wrapped around her in a comforting hold lazily moving your fingers up and down the soft skin of her stomach.

“I have to get up, Amore.” Melissa hums through a stretch turning to face you.

Meeting green eyes and a freckle dusted nose you crane your neck kissing the tip of her nose making her smile. “You sure I can’t talk you into canceling and staying in this nice, comfy bed with me all day?”

Melissa laughs pecking your lips. “I love the sound of that. But you know how my mom is.”

As if right on cue, a knock comes from the bedroom door with a frantic Jacob on the other side.

“Mel Mel! I scrubbed the living room, dusted the plastic, and wiped down the china cabinet. We’re on schedule!”

“I do love that kid.” Melissa whispers with an adoring smile, playing with your hair as she lifts her head.

“Thanks, Jacob! I’ll be out in a minute!”

Sighing contently you close your eyes for a moment longer enjoying the warmth of the space you two share. “I suppose I’ll let you go.” You joke shifting to sit up.

“You’re comin’ back tonight right?” Melissa asks as she gets out of bed, milky skin on full display in the morning sun rays.

“Of course. Maybe I can get some lesson planning done without Venus herself distracting me for a few hours.”

“I didn’t hear you complaining last night,” the redhead tosses a wicked grin over her shoulder.

Leaving Melissa’s house with a kiss, you don’t think anything of the family get together as you get chores and work done at home. You’ve been together for about six months, but Melissa wasn’t ready to subject you to a family dinner just yet. Hours later, Melissa is baking to death in the kitchen while Jacob runs around like the energizer bunny entertaining the Schemmenti family.

“Melissa, there’s a guy here.” Jacob whips around the corner in frantic fashion.

“Yeah, my cousins and uncles are out there. Lots of guys around.”

“No, Melissa. your mother invited a guy over here. To see you.”

Melissa looks at the young teacher confused, taking the dish towel off of her shoulder as she moves through the door to the noisy dining room. The cousins are sat around munching, the uncles are yelling at their sons, and Teresa is smiling at a tall man with dark hair that Melissa hasn’t seen since her own wedding.

“Ma, you didn’t tell me to set an extra plate.” She huffs over the noise. “Hey, Nathan. Good to see ya.”

“Hey, Mel. I didn’t mean to crash, your mom called me up the other day.” Nathan chuckles, a bottle of wine in hand offering it out.

“Don’t worry about it,” Melissa gives a friendly smile taking the bottle putting it with the others on the table.

As everyone settles at the table and digs into their plates, Melissa soon realizes why her mom invited an old friend over.

“Melissa, Nathan is single you know.” The older woman smiles.

“Oh yeah? Ya know, you’d like my boss at Abbott. She’s- something.” She chuckles not thinking anything of the comment until she sees Kristen Marie shoot their mother a look.

“I invited him here for you, silly.” Teresa shoots back sipping her wine.

Nathan looks confused, Melissa looks angry, and Jacob looks like he’s just seen the devil himself.

“Ma, don’t start with me.” Melissa rolls her eyes, the family now eerily quiet at the table as the redhead brushes the comment off. “Jacob, how’s the garlic bread?”

And that was the end of that. Until everyone but Teresa and Kristen Marie leave the house. Nathan left apologizing to Melissa, now the redhead has to deal with the matriarch of the family. Cleaning the table of dishes Jacob keeps his head down trying to keep his attention elsewhere as the three women stand in the kitchen.

“What the hell was that, ma?” Melissa demands crossing her arms. Had she done this as a child, she most definitely would have been swatted with the wooden spoon.

“What? I was only trying to help you, Melissa.” She shrugs continuing to wash a pan.

Kristen Marie sips more wine, eyes going back and forth between the two like watching a tennis match.

“Help me with what? Make my dinner uncomfortable for no reason?” Melissa quirks a brow not backing down.

“Is it so bad I want my daughter to settle down again?”

“Ma!” She finally snaps. “I am settled down, you know I have a girlfriend.”

“Oh Melissa, come on. When you get out of your midlife crisis you’ll want to settle down properly.”

Kristen Marie opens her mouth but before she can say anything Jacob comes into the kitchen moving to stand between Melissa and Teresa. The redhead stands in what can only be described as shock, knowing that no matter what she won’t make her mother happy.

“Alright, I know I’m not a blood relative but I consider Melissa and I friends,” he glances over his shoulder at his older mentor, “and I can’t have you disrespecting her decisions in her own house. I hate confrontation and I kinda want to puke right now but I can’t listen to it anymore.” He rambles in Jacob like fashion.

This stuns the matriarch, rendering her speechless glaring daggers at the man.

“Pipsqueak is right.” Kristen Marie cuts in. “I like the girl, she’s the only one of Melly’s conquests that can keep up with my wit.”

“Woah, maybe don’t call her a ‘conquest’ of all the titles out there.” Melissa finally speaks, giving her a thankful look only her little sister can understand.

“Well, we’ll see how long this lasts.” Teresa sighs. “Kristen Marie, let’s go.”

With a soft look from her sister and the adrenaline rushing through her veins Melissa breaks as soon as the front door closes.

“Melissa, I’m sorry if I-“ Jacob begins, only to be cut off by a hug.

“Thanks, kid.” Melissa fight back tears as her hands rest on his back in a soft hug.

Stiffening for only a moment, Jacob returns the hug with a small smile on his lips.

“Anytime, Mel Mel.”

Melissa pulls back glaring at him. “Stop callin me that. And, let’s not mention this to anyone okay?”

Smiling, Jacob nods and heads for the doorway. “You got it, Mel Mel.”

That night when you return back to Melissa’s you find yourself back in her bed like earlier that morning. tv volume on low as you run your fingers through her hair you wonder what happened at dinner. As soon as you walked into the house, Melissa was extra affectionate hardly letting you out of her sight for the rest of the evening.

Giggling when you feel soft lips against your neck you smile to yourself. “Maybe I should spend all day at my place more often if cuddly Melissa is who I get when I come back.”

“Hell no,” Melissa huffs against your neck playfully nipping.

“Oh,” you laugh tipping your head back into your pillow. “Careful, Schemmenti. You know I like that a little too much.”

“Mmmh.” She hums kissing the spot she just nipped. “I love you.”

Your stomach flips hearing her words just like it did the first time she said them. “Ti amo Tesoro.” You whisper kissing her head pulling her impossibly closer.

Monday morning comes all too fast for your liking. Years of being a teacher and it still catches you off guard, often times drinking enough caffeine to fuel a horse before eight am. That morning is no different. Sitting at your usual table with Barbara and Melissa, you sip from your mug getting a jump start on grading for the day as the others have lively conversations about their weekend.

“Mel, do you have that skill building program email on your phone still?” You lean over resting your head on her shoulder.

“Here, Amore.” She hands her phone over freely going back to papers.

Sitting up straight you find the email you need, looking at the device curiously when you see a text notification from Kristen Marie.

Im sorry about Ma. Did you tell your girl?

Schooling your features you send the email to yourself and hand the phone back.

“Did something happen to your mom?” You ask worried, not wanting to miss anything in Melissa’s life.

Melissa’s head snaps up, glasses going to the tip of her nose. “No, why ya ask?”

“Kristen Marie texted you,” you shrug. You feel bad for wanting to snoop, but the way the text was worded has you worried. “She’s okay?”

“Yeah, hon. She’s okay.” She brushes it off giving you a soft smile.

“Okay,” you let it go for now, knowing it’ll be better to bring up tonight after work.

Throughout the day the thought nags at you, sitting in the back of your mind like an annoying fly buzzing by your ear. What would Melissa have to tell you? During your prep period, you realize you can’t take it anymore. Going down to the first floor you pass Jacob in the hallway.

“Hey, did something happen yesterday at Melissa’s?” You ask him, only to shake your head and walk away when he looks like a deer caught in the headlights.

Shoes stomping down the hall you find Melissa at her desk, her kids gone for a special.

“Okay, something’s bothering me.” You admit as you close the classroom door.

Melissa sighs setting her phone down. “About the text from Kristen Marie?”

“Yes.” You nod putting your hands in your pockets. “And on the way down here I ran into Jacob. The kid looked terrified. So what happened?” You ask once again, almost annoyed now. “We said when this started we would keep no secrets.”

Melissa stands up, moving to take your hands in hers. Fingers laced together you gently squeeze hoping the tremble you feel is nothing. The redhead sighs meeting your eyes.

“Ma invited a family friend over yesterday, a guy I’ve known since middle school. She thought it was a good idea to play matchmaker.”

Hearing her explanation, you take a breath trying to gather your thoughts as you pull your hands away. “Your mom tried to get you a hookup, and you didn’t think to tell me when I came over last night? That’s why you were so touchy feely?” The realization hits you.

“Amore, I didn’t think it was important. You know how ma is.” She sighs watching you, unable to read you for once.

Running your hand through your hair you look up at the tile ceiling. You’ve been officially together for six months after a year of flirting and skirting around each other. Maybe Melissa was bored now. “I need some space to think.”

“Hon, I didn’t-“ Melissa steps forward.

“Stop. I just heard my girlfriend, who has a history of cheating by the way, was set up with a guy by her mother and she didn’t think to tell me.” You huff trying to keep yourself composed. You were still at work even if you were hurt. “I need some time, Melissa.”

She gives you a nod, mouth agape as if to say something but no words come out. She knows she fucked up. You disappear for the rest of the day, only reappearing in her line of vision when you’re walking down the hall car keys in hand after the kids have gone.

“Hon,” Melissa calls, following you out the doors.

“Melissa, I told you what I needed. Please respect it.” You all but plead with her trying to keep the interaction short and quiet.

“Will you at least text me when you get home? Please?”

“Yeah, I will.” You nod not wanting to argue any further.

Standing on the steps Melissa holds her bags watching you drive off, going the opposite direction to your apartment.

“Girl, what was that all about?” Barbara finally comes out seeing the look on her friend’s face after hanging back.

“She- I did somethin wrong, Barb, and I have to fix it.”

Barbara rests a hand on her friends arm realizing how serious this could be just by how upset she looks.

“That girl loves you. whatever it is, make it right.”

If you wanted space, that’s what Melissa will do. In the early days of your relationship you’d spend a day or two at her place, then go back home. Now she’s spoiled. She’s gotten so used to you being in the house, your coffee mug in the cabinet, toothbrush in her bathroom, and a plethora of hoodies in her closet including one draped over the back of the couch that you deemed ‘The tv watching hoodie.’

Sitting at home that night Melissa flicks through the tv channels aimlessly, only stopping when Jacob sits next to her.

“How bad was it?” He asks cautiously.

The redhead lets out a humorless laugh. “Bad enough.” She shrugs adjusting the sleeve of the hoodie she stole from you months ago.

“Maybe if you admit you thought it was for the best and explain how it went, maybe she’ll understand.”

“I sorta did, kid. Didn’t work.”

Jacob hums letting Melissa have the time she needs in comfortable silence.

“She brought up my past ya know? That hurt, that she thinks I’d ever cheat on her.” She hums.

