#Manny from the district

[rainindroughtatlast]

Been rewatching Abbott and upon rewatch, I love Gregory and Janine and how he fixes things and they mesh…

but I can’t help but wonder about a world where Janine and Gregory end game took a lil detour where..

Janine gets one more relationship or gets to play the field a little, she’s gotten a little time single and making more concrete friendships which is great, but has she had a chance to explore what kind of person she’s looking for in a partner? Does she need to or has she figured it out?

for example with Manny who gases her up and also has big dreams, positivity, and effusive personality

will next season bring more Manny? More Lana Condor? More details on what Janine and Gregory have been up to? More Ayo Edibiri??????

exited to come back to school guys 😁🍎

Ps: my crackship would be Emily from the district hitting on Janine lmao 🤣

also guys: Janine has grown so much over the past three seasons 😭😭😭😭😭 middle part Janine let’s go!!!!! 😭🙏🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[jazziejax]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - Manny Rivera x Blakc!OC (can be read as reader though)

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 - Manny and Naoya’s meet cute

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - swearing, grammar errors,

𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐢𝐞’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬! - It’s been a while…a long while. Sorry for any mistakes or errors, as if said, it’s been a long while and I sort of forgot where I was going with this storyline without having to watch season 2 over. Plus, I also just took what you guys were saying and started at the beginning of the season where Manny shows up. I wanted to get there quickly as well. Most of my fics for characters do follow the show/movie they come from because I’m not that creative, so spare me please. I also have to come up with ideas for just some one one one time between him and the reader, if you guys want to see anything in particular let me know. Also, this is just a little some to hold you guys over for the time being. I plan on editing t this afternoon little before the other chapters come out. I wrote this sleep deprived.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭! - 5,895

“Yurrr!! What it do Camera Crew?” Ava beamed as she opened the doors for the infamous camera crew. “Welcome back to the house that Ava built. It’s been a while.” She grinned.

“It’s not like they’ve missed anything,” Naoya said in a monotone as she came out of the office with papers in her hands. She then flashed them a small, but genuine, smile. “Nice seeing you though.” She said softly.

“Hey! Look who it is!” Melisa said as she got into step with them. “What’s it’s been? Like, five months? How you doin'?” She grinned.

Gregory then came out of his classroom, seeing his fellow coworkers and the new and improved camera crew. “Oh, what’s up? We still doing this?” He asked.

“Yeah.” Naoya and Ava answered, although their tones varied.

The cameraman then turned around at the sound of excited giggles from afar, catching Jacob beam at the sight of them. “Oh, my God! You guys! Hey!” He cheesed as he jogged up to them, bumping into the cameras. “Oh! Sorry.” He said as he straighter the camera up. “Um