Jacob has been roommates with the redhead for a while now, but he’s never seen her like this. Small, nervous. So unlike herself.

“You know,” he starts, “when I came out, I was already in a relationship. Having to hide it, caring about what my parents thought, it ate away at me. Having everyone at Abbott, my brother, it made all the hard times worth it.” He gently smiles. “If you want your mom to respect you, maybe it’s time you bring her around.”

Melissa signs tipping her head back. She knows he’s right. “Dammit, Jacob.” She sighs getting up, grabbing her shoes and purse. In the car she takes a breath, trying not to work herself up on the short drive to your apartment. She may or may not blow a few stop signs along the way, but she can’t wait any longer. Before she realizes it Melissa is standing in the hallway of your apartment building waiting.

Opening the door you poke your head out first before opening it all the way. “Melissa what the hell? It’s ten o’clock.”

“I know. But I need to talk to you. Please, hon.”

Reluctantly, you nod your head gesturing for her to come in. “You coulda called me you know.”

“Like you would’ve answered.” Melissa scoffs playfully setting her stuff down. You had definitely settled in for the night, take out on the counter in the kitchen and a blanket on the couch.

You shrug with a smirk. “Maybe on the 4th or 5th try.”

“I uh, I wanted to say I’m sorry. For not telling you about Nathan. He’s an old friend is all, and apparently my mother thought it was a good idea.” She explains herself. “I know keepin it from you wasn’t the right choice now. But I’d never, ever hurt you like that, Amore.” She shakes her head realizing just how small she sounds. “I did some stupid things back in the day, but not now. Never to you. You’re it for me.”

Arms crossed you stand there listening, arms falling to your sides when she finishes. You can see the tears welling in her eyes and how she’s playing with the sleeves of the Eagles hoodie she’s wearing. A tell tale sign of discomfort. Outside of her eyeliner and leather jacket, she’s vulnerable.

“Mel,” you sigh opening your arms for her. She immediately pulls you into a warm embrace, arms looped around your neck and a content sigh leaving her lips. Rubbing her back in slow circles you stay in the bubble of warmth for a moment, speaking quietly. “You know I’ll always be on your side. Please don’t lie to me again. I can’t take it.”

“Never. It did more harm than good. If my ma doesn’t like that im happy and in love, you won’t have to ever see her.” She promises squeezing you tightly. Lifting her head she seals her promise with a kiss.

A week later, you wake up on Sunday to the redhead playing with your hair.

“Go with me, test the waters?” She hums quietly.

Giving her a tired smile you lean over kissing her nose.

“Only if you hold my hand.”

[milfjuulpod]

five times melissa is possessive

content warnings: mentions of alcohol

I.

   “You get locked out of your computer again?” You asked with a smile as you entered Melissa’s classroom. She had texted you that she needed help with something, so here you were within a minute. “No, I can't find the worksheets I downloaded and I don’t even know what to search for. I’m so frustrated I wanna rip the computer off the desk and chuck it out the window,” The older teacher responded, getting out of her chair to make room for you and leaning against the desk she threatened to do damage to. 

   Sitting down, you began combing through her files in her downloads folder. You found them immediately, but didn’t wanna bruise her ego by telling her straight away. You leaned back, and a small but ornate picture frame caught your eye. Inside, it held a photo of you and Melissa, standing outside of a restaurant downtown. 

   You remembered that day like it was yesterday. It was the first time you had hung out with the redhead outside of work, the two of you arrived together meeting everyone to watch a game. 

“C’mon hon, I’ll drive you home.”

“Wait! I need a picture, of us.”

Melissa’s laugh was like music to your ears, a symphony of happiness and warmth. “A picture? For what? Proof that I didn’t kidnap ya?”

“No silly, proof that we hung out and had a good time. You know, for the memories.”

She chuckled but accepted, wrapping her arm around your waist as she pulled you in and leaned in close for the picture. 

“Perfect. I’ll send it to you.”

   “Whatcha lookin’ at over there?” Melissa’s voice pulled you from the memory. “This picture of us, cute that you have it up here,” You told her, tracing your fingers over the details on the frame. She smiled before responding, “Yeah, I like to look at it throughout the day, it reminds me that I still have good things in the world.”

II. 

     The gym was full of bustling bodies getting ready to hear the announcement Abbott’s fun-loving principal had prepared for the day. Of course right next to each other were Melissa and Barbara, but Melissa’s purse held the seat to her right. Countless times she denied teachers and staff the chair, despite how full the room was getting. She was running out of excuses at this point, even Barbara had to ask. “Who are you holding that seat for?”

     As if on cue, you finally came through the double doors. Janine waved you over to her, somehow she saved and scored seats close enough to the front, but a low voice stopped you from continuing in that direction. 

     “Hey, kid,” Melissa hollered for you and motioned you towards her. Silently, you stood for a second, torn between the better seat and Melissa. Not to mention if you ignored Janine, you’d have to spend the next week making up for it. Upsetting Melissa, you’d have to spend the next...

     Quickly you made up your mind and walked towards the redhead, and she moved her purse just in time for you to sit down. You mouthed an apology to your other friend just in time.

     “Finally, what took you so long?” Melissa asked you quietly, as Ava could now be seen on stage. 

     “Sorry, I was trying to finish up the last batch of test grading for the week.” You answered, honestly. Trying to keep your voices down, Melissa and you scooted closer together, leaning into each other’s spaces. Although, you noticed the older woman had stuck her heeled boot around the leg of your chair and you realized you couldn’t move it if you tried. 

      Despite Ava starting her announcement, Melissa kept talking to you. “It’s okay, hon. I just had to fight off a couple of vultures to keep this seat for ya.” You blushed at the idea of Melissa shooing people away from the chair you currently occupied. 

      “You didn’t have to do that, y’know. Save the seat for me and all. I’m sure I would’ve found space somewhere. But thank you.” Melissa huffed at your response and tried (barely) to not roll her eyes. “I know, but I like sitting here. I always sit here.”

      You squinted at her for a moment, trying to connect the dots between your statement and hers. What did it matter that she liked sitting here? Nonetheless, you started paying attention to whatever the principal was talking about now, in hopes that it had been enough time for her beginning rambles to have subsided. 

      As the presentation came to an end, slowly everyone shuffled out of the gym and to their respective rooms, and quietly the three of you waited in your chairs for the masses to leave. While people-watching the room, you picked up on the conversation to your left. 

     “I should’ve known,” Barbara muttered to her friend. You assumed Melissa gave her a confused look, because Barbara not-so-subtly gestured to you and your seat. Melissa just rolled her eyes once again, but turned her attention to you. Her green eyes made you feel a rush of emotions as they met your own. “Hi,” she said quietly, as if she was worried about scaring you off. “Hi,” you replied. “Ready to go?” She asked, grabbing both of your bags off the floor as the two of you stood up. 

      The walk back to everyone’s classrooms was quiet, but you didn’t miss the look Barbara gave her friend again as she made her way into her own room. “Here’s your bag, hon. I’ll see you at lunch?” Melissa asked, handing you your belongings as she leaned against the doorframe of your classroom. “Yes you will, and thank you.” You replied, trying to hide the blush with your hair as you took your bag from Melissa and finally found peace inside your own classroom. 

III. 

      You walked with your favorite redhead up and down the aisles of the grocery store, picking up ingredients for dinner tonight. After having a rough day, Melissa offered to make you dinner. You agreed, but only if she’d let you be there for every part, including the store. Usually the Italian liked keeping every part of cooking to herself, but she found herself enjoying sharing it with you. Even the mundane aspects like the grocery store were turned into such a lovely time between the two of you. 

      “I’ll go pick out the onions for the sauce, last time I left the job to someone else I regretted it. Would you mind picking out the wine hon? I’ll meet ya over there and then we can check out.” Melissa asked before leaving the aisle the two of you were in. 

      “Sure, see you over there,” You replied, and the two of you split ways momentarily. Taking your time, you slowly went down the first aisle of wines, reading each label carefully. Even though Melissa always trusted you with the wine, you were nervous every time. Down the second aisle, a gentleman approached you. 

      “Need help finding anything ma’am?” He asked. You took a step back from the wines before replying. 

      “Oh, no, thank you. My friend will be here in just a moment.” You went back to scanning the bottles, but the employee continued talking.                   

      “I see you’re looking at our Bogle merlot! You know there’s a great winery with a merlot that has a very similar palette.” 

      “That’s nice, is it close by?” You asked to be nice, but didn’t bother looking at the man. 

       “It is, I know this area very well. Grew up here my whole life.” He replied. A couple minutes passed like this, him grasping at straws to continue the conversation and you completely disinterested. Finally, you grabbed a bottle and started walking away. 

       “Y’know if that’s all you’re getting I can check you out over here!” He offered. Before you could deny him yourself, a familiar voice spoke up from behind the two of you. 

        “She’s with me actually, we were just leaving,” Melissa announced her presence and began walking towards the two of you. You hoped the employee couldn’t read her as well as you could, but based on his wide eyes, your hope fell flat. It was clear the redhead was annoyed, and annoyed at him no less. She refused to break eye contact with him, glaring the entire time. When she caught up to you, she didn’t bother slowing down as she looped her arm with yours and continued to the checkout line. 

       “Took long enough Mel,” You teased, hoping to calm her down. Her lack of response told you it didn’t work. “I’m excited for dinner tonight, and I hope you liked the wine I picked out.”

        “I’m sure I will, and I hope that guy loses his job here so he can stop preying on pretty girls that come by to get wine for their dinner plans,” She spat, but not at you. She was good at never making it at you. 

        “Oh calm down, babe. He was just doing his job,” You lied. You knew he was being a little too nice to you, but Melissa didn’t need to know those details. 

         “Well he was doing it too well for my liking.”

          “I’ll make sure to never leave your side at the grocery store again, that way if another too good employee comes by you can stop them for me,” You joked. Melissa smiled again, and it was a beautiful sight to see. 

         “Good, I don’t like getting mean in front of ya.”

           “Yes, you do!” You laughed. Melissa loved getting an attitude in front of you. She knew you liked it just as much as she did. 

          “Yeah, I guess I do.”

IV. 

     Melissa knew she had a jealous streak, and when it came to you, a possessive streak as well. Most of the time neither of you minded, it made you feel special and the redhead feel wanted. Occasionally, Melissa had a hard time containing her emotions, especially the feelings she has towards you. She hated when those came to the surface. 

      So she sat, filled with jealousy and self-pity, as she watched you ignore her existence throughout the entire lunch period. Usually, you sat right next to her, she could talk about her morning and you would listen, occasionally offer advice. She loved getting to hear your version of your morning, since it was usually very dramatic and made her giggle, always. 

     Not today, though. Today, you were too occupied with the new librarian. Instead of listening to Melissa rambling, you were listening to him. She knew you didn’t like men very much, but it didn’t matter. The fact that you didn’t even greet her and there was only ten minutes left of lunch was enough to ruin her mood. Before the bell rang, Melissa sighed and packed up her things as quickly as she could. She said goodbye to Barbara, but not to you. If you weren’t going to say hello, she wasn’t going to say goodbye. She did, however, give you a dirty look at the last second before the door shut behind her. 

     You froze, it had been a long, long time since Melissa has given you a look like that one. Usually it was reserved for serious issues or people she didn’t care for too much, so you started going over the day in your head wondering what was going on with her. This morning you hadn’t seen her, and you hadn’t stopped by to chat with her for lunch yet, so-

     There it was. With a sigh of relief you ended your conversations and made your way to the feisty redhead’s classroom. Instead of knocking, you slowly opened the door and allowed yourself in. 

     “Hi lovely, how was your lunch? I didn’t get a chance to talk to you so I wanted to stop by before grabbing the kiddos,” You announced your presence to the other woman, which went almost ignored. It wasn’t until you made it all the way to her desk that she spoke to you. 

    “Lunch was fine, I noticed you were busy with the fresh new hire so I kept my distance. Seemed like you needed it,” She responded shortly. She knew what she was doing was wrong, but she couldn’t help it. She wanted your attention desperately, even if it was negative. 

    “Melissa...” You started, waiting for her to meet your gaze before continuing. She looked at you with anger, but you knew her, you knew that look. The only other time it happened was when you ditched your plans with her for an impromptu tinder date that went poorly. (She never let you live that mistake down, by the way). She was hurt, her feelings were hurt and she didn’t want to tell you. 

    “Why are you yelling at me? Is it because I didn’t talk to you all day?” You asked with a hint of teasing in your voice, enough to let Melissa know you were serious but not upset with her. She nodded, still having trouble admitting exactly what was going on inside the beautiful mind of hers. 

    “You know just because I’m friends with other people doesn’t mean I love you any less. And if you wanted to talk to me, you could’ve done so.”

   Melissa sat there for a moment, digesting your words slowly. She looked away before responding. “I know, I just-It’s hard. I want your attention but I don’t want to ask for it. If you’re not giving it to me then I just think you don’t want to anymore.”

   “Mel, no, no.” You stepped closer into her bubble and leaned against her desk. “I’ll stop anything I’m doing for you. Just ask, if I’m not showering you with enough love and affection already.” She smiled at that, thankful to realize you weren’t that mad at her. 

   “Okay, sorry for snapping at you hon. I won’t do it again,” Melissa looked up at you through her eyelashes and pouted out her bottom lip. You knew it would probably happen again, but you didn’t care. After a few months of nonstop flirting and teasing, you figured out Melissa returned some sort of feelings for you. However, it was just as clear that she was scared of whatever this was. Every time the two of you got close to having that conversation, she backed away. You could practically see the words falling off her lips before she would swallow them again. So you remained patient with her, she was worth waiting for. That much you knew. 

    “It’s okay my love, just save the glare for the other guy next time, yeah?” You playfully shoved her shoulder to punctuate your sentence, which got you an eye roll from the Italian. “Yeah, yeah, you’re fine.” You gave her one more sincere smile and hopped off the desk to go back to your own classroom. 

“Hon?” Melissa’s voice stopped you at the door. 

“Yeah?”

“I love you too.”

V.

     It had been a few weeks since Melissa’s last “outburst,” if you would even call it that. But the “days since last incident” counter was about to go down to zero. 

     Melissa sat at the bar, waiting for your drink and hers, as she watched you float between your friends. She let her green eyes roam over your figure, the way your dress hugged your skin so tightly, she wished it was her own hands. The way you so effortlessly swayed your hips to the music, like you didn’t even realize it was happening. The older woman was so mesmerized, she almost missed the bartender setting down the two drinks beside her. As soon as she got sight though, she grabbed them and made her way over to you. 

      Out of the corner of your eye, there she was, beautiful as ever. It didn’t matter if it was the alcohol or Melissa, but you felt incredible. 

      “Thank you beautiful, what do I owe ya?” You asked as you grabbed your drink from your friend’s hand. 

       “How about a dance?” She answered your question with a question. Melissa let you take a couple sips before taking the drink back and dropping them off with your friends. As she turned around, the woman was about as red as her hair when she saw a man coming up behind you getting ready to try and dance. 

      You don’t know whose hands were on you first, but very quickly you were behind Melissa as she was staring down a much taller man. 

      “Can we help you?” She yelled more than she asked, keeping an arm over your side as she kept you behind her. You knew what was about to happen, the stranger was going to say something sly, Melissa would say something worse, and you’d calm her down before getting her on the dance floor again. Something in you decided to change that routine though, usually you stayed quiet when she got this way, stayed clear from the path of Schemmenti rage and watched thoroughly entertained. 

    Instead of staying out of her way this time and waiting for her, you leaned into it. How could you not when Melissa was getting ready to fight someone over you? You placed your hand gently over hers and rested your chin on her shoulder, immediately noticing her eyes flash over to you. Her grip tightened around your thigh in response. 

      “I was just trying to dance with a pretty girl, didn’t know that was a problem,” The stranger spoke and took a few steps back, throwing his hands up in false surrender. 

      “It is.” Melissa said, about to take a step forward, unwilling to let him get away. You felt her body shift against you and quickly wrapped your left arm around her, holding her against you. 

       “Baby, should we step outside for a second?” You asked Melissa, making a point to let her feel your breath linger for a second. She might get onto you for making her so flustered later, but that would be better than getting kicked out for a bar fight. 

       Without answering, she took your hand in hers and led you to the back exit, ignoring the questioning looks from your friends behind you. The cold wind felt sobering against your hot skin, although your hand was kept warm by Melissa’s. She was gripping it so tightly still, you wondered why she was still so frustrated. 

      “Mel? Are you okay?” You asked. Letting go of her hand you stood in front of her, gently brushing a few stray hairs behind her ear. Her cheeks were still so red, hands clammy, and you don’t think you’ve ever seen her look at you so wide-eyed before. 

     “I...” She started. Melissa looked at your lips for a moment before returning to your gaze. “He can’t touch you like that.”

    “I don’t even think he got a chance before you were back over there. Besides, why can’t he?” You challenged her. It was risky, hopefully with a reward. 

    She tightened her grip on your hand and pulled you close so your bodies were flush together. Sure, you knew a couple tricks to make Melissa blush or get flustered, but she was exceptionally good at it. Her fingers against your lower back started moving back and forth, sending chills up your spine. Her other hand let go of yours and found itself getting tangled in your hair. 

      “Because dolcezza, can he touch you like this? Hm? Would you be this needy for anyone else? You’re mine, you know you are.” The older woman’s words sent heat through your body. 

     “Prove it then.”

      As quickly as the words were out of your mouth, Melissa’s lips were on yours. She was gentle at first, giving you an opportunity to stop if you want. When your own hands found themselves reaching to touch her more, she knew she got you. Her hand in your hair tugged a bit, and when you moaned in response Melissa took the opportunity to taste you. Feeling her groans against you, because of you, was a new high you would forever be chasing. Her grip on you was tight, she was unrelenting, not wanting to let you out of her sight again. 

      It was like the past few weeks of Melissa keeping her mouth shut had built up inside of her, she needed you, and she needed you to know that. Feeling herself getting too worked up, she gave you a few more kisses before pulling away. You couldn’t help but whine when she did so, missing her lips already. 

     “Yknow, I might keep letting people flirt with me if it means you kiss me like that every time,” You softly spoke. Melissa couldn’t help but laugh at that, even though the both of you knew she would not put up with that. Certainly not anymore. You were finally hers. 

[writerspirit]

Chapter I

Pairing(s): Melissa Schemmenti x Fem!Reader

Series: Schemmenti Family Agenda

Synopsis: After a student makes a comment to Y/n, Melissa takes into consideration what the next steps in your relationship should be.

Themes/Warnings: Fluff, Angst (please let me know if there are any warnings to be aware of)

A/N: I first wrote this part in an early morning surge of energy. I've already started on part two, so be on the lookout for that. I've also started an outline for an Agatha Harkness/Agnes x Fem!Reader w/ "magic baby" trope.

WC: ~ 2.15k

Having kids wasn’t something you thought to ever be on the agenda. It never was with you and Melissa. Both you and her being elementary teachers for Abbott, the only kids you two ever talked about “having” were your students. It has been a nice flow between you professionally. You being the other first grade teacher in the school, a good amount of kids in your class progress to your wife’s classroom in their following school year. These handful of kids are called by the other teachers as the “Double Schemmenti” kids, which you and Melissa find endearing.

These little aspects of your life at Abbott make being a teacher for these kids the best job anyone could ask for. Not to mention having the role of being these kids’ mentor, even sometimes their parent, is a gift in itself. So, whenever babies were a thought, it was more of a subtle whisper, rather than a thought-provoking idea.

That is until Melissa walks into your classroom after school one day to find you with one of your students playing with the deck of cards she so graciously lent for the room. 

“Hey, honey,” she smiles, making her way inside.

“Mrs. Schemmenti!” Aspen squeals. “Mrs. Schemmenti is teaching me how to play Kings in the Corner. It helps with my counting.”

“That’s great, sweetheart.” The redhead looks over at his hand and smiles. “Maybe next year you’ll be able to get a good grasp on poker so that you can beat all the chumps at the table.”

Aspen gives her a quizzical look. You, a furrow of the eyebrows, telling her to test the waters. She mouths a ‘sorry’ along with a low smile. Bringing her attention to your cards, she chuckles. “I don’t know, Mrs. Schemmenti. I think the kid’s hand is just enough to rattle you outta luck.”

Aspen’s smile turns to a little dance in place, in anticipation for his next move. 

You bring yourself to feign a sigh. “I think you might be right. I just can’t believe Aspen is so good already, and it’s his first time playing.”

Melissa shuffles back next to Aspen, who glances at her before she nods. “Take her down, kid.”

He rushes for a card before calculating his line of moves to play. With what seems to be one swift motion, his cards disappear from his hand and onto the floor with the others. “I got ya, Mrs. Schemmenti! Victory is mine!”

You giggle along with him. “You got me!” You and Melissa dance with him, doing your own little dances in place. Once he’s seemed to settle down from his victory dance, you help him pick up the cards.

“Why don’t you practice your shuffling while I talk with Mrs. Schemmenti?”

He nods. “Okay. I’ll go sit at my desk.”

“Okay.”

“He’s a quick little guy, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he is. Smartest kid in the class. Maybe the smartest I’ve ever taught.” You peek at him, seeing if he’s focused on the cards in his hand, which he is. “His mom is working a little late today. The divorce hasn’t been easy for either of them, so I told her that I can stay with Aspen a little later than the allotted time for pickup.”

Melissa sighs. “Don’t I know it. Divorce is tough. I can’t imagine the added stress of having a child during the process.”

You quickly take a look at your watch. “You don’t have to wait up for me. Janine and Ava have step practice today, and I’m sure I can catch a ride with one of them if you want to go home. I know you have grading to get done.”

“I can wait here with you and the little guy. Grading can wait a little longer, and besides, I don’t want you catching a ride with either of ‘em as long as I’m here. I couldn’t live with myself if I knew I’d been responsible for another Janine car ride migraine.” Her lips perk up into a smile.

"I swear if I hear another lecture on the benefits of different colored highlighters, I’ll–"

“Mom!” Aspen squeals, getting out of his seat and running to his mother’s arms. She lays a soft kiss on his head.

“Hi, Aspen. How was school?” Dina’s eyes turn from his to yours. “Was he okay?”

You nod. “The little champ beat me in Kings in the Corner.”

“And I know how to shuffle now. So now I can help you when we play Uno.”

“Great job, honey. And I’m sure now you can help me beat Grandpa when he comes to visit next week.”

Aspen seemingly lights up brighter than before. “Grandpa’s coming? Yay!” He envelops her in a hug.

“Honey, why don’t you grab your things so I can talk to your mom?” Your eyes quickly glance at his belongings that sit on and around his desk. 

“I’ll give you two a minute.” Melissa moves towards Aspen. “I’ll help him get his things.”

“Thank you for everything. Really, you’re a lifesaver.” Dina lets a sigh leave her lips. “He’s really been doing great through this whole thing.”

“No disruptions, no problems. I wish I had his positive attitude all the time. And hey, don’t worry about it. I don’t mind getting beat at cards. He’s a smart kid.”

Dina smiles.

“I’m ready,” Aspen says. He walks up to meet his mother’s side, where she places a hand on his shoulder. “Mrs. Schemmenti?”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“You’re gonna make a great mom one day,” his smile widens before he says his goodbyes to you and Melissa. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, kid. We’ll see ya,” Melissa adds. She turns to you. “Ready to go?”

“Mhm,” you grab your bag’s handle, but it’s quickly taken away from you when the older woman grabs it. “Melissa, I can carry my stuff.”

“I never said you couldn’t.” She smiles as you grab hold of her arm.

Walking out of Abbott, you both send smiles and your own goodbyes to a few colleagues. Your hand never strays from her arm, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“So what are you feeling like for dinner?” She asks.

“Are you asking because you feel like cooking, or are you asking me because you want to just order takeout?”

She chuckles. “I was actually asking because I could go for anything you wanted to cook.”

“Enchiladas, then.”

“Well, they’re your signature.” She places a kiss on your temple.

When you reach the car, she walks with you to the passenger’s side, opening the door for you. “My lady,” she smiles watching you take your seat. She hands you your bag, and closes the door.

You reach over to the door and pull the door handle for her. “Thank you, sweetie.”

“Anything for my girl,” you say. Her hand instinctively rests on your thigh as she starts the drive to your shared home. You move a hand to graze her arm.

“So,” Melissa starts up a new conversation when you hit upon a red light. “Aspen gave you a really nice compliment there, huh?”

“What?” You take a moment to think back. “Oh… yeah, he’s a really sweet kid. I hope you get to teach him next year. I mean he already loves you.”

Melissa turns the music up a bit, as your favorite song plays. While you’re jamming, she hums along, singing the words in her head. Unbeknownst to you, Melissa is thinking harder than she’d care to admit to about Aspen’s words. Had you given any thought to having a child of your own? She hasn’t expressed any interest in having a mini Melissa since she was younger, when her sister had her first baby.

As if the memory played out word for word, she remembers how crushed she was when, while holding her then baby nephew, Joe completely shut down the idea of growing their family. 

As if you know she needs a distraction of sorts, you speak up, taking her out of her thoughts. “Oh, honey, I think we need to stop at the grocery store. Is that okay with you?”

She nods and forces a smile for you.

– – – –

Melissa’s hand never leaves the small of your back while you push the cart. Along the journey of getting the ingredients necessary for your dinner, she looks around every aisle that you walk through. Almost finished with the aisle you two are currently in, you start your way towards the registers. As you wait in one of the lines, Melissa picks up bits of the couple’s conversation happening in front of her, talking about their excitement in welcoming their own bundle of joy in seven months. 

“Melissa?”

“Hm,” she turns her attention towards you.

“Is everything okay? You’ve been almost quiet since we left school. The only times I ever experience quiet Melissa is when you’re scheming. Well, that or you’re planning someone’s meeting with justice.”

“I’m fine, hon.” She places her hands on either side of your waist, and places a few light kisses on your temple. “I’m perfect.”

– – – –

“Amore,” she starts.

“Hm,” you hum, sipping your wine.

“Nothin’.”

“Baby,” you reach your hand and place it gently on her own. “What’s up?”

She has a glint in her eyes. One you’ve only seen two other times – when she was too nervous to ask you to be her girlfriend, and then again when she asked you to be her wife. By this, you know she has got something big on her mind.

“Don’t worry about it,” she says, her voice not leaving a low tone. She focuses her attention on her plate, trying to collect her thoughts.

“Okay…” you start. “But I will. You have the look.”

“What look?” Her eyes bounce to you, now wide, awaiting your response.

“You’ve only ever looked at me twice like that before, and both times they were because you had something big to get off your chest. Now please…” You place your hand on her thigh. “What is it, Melissa?”

“You ever thought about maybe… I don’t know… it’s just us here. And sometimes I feel it. The… space.”

You stay silent, trying to piece together what she’s going on about. Was she getting sick of you? Was this marriage too much for her? She doesn’t skip a beat though. Her rambling is starting to sound like she is convincing herself of something, in hopes you’ll say what’s bothering her, so she doesn’t have to. That’s when in the midst of your spacing out, there is only one sentence that makes you freeze.

“Maybe an addition to us wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“You want to have a baby,” she can’t tell by your tone if you were stating it as if it were a fact, or rather forming it in a question. “Like… a baby.”

“No, wait, I didn’t say that,” her voice rises in pitch. “Per say.”

You wait a minute, in case she has more to say. “Okay…”

Crap! May day! May day! Retreat! Her thoughts tell her.

She downs the beer that is left in her bottle. Her hands grab for your plates and starts her way to the kitchen. “Just forget I said anything.”

“But, Melissa–”

“Please, just forget it, Y/n.”

– – – –

After dinner, you and Melissa snuggle up on the couch. Your face is nestled in her neck, giving soft kisses where you know she loves them. This would usually lead to you ravaging each other until the sunrise spills through your curtains. Tonight, however, doesn’t look like that is in the cards for you.

Your hand begins drawing patterns on her thigh, as you continue your kisses on her skin. “Your thoughts are loud tonight, my love.”

“Hon,” Melissa whispers, her voice almost impossible to hear over the television. As if on cue, the Dancing With the Stars theme sings for you. “Look, the show is starting.”

The rest of the night is much quieter than usual. Adding to your worry, Melissa doesn’t seem as enthusiastic about the episode as she usually is. There’s no yelling at the television, rarely a chuckle, and not even a snack to go with the episode.

As the episode ends, Melissa breathes a heavy sigh. “Ready for bed?”

You take a look at your phone which reads the time. “Yeah,” you say with simple directions. “Just… give me a minute and I’ll be up.”

She nods as she rises off the couch. She makes sure to place a gentle kiss on your cheek before heading upstairs.

At the sound of Melissa ascending the stairs, you quickly grab your phone. Opening your Contacts app, Barbara Howard’s phone number is already in view for you. With a second to think on a decision, a sigh leaves your lips, and the clicking of the power button shuts the device off.

Sleep on it. Whatever it is.

[jessicaslittlelovesickmess]

Clingy

Warning: self doubt? Sad Mel

Pairing: Melissa Schemmenti x Reader

“You’re going to suffocate the poor girl” Barbara chuckled light heartedly at Melissa who had basically dragged you onto her lap. The grip the redhead had around your waist had loosened as her shoulders sagged lightly, you frowned to yourself.

It wasn’t often you visited the women at work but you had a feeling this wouldn’t end well with a small sigh you went to kiss Melissa. She turned her head your lips met her cheek “I’m gonna use the restroom before I need to leave” you smiled sadly.

The walls she built up were always the highest, she was a Schemmenti after all and although you were used to them it still hurt. “Alright” she offered a small smile but by the time you came back she was already gone nothing but your purse waiting for you.

You text her when you left saying you loved her, she read it and closed her phone focusing her energy onto the classroom of rowdy children. But she found herself constantly checking her phone for anything from you maybe she was clingy she wasn’t like this with Joe or Gary. But you also weren’t them, you smelt like Vanilla and coconut you showered regularly, you were kind and attentive, you went out of your way for her.

Melissa was swooning just thinking of you it drove her mad but she made up her mind she was going to give you space even if it broke her heart.

When she arrived home you were dishing dinner out with a smile as Catatonia played in the background “hi baby, how was work?” You asked gently. Melissa shook her head wishing not to speak, her fingers traced the table unable to face you as she thought to herself.

As you both ate in an awkward silence you placed your knife and fork down “Y’know I like clingy” you cleared your throat. “I like the messages and the roaming hands, I like sitting on your lap and being in your arms, I love the kisses and I love you’s, I like lunch together and knowing that you care”.

Melissa swallowed looking over at you with a single tear on her waterline “I love you and I love seeing your red hair wherever I go, I love that your the first thing I see in the morning and the last at night, I love that your perfume lingers and my list goes on but don’t take what Barb said to heart. I love you Melissa Ann Schemmenti never forget that”

“I love you too”

[the-fandom-abyss]

Prompt: here

First Sentence Prompt

A/N: Enjoy the extra line, I just couldn’t help myself.

“Of course I love you, you’re the one I think about when I peel oranges” once the phrase had slipped past your tongue, it was easily one of the silliest things you have ever said. What does that even mean? You chastised yourself over the choice of words. Anything would have sounded more romantic than that.

“What an odd way to say that you love someone” Melissa thought out loud, also puzzled by the choice of words. However, there was just one thing that wasn’t sitting right. “Better yet, you don’t even like oranges”

“Wait, that’s what you decided to fixate on? That I don’t like oranges?” A raised eyebrow was all that was needed to convey how ridiculous this conversation was. You confess your love in a bundle of random words and Melissa is focused on the oranges.

Melissa moved closer towards you, hoping to gain a better understanding of this whole situation. “I just find it strange that you would mention oranges” she shrugged her shoulders, turning her attention back to her cooking.

“I just said that I loved you and the oranges was the most important part?”

“I love you too” she commented in passing, like it was the most obvious answer to the previous question. It didn’t warrant a look or a tender touch, it was just there. In true Schemmenti style, it was just another Tuesday for the woman. “But why the oranges?” A sigh followed by a groan was the reply she received. It was enough to make her smile and laugh, she was only teasing you, it was her way of showing her love for you.

[olderwomenenthusiast]

the games we play (melissa schemmenti)

PAIRING: melissa schemmenti & fem reader DESCRIPTION: you and melissa play this game where you constantly mess with each until one day you take it too far CAUTION: flirting, lingering touches, thigh riding, oral, teasing, sex in the classroom, swearing WORD COUNT: 4.2k AUTHOR'S NOTE: SHE'S SO DAMN FINE MASTERLIST

The fluorescent lights buzz faintly overhead, the air thick with the familiar scent of burnt coffee and old textbooks. From the hallway, the distant chatter of students leaks through the walls, mingling with the occasional squeak of sneakers against linoleum. But none of that really matters.

Because she’s here.

Melissa Schemmenti.

Leaning against the counter, one hip cocked, stirring sugar into her coffee like she’s got all the time in the world. The steam curls lazily from her cup, and for a second, you just watch her - how the sleeves of her blouse are pushed up to her elbows, how her hair catches the light in deep, warm waves. You should say something. Tease her, like always. But for once, you’re caught up in looking.

Then, like she can feel your gaze, she glances up. A smirk already tugs at her lips.

“Morning,” she says, her voice rough in that way that makes your stomach tighten. Like she’s been laughing, yelling, like she’s alive.

You step into the room, closing the distance with easy confidence. Closer than usual. She notices. You can tell by the slight raise of her brow, the way she doesn’t move away.

“Morning, gorgeous,” you reply, voice smooth as honey.

She snorts, shaking her head, but you don’t miss the way her lips twitch like she’s fighting a smile. You reach for the coffee pot, making sure your fingers brush against hers, slow and deliberate. The touch lingers, warm and fleeting all at once.

She gives you a look over the rim of her cup. “You’re real handsy today.”

You grin, leaning against the counter beside her. “What, am I usually not?”

Melissa tilts her head, considering. “Oh, you are. But today? You’re layin’ it on thick.”

Good. That’s exactly what you wanted.

You take a slow sip of your coffee, watching her over the rim of your cup. “Maybe I’m just feeling extra affectionate.” Your voice dips lower, lazy, teasing. “Maybe I just can’t help myself around you.”

Her fingers tighten slightly around her cup, but her expression doesn’t waver. Still, you catch it, that flicker of something in her eyes.

She hums, taking another sip of coffee. “That so?”

You set your cup down, reaching out like it’s second nature. Your fingers graze the fabric of her sleeve, slow and deliberate. “You got somethin’ on your shirt,” you murmur, dragging your fingers along her arm under the excuse of brushing it off.

Melissa exhales sharply through her nose, setting her coffee down with a soft thunk. “Uh-huh,” she mutters, giving you an unimpressed look. “That even real, or you just lookin’ for excuses to touch me?”

“Can’t it be both?” you ask, tilting your head.

She huffs a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

You clutch your chest in mock offense. “Lucky? Melissa, sweetheart, I’m devastated. I thought you liked the attention.”

She rolls her eyes, but there’s no real exasperation there - just something warm, something familiar. And maybe, just maybe, something else, too.

You decide to push just a little further. You shift, stepping into her space, close enough that the scent of her perfume, something warm and subtly spiced, mixes with the coffee in the air.

“If I’m layin’ it on too thick, tell me to stop.” Your voice is softer now, the teasing still there, but edged with something real.

Her eyes flick to yours. She doesn’t step back.

She doesn’t tell you to stop.

And damn if that doesn’t make you want to push even more.

The late afternoon sun slants through the half-closed blinds in Melissa’s classroom, painting long golden streaks across the desks. The air is thick with that familiar end-of-the-day warmth. The scent of dry-erase markers, old textbooks, and the lingering traces of coffee. Outside, the distant sounds of students laughing and teachers chatting in the hallway weave through the quiet hum of the school winding down.

But in here? It’s just you and her.

Melissa sits at her desk, red pen in hand, flipping through a stack of papers with a look of mild disapproval, almost like the answers offend her personally. She doesn’t acknowledge you right away, though you know she clocked you the second you walked in.

You lean against the edge of her desk, deliberately encroaching on her space. Close enough to see the crease in her brow, the way her fingers tap idly against the paper.

“Don’t you got your own classroom to loiter in?” she mutters, eyes still on the page.

You smirk. “I could say the same about you in the lounge this morning.”

That gets her attention. She glances up, one brow arching. “Yeah? And what exactly was I doin’?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” You stretch, letting the silence stretch with it, like you’re savoring this. “Looking at me like you were real interested in something.”

Melissa snorts, shaking her head. “You’re full of it.”

You lean in just slightly, lowering your voice. “C’mon, just admit it. You like when I flirt with you.”

That makes her pause. Not long - just a second, just enough to tell you that you’ve hit the mark. But then she exhales, shaking her head as she flips to the next page in her stack.

“I tolerate it,” she corrects. But her voice is a little too even, too practiced.

You tap a finger against your chin, pretending to consider. “Hmm. Tolerate is a step up from ‘quit it’ and ‘go be annoying somewhere else,’ so I’ll take it.”

Melissa huffs, setting her pen down. Her gaze flicks to you, sharp and assessing, like she’s trying to figure out your angle. But you don’t give her the chance.

You reach out, slow and deliberate, and flick a stray piece of lint from her sleeve. Your fingers linger just a little longer than necessary, your thumb grazing the fabric.

Her eyes flicker down to where you touched her.

And then, in a move so casual it almost feels calculated, she reaches out and flicks the collar of your shirt.

You blink, caught just slightly off guard. “Did you just --”

“You had somethin’ on it.” She shrugs, looking back down at her work, like she didn’t just turn the tables on you.

Oh. Oh, she’s playing now.

A slow grin spreads across your lips. “You know,” you murmur, shifting just a little closer, just enough that your thigh brushes against hers under the desk. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re the one getting a little handsy now.”

Her fingers tighten slightly around her pen, but she doesn’t move away. Doesn’t shove you off. Instead, she lets the silence stretch between you, heavy with something neither of you are quite naming yet.

Finally, she exhales, shaking her head like she’s washing the moment away. “You’re a real pain in my ass, you know that?”

You smirk, drumming your fingers against her desk. “Yeah, but you’d miss me if I stopped.”

You push off the desk, turning toward the door, feeling her gaze still on you. You should leave it at that. Let her sit with whatever that was, let the moment hang between you like a loose thread just waiting to be pulled.

But just as you reach the doorway, she speaks.

“You shouldn’t start something you’re not ready to finish.”

You pause.

Slowly, you turn your head, catching the way she’s watching you—like she’s daring you to push further. Like she wants you to.

Your smirk deepens.

“Oh, sweetheart,” you murmur, voice dripping with promise. “You have no idea what I’m ready for.”

And with that, you walk out, already planning how you’re going to push her even further tomorrow.

You don’t know what kind of game you’re playing anymore.

Maybe you started this just to get under Melissa’s skin, to push her buttons and watch that sharp, knowing smirk tug at her lips. But this morning? This morning, as you stand in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of your dress - your choice very, very deliberate - you realize something.

This isn’t just about teasing anymore.

It’s about seeing how far you can go before she cracks.

So, you leave your panties in your dresser drawer. Just to see if she’ll notice. And God, you hope she does.

The school day drags, but your nerves stay electric, humming under your skin. You go about your lessons, smiling at students, making small talk in the halls, but there’s a constant awareness beneath it all. A slow, simmering heat between your legs and not just because of what you’ve done, but because of the possibility of Melissa finding out.

When the lunch bell rings, you don’t go straight to the lounge. No - she’s expecting that. You make her wait. Let her find you.

And sure enough, not ten minutes later, she does.

You’re in your classroom, leaning against your desk, flipping through a stack of papers you don’t care about. The second she steps in, you feel her before you even see her, before her voice, thick with amusement, rolls over you.

“You avoidin’ me?”

You glance up, and there she is, hip cocked, arms crossed, watching you like she’s already figured out that you’re up to something.

You smile, slow and lazy. “Now, why would I do that?”

Melissa takes a few steps closer, eyes scanning you, assessing. She doesn’t answer right away, and the tension tightens just slightly, like a rope being pulled taut.

You lean back on your hands, letting your dress ride up just a little. Not obvious - just enough that if she were looking (and she always is), she’d see the way your thighs press together.

She tilts her head. “You’re actin’ different.”

You shrug, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Melissa scoffs, stepping into your space... close. Closer than she normally does. She plants a hand on the desk beside you, gaze dropping for just a fraction of a second.

You hold your breath.

She looks back up, and her smirk is dangerous.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she murmurs, her voice just low enough to send a shiver down your spine. “You think I don’t know when you’re playin’ a game with me?”

Your pulse kicks up. Does she know?

She watches you, waiting—like she’s daring you to admit it.

You swallow. Try to keep your voice steady. “And if I am?”

Her smirk deepens. And then, before you can process what’s happening, her hand brushes just against the hem of your dress - barely there, but enough to make your breath hitch.

Enough to tell you that she knows.

Melissa hums, like she’s enjoying your reaction. “Careful, sweetheart,” she murmurs, fingers ghosting over your knee, the barest tease of touch. “You keep this up, and you’re gonna get yourself in trouble.”

Your breath comes a little quicker now, anticipation thrumming through you. Maybe I want to.

You open your mouth - maybe to challenge her, maybe to see just how much further she’ll take this but then she pulls back.

Just like that.

She steps away, leaving you breathless, aching, and wanting.

“Lunch is almost over,” she says casually, like she didn’t just unravel you in the span of thirty seconds. “Better get back to work.”

And then she walks out.

Leaving you sitting there, heart racing, thighs pressed together, knowing damn well this game is nowhere near over.

The school day crawls by, every second stretching unbearably long. Your body is still humming from lunch, from the way Melissa had looked at you - like she knew exactly what you’d done, like she was daring you to see how far you’d take it.

And you? You’re desperate now.

The anticipation has simmered all day, winding tighter and tighter in your belly. Every time you caught her looking at you from across the teachers’ lounge, in the hallway, or - even during a staff meeting where she sat across from you, all calm and unaffected - you felt the heat lick higher, pooling low between your legs.

By the time the final bell rings and the last of the students trickle out, you’re aching.

You’re packing up, trying so hard to focus on something—anything—when you hear it.

“Let’s go.”

Melissa’s voice. Low, firm.

You turn, and there she is, standing in your doorway, looking dangerous. Arms crossed, smirk playing at her lips.

Your stomach flips.

You should ask where? You should play dumb, tease her, keep up this little game. But instead, you just swallow and follow.

Because you know where this is going.

And God, you want it to.

Her classroom is empty. The lights are dim, the last golden streaks of sunlight slipping through the blinds. The second the door clicks shut behind you, she moves.

You barely have time to react before she presses you back against the desk, her hands firm on your waist. You gasp, heart hammering, heat flooding you instantly at the closeness, at the sudden shift in her.

She’s not teasing anymore.

Melissa leans in, her breath warm against your ear. “Tell me somethin’,” she murmurs, voice dripping with amusement. “You really thought I wouldn’t notice?”

A shiver rolls down your spine.

“I—”

Her hands tighten, fingers digging into your hips. “All day,” she continues, dragging her mouth just barely over the shell of your ear, “walkin’ around like that. Like you wanted me to find out.”

You swallow hard, thighs pressing together. “Maybe I did.”

That does something to her.

She exhales, sharp and controlled, and then she’s pulling you closer, slotting one of her thighs between your legs. The pressure is sudden, delicious, and you gasp, hands flying to her shoulders to steady yourself.

Melissa smirks. “Uh-huh. That what you wanted, sweetheart?”

You nod, dizzy with need, fingers tightening against the fabric of her blouse.

She hums, hands sliding to your waist. “Then go on.”

You barely process the command before she guides you forward, pressing you down against the solid muscle of her thigh. The friction is instant, perfect - the heat of her, the strength beneath you and your breath catches, hips rocking before you can stop yourself.

Melissa watches you, eyes dark, smirk lazy. “That’s it,” she murmurs, voice rougher now. “Take what you need.”

You whimper, grip tightening as you move. Slow at first, testing, feeling her beneath you. She lets you set the pace, lets you grind down against her, the pressure hitting just right.

And God, it’s so good.

The tension that’s been coiling inside you all day snaps tighter, heat building low in your belly with every slow, aching drag of your body against hers. Melissa’s hands stay firm on your waist, guiding, steadying.

Her voice is low, wrecked. “You’re soaked, aren’t you?”

You nod frantically, barely able to breathe, pleasure winding so tight now.

She chuckles, breath hot against your jaw. “Of course you are. You’ve been needy all damn day.”

Her words send a fresh wave of arousal through you, your movements becoming faster, more desperate. The fabric of her slacks is damp beneath you, slick with how wrecked you are for her.

“Melissa—” you gasp, hands fisting against her shoulders. You’re close, so close it’s unbearable.

She tightens her grip, pulling you down harder, pressing her thigh up into you just right. “C’mon, sweetheart,” she rasps. “Cum for me.”

That’s all it takes.

The tension snaps, pleasure slamming through you as you break, thighs shaking, head tipping back. Your body trembles against hers, grinding down through the aftershocks as heat floods through every inch of you.

Melissa watches, completely enraptured. She doesn’t move, just lets you fall apart against her, her grip steady and sure.

When you finally still, boneless and panting, she smirks.

“Told you you’d get yourself in trouble.”

You let out a breathless laugh, forehead dropping to her shoulder.

Your body still trembles from the aftershocks of your orgasm, your thighs sticky and aching from where you rode her, your dress still bunched up around your waist, Melissa’s strong hands gripping your hips like she’s not quite ready to let you go. You should be satisfied, should be sated from the way she unraveled you so easily, but you’re not. You can still feel the heat pooling between your legs, the need pulsing low in your belly, the craving to push her past that same edge; to watch her come apart beneath you.

And you’re not about to waste this opportunity.

Before she can smirk and pull away, before she can regain that careful, controlled composure, you crash your lips against hers, pouring every ounce of hunger into the kiss. She lets out a muffled sound of surprise against your mouth, but it melts into a groan when you slide your fingers into her hair, tugging just enough to tilt her head back, deepening the kiss. She tastes like coffee and something darker, richer, something entirely her, and it only fuels the fire burning in your veins.

You don’t let her take control.

Not this time.

Your hands move with purpose, gripping her waist as you press forward, pushing her back step by step until her spine collides with the nearest wall. A sharp breath escapes her, her fingers twitching against your hips, but she doesn’t fight it. If anything, you can feel the tension rolling off her, coiling like a spring beneath her skin, as if she’s waiting - daring - to see just how far you’ll take this.

You intend to take it all the way.

Your lips leave hers only to trail down the column of her throat, slow and deliberate, pressing open-mouthed kisses along the freckled skin, savoring the way she exhales sharply when you nip just below her jaw. Her pulse thrums beneath your tongue, quick and unsteady, betraying just how much she’s feeling this, no matter how composed she tries to seem.

Sliding your hands down, you make quick work of the buttons of her blouse, shoving it open with a flick of your wrists, exposing smooth skin and the curve of lace beneath. You don’t stop to admire - not yet. Instead, you drop to your knees, your mouth never leaving her body as you kiss lower, dragging your lips over her stomach, inhaling the lingering traces of her perfume, something musky and warm that only adds to the heat already simmering between you.

Melissa watches you, her breathing uneven now, her hands twitching like she wants to touch you, to thread her fingers through your hair and guide you where she needs you, but she doesn’t. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it’s restraint. Either way, you’re determined to break it.

Your hands find the waistband of her slacks, and with a wicked grin, you hook your fingers into both her pants and panties in one swift motion, yanking them down with no hesitation, letting them pool around her ankles. The sound she makes is quiet but sharp, a tiny hitch in her breath that sends a jolt of satisfaction through you.

And then you see just how wet she is.

Your mouth goes dry, heat coiling in your stomach at the sight of slick glistening between her thighs, proof of just how much she’s been affected by your teasing all day. You glance up, meeting her gaze, and you swear her pupils are blown wide, dark with arousal, her breath coming a little quicker now.

For once, she doesn’t have some cocky remark, doesn’t have some teasing quip. She just watches, waiting, anticipation rolling off her in waves.

You take your time, dragging your fingers along the inside of her thigh, tracing slow, lazy circles that get closer and closer but never quite touching where she needs it. Her muscles tense beneath your fingertips, her thighs twitching ever so slightly.

She exhales sharply, her fingers gripping the edge of the desk behind her. “You keep teasing like that, sweetheart,” she mutters, voice rougher now, “and you’re gonna regret it.”

You smirk against her skin, pressing a lingering kiss to the inside of her thigh before finally, finally running your tongue through her folds, slow and deliberate, collecting every bit of wetness before swirling the tip around her clit.

Melissa gasps, sharp and sudden, her whole body tensing as her fingers snap up to grip your hair, holding you in place, like she needs you there, like she can’t even pretend to be unaffected anymore.

That sound alone sends a rush of arousal through you, a deep, aching need to see her fall apart completely. You repeat the motion, dragging your tongue over her again, this time flicking against her clit just a little faster, a little harder, watching the way her stomach tenses at the sensation.

“Fuck,” she hisses, her grip in your hair tightening, her hips shifting forward almost involuntarily, chasing more friction.

You hum against her, the vibration making her shudder, and then you do it again, circling her clit with the flat of your tongue before dipping lower, teasing her entrance with slow, shallow strokes.

Her breath catches.

She’s struggling—you can feel it. The way she wants to stay in control, to act unaffected, but her body betrays her with every quiet moan, every twitch of her hips, every time she curses under her breath like she’s mad at herself for giving in.

Good.

You grip her thighs, holding her steady as you press your tongue inside her, slow at first, savoring the way she clenches around you, then deeper, faster.

“Jesus --” she chokes out, her fingers tightening, tugging at your hair, her body pressing closer, needing more. “Fuck --”

Her thighs tremble around your head, her breaths coming faster now, sharper, like she’s trying to hold herself together but knows she won’t last much longer. Her control is slipping. You can feel it.

“God, don’t stop,” she groans, her voice strained, desperate, and that’s all you need.

You press deeper, tongue fucking her in perfect rhythm, drinking down every moan, every shaky breath, until

“Oh, fuck—”

Melissa shatters against your mouth.

Her body jerks, her breath catching in a strangled moan, fingers tightening almost painfully in your hair as her orgasm rips through her. You feel every tremor, every pulse of pleasure that rolls through her, her slick coating your tongue as she rides out the high.

You don’t pull away - not yet.

Instead, you keep your tongue moving in slow, lazy strokes, savoring the way she twitches, the way her thighs shake around your head, the way her hips give one last desperate roll before her body finally sags against the wall.

Only then do you ease back, letting your lips drag along her inner thigh, placing soft, open-mouthed kisses against her skin as she trembles, her breath still ragged, uneven.

When you finally lift your gaze, Melissa is wrecked.

Her head is tipped back against the wall, eyes heavy-lidded, lips slightly parted as she struggles to catch her breath. Her freckles stand out stark against the deep flush staining her cheeks, and her blouse hangs loose around her shoulders, collar askew, one strap of her bra slipping down her arm. She looks completely undone, like she’s barely holding herself together, and God, if that isn’t the most satisfying sight you’ve ever seen.

You smirk, licking your lips, the taste of her still thick on your tongue. “Cat got your tongue, Schemmenti?”

Her eyes snap open, hazy but sharp, and suddenly, her fingers are tugging at your hair, pulling you up, her grip just firm enough to make your scalp sting in the best way.

You barely have time to register it before her lips crash against yours, hungry, desperate, her tongue sweeping into your mouth like she wants to claim back every single ounce of control you just stripped from her. She groans softly when she tastes herself on your lips, her grip shifting from your hair to your jaw, thumb pressing against your chin, tilting your head just enough to let her deepen the kiss.

It’s dizzying, the way she kisses you now, like she’s making up for the fact that you had the upper hand for once, like she needs to remind you exactly who you’re dealing with.

When she finally pulls back, she exhales a rough, breathless chuckle, her forehead pressing lightly against yours. “You think you’re real cute, don’t you?”

You grin, your hands smoothing over her waist, feeling the slight tremor still running through her. “I know I am.”

Melissa huffs, but there’s no real bite behind it. If anything, there’s something softer in her gaze now, something warm flickering beneath all the post-orgasm haze and lingering cockiness.

For a moment, neither of you move. The only sounds in the room are your uneven breaths, the distant hum of the school’s ventilation, the occasional creak of the building settling. The sun has dipped lower now, casting a deep orange glow through the blinds, painting the room in long, slanted shadows.

It’s quiet. Intimate.

And then...

“You’re gonna regret that,” Melissa murmurs, her voice lower now, rough with the promise of something dark and dangerous lurking just beneath the surface.

A shiver rolls down your spine, anticipation sparking like electricity beneath your skin.

You grin.

“Oh, I hope so.”

[oscars-wifeyyy]

Smoking

The school day was already off to a bad start. The fire alarm went off, and everyone had their class walk to the front of the school. Lina stood with the other teachers while Janine stared at the substitute for her class with disdain and tsk’d.

“Janine, you good?” Lina asked.

“What you tsk’ing at, Tsk’in Teagues?” Gregory asked.

“I mean, look-look at this. My kids are just meandering. You know what I mean? You know, she’s not even using the buddy system. I-” Janine hummed.

“What even set off the alarm?” Jacob looked at Barbara.

“Don’t look at me,” Barbara replied as the fire captain walked out, “church and home are the only places my candles are lit,”

“What’s not lit is another call from Abbott. At least it’s not a full fire this time. Just smoke,” the captain gave Barbara a look, “it looks like someone lit a cigarette in one of the boys’ bathrooms,”

Everyone started making noises of surprise.

“Seriously, who still smokes cigarettes?” Jacob asked.

“Single dads, criminals…” Greg listed off.

“Morton. Where is he? Probably lightin’ up in a back alley behind a dumpster. Scumbag,”

“Hey. A cig after a night of drinking kind of hits differently,” Lina shrugged.

Melissa and Ava walked out with a student, “We got him. Melissa sniffed him out,”

“Oh, yeah. You got menthols; you can run, but you can’t hide,” Melissa smirked, “One whiff, and I am 14 again…” Melissa paused as she saw the cameras, “Thinking I’m gonna wait a couple of years before I try one of these,”

“That would only make you 16,” Janine looked confused.

“The smell always reminds me of my uncle,” the captain said.

“Oh, my aunt used to sit in a chair with a cig and a glass of Pinot Grig and recount ‘Moonlighting’ to me,” Melissa recalled.

“Yeah, my uncle used to do the same thing to me, except it was scotch and the Phillies game the night before,” the captain smiled.

“Childhood,” the two said in sync. The camera panned to Ava and Lina as they gave the camera a look and a smirk.

“Nah, but this is a real problem,” the captain emphasized.

“Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Where did you even get a cigarette?” Melissa asked the boy.

“The guy around the corner sold it to me for a dollar,” the boy said.

“A dollar? Inflation is crazy. But you are in big trouble because cigarettes are banned,” Ava said.

“Not on any of the signs I saw,” the boy retorted.

“What?” Lina asked as all the teachers and captain looked around the front and saw that there wasn’t a no cigarettes sign on anything.

When everyone returned to their rooms, the teachers and Janine went to the office with Ava and started looking for rules on the school district website. However, none of them could find anything.

“On the school’s website, we got ‘no skateboarding, no vaping, no loitering, no horseplay, no weapons, no open flames, no bullying, and no gambling.’ There is nothing here about cigarettes,” Ava said, “did y’all find anything?”

“Well, I saw a sign on the hallway that said ‘no,’ but whatever was under it was graffiti over it,” Janine said.

“Yeah, that was a no graffiti sign,” Barbara said.

“The e-mail from the top of the year lists everything, I mean everything, including bringing a live spider to school, is grounds for expulsion, but it definitely doesn’t list cigarettes,” Gregory said with his laptop in his hands.

“Fidget spinners, banned. Cigarettes just seem to have evaded every sign we’ve seen,” Lina shook her head.

“Wait, so many new hazards have come out that we forgot to put cigarettes on the ban list?” Janine asked.

“Gee willikers, I have nothing helpful to say, so I guess I’ll just restate the problem that we’re all aware of,” Ava mocked, “That’s you,”

“Yeah, I got it,” Ava muttered.

When the meeting ended, Lina continued her day and taught her classes. She felt her phone vibrate, so while her students began a math worksheet she had provided, she pulled her phone out to see a text from Manny.

Hey! Does this Saturday work well for a date? I've always wanted to try this Italian spot near my place.

Lina smiled and replied yes, saying she was excited about it. Then, she shoved her phone back in her pocket and checked her emails. It wasn't until lunchtime that she went to the teachers’ lounge and sat with Janine, Gregory, and Jacob when Ava entered.

“How can cigarettes not be banned?” Barbara asked.

“Yeah. Somebody really missed the mark on that one,” Melissa glanced at Ava.

“I know my fit is going off today, but don’t look at me,” Ava said, “I blame…Janine. What are y’all even doing down there at the district? Shuffling papers? Doing the Jubi slide? The children are smoking,”

“What’s that Jubi slide?” Barbara asked.

“It’s where you put your foot down and move in the opposite direction,” Jacob explained while holding himself to demonstrate.

“I do not want to live in a world where white people explain dance moves to me,” Barbara put her hands together while Jacob looked at the camera, dejected.

“You know, I just don’t get it,” Janine started, “I thought we beat cigarettes with the truth campaign. It’s just so retro,”

“Well, maybe they’re getting cool again. I mean, clogs are back. Anything’s possible,” Melissa said.

“There are some cool clogs, though. Granted, I only wear them inside or when I want to dress bummy to go to the bodega or something,” Lina shrugged.

“I just can’t believe that children are smoking ragweed,” Barbara said.

“I know! Don’t they know that smoking kills?” Jacob said.

“Jacob, don’t you literally vape?” Lina asked.

“Ok, that’s different, and don’t you use the nicotine pouches? What are they called…zyns?” Jacob said.

“Yeah, but vaping is worse. You’re literally inhaling thousands of toxins. Zyns are also discrete and give me that nicotine push I want,” Lina said, “which reminds me that I need to stop at the bodega so I can get some more,”

“You inhaled all through ‘Saltburn,’” Ava pointed out.

“Yeah, well…Janine and Lina smoke weed every day.” Jacob tried to get the heat off of him, which caused everybody to gasp.

“We knew about Lina because she’s basically like a person in the military with her Zyns and energy drink consumption, but damn, Afroman,” Ava smirked.

“Nope. Not every day,” Janine shook her head.

“Janine,” Melissa shook her head.

“Reefer. Ganja. The Devil’s lettuce,” Barbara smacked the table.

“That’s why your feet so big,” Mr. Johnson said.

“It’s medicinal, and it’s considerate. If I didn’t smoke, I’d be an insufferable Energizer Bunny,” Janine said.

“Like you’re not already?” Lina raised an eyebrow, “if I didn’t smoke, then I would just be mean and a ball of anxiety,”

“Who would have thought? Janine is off that loud,” Ava smirked.

“Ava, you can’t talk. You’re a hookah head,” Gregory defended Janine.

“Mmhmm and microdosing. I just eyeball it and say, ‘Yeah. That’s enough,’” Ava said.

“Now, I don’t smoke, but I do enjoy a protein bar edible on the weekends,” Gregory tried to relate to Janine but failed, “You know, research actually shows-”

Ava cut him off, “Wow, this man just made drugs boring,”

“I suggest you all drop your vices and take a hit of my drug of choice - J-E-S-U-S. Street name, Christ,” Barbara put her arms out like she was on a cross.

“Uh, you’ve been known to demolish those little bottles of Chardonnay,” Melissa said.

“And you snort that liquid marijuana,” Barbara snapped back.

“You don’t snort it. It is CBD oil, and I rub it on my joints,” Melissa defended.

“It’s a gateway ointment,” Jacob peeped up.

“Your lungs are literally dust,” Lina pointed at Jacob.

“Crackheads. Speaking of joints, you ever submerge yourself in the essence of-” Mr. Johnson started, but Janine stopped him.

“Do not finish that sentence,” Janine said as she spotted a student recording their conversation.

“Franklincense and rosemary. I bathe in it while I hit a blunt,” Mr. Johnson continued as the teachers rushed out of the lounge.

However, amid the chase, Lina got a call on her phone to see it was Manny, so she stopped and took a deep breath before answering.

“Hey!” Lina smiled.

“What’s up, beautiful?” Manny’s voice spilled through her phone.

“Oh, stop it.” Lina blushed with a little giggle. How is your day going?”

“It’s good. Busy. How about yours?” Manny asked as he sat back at his desk with a smile upon hearing her voice through his phone.

“Oh, nothing super out of the ordinary. Just had a conversation in the lounge about drugs, only for a student to record it. Same, same,” 

“What? About drugs?” Manny sat up with interest, “what do you mean?”

“I’ll tell you everything tonight, but right now, I’m pretty sure everyone caught up to him, and I’m 90% sure that he posted it online because students are looking at me,” Lina sighed, “I’ll talk to you tonight?”

“I’ll do you one better. Want to hang out at my place tonight?” Manny asked, “You can even bring an overnight bag if it runs too late. I don’t want you out and about after 10 for your safety,”

“Yeah. I’d like that. Just a fair warning that I do have some homework and things to grade, so I’ll be multitasking while we hang out,”

“That’s no problem. I can even help you out,”

“Ok. Thanks, I’ll see you tonight at 8?” Lina asked.

“Sounds great. See you then, pretty girl,” Manny smiled.

Lina hung up and walked to her class when Janine approached her with a smirk.

“Who was that? I’ve never seen you with such a big smile and blushing,” Janine asked.

“It’s somebody that I’m getting to know, and he is an absolute angel of a man,” Lina smiled, “anyways, I gotta head back to my room and teach,”

The two split, and Lina went back to her class. However, she was put off by the questions her class had for her. It was towards the end of the day, and all the kids had gone home. She went to the front to see all the other teachers gathered around.

“These kids are out of control, and this needs to stop,” Lina said as she leaned on the desk.

“What do we even say to them? We can’t just have our kids undermining us,” Gregory said.

“Ok, but how do we tell them not to smoke or do drugs when, one, they know that we do them, and, two, we can’t just say anything to them except for ‘just say no’?” Jacob said.

“Ok, well, Janine, you’re at the school district. What’s our move?” Melissa asked.

“We do have one more resource at our disposal,” Janine said with a reluctant face, “I think it’s time to call in a professional,”

The teachers nodded again before dispersing into their own directions. Lina quickly went to her room and grabbed her bag and lunch box before rushing out of the school and saying bye to her fellow teachers, who looked at her in confusion. Janine looked at her rushing figure as Gregory stepped out of his class to ask Janine what Lina rushing out was about.

“She has this little fling, I guess, and I think they’re hanging out tonight,” Janine smiled.

“Oh, ok,” Gregory nodded and returned to his classroom. Janine took her phone out and texted the district group chat to see if they wanted to get a drink or two afterward. However, Manny responded, saying that he had plans tonight. Janine looked at the message and wondered if these two were talking to each other, but she shook her head and went about her day.

Lina finally got to her place and showered before putting on her undergarments. She was walking around her room as she looked at the clothes she laid out for tomorrow's workday. She settled with a pair of black slacks and a simple white long-sleeve that will be topped with a cream and brown flannel. The teacher moved onto her pajamas that she would wear at Manny’s place for the slight possibility that she was staying the night and settled with white and red plaid cotton shorts and a black crop tank top. At the last minute, she grabbed her workout stuff just in case they could sleep at a decent time so she could go to the gym before. When she figured that out, she looked at her closet and quickly settled with her black leggings, oversized Philly crewneck, and white Crocs with Jibbitz on them. Her hair was down in her natural waves, with her front pieces framing her face. Lina then gathered her toiletries and shoved them in her bag.

She gathered her ungraded assignments and schoolwork and started her way out. When she got to her car, she realized it was colder than she had thought, so she ran in and grabbed her brown Carhartt beanie. She connected her phone to her car and started her journey to Manny’s place. When she arrived, she realized there were reserved parking spaces, so she called him.

“Hey. I just got here and don’t know where to park,” Lina said.

“Oh, shit. I forgot. Come closer to where my building is, and you’ll see me stand where you should park,” Manny said. The sounds of him putting his shoes on could be heard over the phone.

“Ok, see you in a little,” Lina hung up the phone and drove deeper into the buildings to see Manny standing outside with no sweater. She quickly parked the car and got out, “What are you doing?! It’s freezing. Get back inside, and I can get my bags,”

“What kind of a gentleman would I be to let you bring in your bags yourself?” Manny smiled, opened the backseat to grab her 2 bags, and put an arm out. She wrapped an arm around his own, and he led them into his place.

When they went inside, Lina looked around to see it was clean and had a nice feel to the place. She noticed the dark green walls and the dark furniture to go with the walls. It had a nice, homey feel to it.

“This is a really nice place,” Lina said as she looked around.

“Thank you. I try to have it as clean as possible and looking as aesthetically pleasing as possible, too,” Manny said as he put her bags on the couch, “Now, what do you want for dinner? I have steaks and chicken,”

“Oh, it’s fine. I can cook for us,” Lina smiled.

“No, no. Sit down and do whatever you need to do, and I will cook us dinner.” Manny smiled. Which one do you prefer?”

“Steaks,” Lina said, “medium rare,”

“Alright. 2 medium rare steaks coming right up,” Manny winked and went into the kitchen as Lina grabbed her stuff and settled onto the dining room table that had a clear view of the kitchen, “tell me about your day,”

“Oh, it was good. Stressful, but good,” Lina said. The two had talked about both of their days while Lina graded her students’ papers and Manny was cooking their dinners. However, Lina couldn’t help but watch Manny cook and let her eyes roam. His posture was straight, and he moved with fluidity around his kitchen, but the main thing that caught her eye was the way his muscles rippled as he moved his arms or gripped the pan with the steaks cooking on it.

Manny felt her gaze and couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of her watching him, so he turned his head and gave her a wink, which caused her to blush. She forced herself not to look away. The two stared at each other until Manny looked away to check the steaks. Lina turned away and finished her grading, so she put her stuff back into her bag and sat back down at the dining room table with her body positioned towards the kitchen. Dinner was done, so Manny grabbed a couple of plates, plated the steak, and removed the potatoes from the air fryer. He took the two plates and set one in front of Lina and the other in front of the chair that was across from her.

“Would you like some red wine?” Manny asked.

“Yes, please,” Lina smiled.

Manny got up and grabbed two wine glasses and the wine from the fridge. He put one in front of Lina and poured the wine out, which drove Lina crazy as she felt his body heat behind her. Lina thanked Manny as he sat down and poured his own glass of wine. The two continued talking and eating until it turned into them talking and drinking their wine. However, it was disrupted by knocking on his door.

Manny looked confused as he opened the door, which revealed Janine, Emily, and Simon.

“What are you guys doing here?” Manny asked.

“I told them that we shouldn’t, but they kind of came here anyways,” Janine said as she saw Lina sitting at the dining room table, “Lina?”

“Heyy, Janine,” Lina awkwardly smiled.

“Oh, I’m sorry, dude. I didn’t know you had a female over tonight,” Simon rubbed the back of his neck, “We’ll see you tomorrow,”

“Yeah, see you,” Manny glared at the three of them before shutting the door and turning to Lina with a small chuckle, “Sorry about that,” 

“You’re fine,” Lina giggled, “they seem nice. I already know Janine is, but your friends are,” 

“Yeah, but they can be a bit of a handful.” Manny shook his head. " Do you Want to relax on the couch?”

“Yeah, sure,” Lina nodded and turned towards the time to see that it was 9:30, “Oh, shoot, it is kind of late. I like to go to the gym at 4 am,”

“Really? Me too! My apartment has a gym, so we can use that if you would like. I got extra towels for you to use,” Manny pointed toward the other end of the apartment.

“Really? Ok. I’m definitely down to do that,” Lina blushed, “Want to watch a movie then?”

“Yeah, what do you want to watch?” Manny asked, “I have every streaming service there is,”

“Let’s watch…” Lina tapped her chin in a thinking motion, “The Greatest Showman,”

Manny laughed, “Ok. Let’s put it on,”

The two started watching The Greatest Showman, and Lina couldn’t help but start singing along to the movie. It was by far her favorite musical movie that ever existed. Manny stared at her as she started singing and couldn’t help but smile at her antics. In a surge of confidence, Manny moved closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She smiled as she leaned her head on his shoulder and felt the fatigue hit her.

“I’m getting kind of tired, and it’s 10 at night. I can take the couch,” Lina said as she rubbed her eyes.

“No. Take the bed, and I’ll take the couch,” Manny said.

“How about both of us just sleep on the bed,” Lina shrugged, “we’re adults,”

Manny cleared his throat. " OK, we can do that. " He stood up and put a hand out for Lina to take. He held her hand as he guided her to his room, holding the bag of her clothes and toiletries in his other hand. He set the bag on the bed, let go of her hand, and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Lina opened her bag and grabbed her pajamas, night and day skincare routine, toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. When she entered the bathroom, Manny had just spit out his toothpaste and returned his toothbrush to the holder. He softly smiled at her and walked out, closing the door to give her privacy as she changed. She quickly changed into her pajamas and neatly folded the clothes she wore before brushing her teeth and opening the door again in case Manny had to use the bathroom while doing her nighttime routine. Manny turned his head at the sound of the door opening to see her in her pajamas, and he couldn’t help but stare at her voluptuous behind, which was thanks to her consistency in working out and wanting to be a muscle mommy.

She was unaware of the staring as she finished brushing her teeth and skincare routine. When she walked out of the bathroom, Manny successfully made it seem like he wasn’t looking at her. The two lay in bed silently until Lina turned to look at Manny.

“Good night, Manny,”

“Good night, Lina,” Manny said as he turned on his side to look at Lina too.

The two drifted off to the best sleep of their lives. Hours of slumber passed until 4 a.m. when both of their alarms went off. The two slammed their hands on their respective phones in an attempt to turn them off. Groggily, they opened their eyes to see that they were spooning, so they quickly got up and apologized to each other simultaneously.

“I’m so sorry!” Lina blushed.

“No, I should be sorry,” Manny blushed as well, “should we just get ready for the gym?”

“Yes, please,” Lina chuckled. The two went to the bathroom and performed their morning routines. They were done at the same time and were out the door.

Lina wore spandex shorts with a pair of oversized sweats over them and an oversized shirt tucked into the back of her sports bra. When they entered the gym, Lina looked around to see if they had the machines and weights she needed, so she nodded and stretched her legs out. The two were stretching together when Lina asked what he was working out. Manny was working out his arms while she was doing legs.

The two separated and did their own workouts, but both were distracted by the other whenever they did an exercise. Lina was finally feeling a pump in her glutes and legs, so she took off her sweats, continued her workouts, and blushed whenever she felt Manny’s gaze on her as she worked out. When they were done, they went back to the apartment and to the room.

Manny took off his sweaty shirt which didn’t go unnoticed by Lina who spared a glance at him. He turned to her, “you can take the first shower. I’ll make us some protein shakes. Is strawberry banana protein shake sound good?”

”Yeah, I’m good with that. Thank you,” Lina smiled and went into the bathroom, closing the door.

After her shower and freshly washed hair, she took out her hair dryer that she packed with a diffuser attachment as she dried her hair and made her curls pop more. When her hair was done, she put it in a half up, half down hairstyle with the front pieces to frame her face. Her clothes that she packed before were on her body and she walked out to see Manny walk into the room with 2 glasses of protein smoothie shakes.

“Hey! I’m sorry I took so long. I’m done here and I’ll hang out in the living room,” Lina said with a smile, “thank you for the shake by the way,” Lina grabbed a glass and took a sip, “this is really good!”

“Thank you. I tend to want good tasting protein shakes,” Manny chuckled. Lina chuckled along with him and nodded before grabbing her overnight bag and heading to the living room.

She spent that time on her phone, scrolling though TikTok while hearing the shower start up again. 15 minutes had passed when the shower had stopped and she determined that Manny was done with his shower. She went to the sink and put her dirty glass in before starting to clean the dishes. In the midst of her washing the dishes, Manny walked out dressed in a plain black shirt, black pants, and a brown cardigan over with his work shoes.

“Hey, you didn’t have to do the dishes. I can do them when I’m back from work,” Manny said.

“What kind of guest would I be if I didn’t do something to help you out as a thanks to letting me stay the night,” Lina blushed, “besides, I can hear my mom yelling at me in my head about not helping the host out,”

“Ok. Thank you, pretty girl,” Manny smiled, “Are you ready to leave?”

“Yeah, let me grab my bags and we’ll go,” Lina dried her hands on the towel that hung on the cabinets below the sinks.

“No need,” Manny held up her bags, “I got them,”

The two left the apartment and Manny walked her to her car. They hugged and bid each other a see you later since they had a date that weekend. When she got to school, she saw the FADE organization there so she went inside and gathered her class to go to the assembly. When she got there, she saw Gregory and Janine talking so she put the kids in their seats and sat at the back with the rest of the faculty.

When the assembly was over, Lina had to look through her students’ bags to see if they snuck any contraband on school property. She felt bad as she looked through each bag so she went to the lounge when lunch came around and walked in a few minutes after Ava came in.

“When you bring a substance in, you get suspended,” Barbara said.

“This seems like overkill to do all this,” Janine said, “without even having an honest conversation with Curtis or any of our students,”

“Well, that’s the system for ya,” Melissa said, “we’re not allowed to say anything except ‘drugs are bad,’”

“It just all seems ridiculous. Curtis is a good kid,” Gregory said.

“He’s an ‘A’ student. He doesn’t bother anyone. It’s kind of uncharacteristic that he smokes,” Jacob said.

“Smokes or smoked?” Lina asked, “Do we even know if he’s done this before?”

Everyone was looking at each other in thought as none of them knew whether he did it before or if it was only a one time thing.

“We let this thing get so out of control,” Barbara said, “We forgot to ask the boy what happened,”

“So, I guess I got to suspend him,” Ava said.

“Hold on. Let me talk to him. He’s been spending a lot of time in my classroom and I think he’s comfortable with me,” Gregory gathered his stuff.

“I’ll go with you. As a former child smoker. I can probable cough up some advice,” Melissa stood up and started walking before coughing, “See, it’s not funny,”

“Yeah, let’s see what else you cough up,” Lina muttered with a chuckle.

The day continued, and it was towards the end of the day, and all the teachers, Ava and Mr. Johnson stood at the front desk. Everyone encouraged Jacob to let go of his vape, which he stared at in front of his face. Everyone was cheering when he dropped it in the trash, and Melissa recorded the monumental moment when Jacob dove right into the trashcan to get it back. Everyone started trying to stop him in disbelief as he resubmerged with his vape. Mr. Johnson and Gregory wrestled it out of his hands and threw it back into the trash as Gregory kept ahold of Jacob. Lina couldn’t help but laugh at that before gathering her things again, walking out to her car, and driving out of the school.

[marvelsdc22]

Imagine a conversation with your comfort character(C.C.):

Y/N: "I can't, I can't do it anymore, I give up, I'm done"

C.C.: "You're done? Are you out of your mind?! Look how far we've come! Look at everything falling into place. You're done?"

Y/N: "You don't understand-"

C.C.: "-No, you don't understand! You don't understand what you're made of, stop looking at the scars you've obtained and listen to the still beating heart inside you, you're done, you’ve only just begun"

Y/N: "I'm tired-"

C.C.: "-Then you will rest-"

Y/N(crying): "-It hurts!-"

C.C.: "-Then you will heal! You're the only one that can stand in your way and I won't let you. Now rest, eat, cry, break something! Whatever you gotta do to pull yourself together! I'll wait, you come find me when you're ready... come find me when you're ready to go"

Y/N: "... Okay"

[daddiesdrarryy]

Regulus: So you’re dating Remus?

Sirius: Yeah! It’s going great!

Regulus: So he knew you, and he was like…more?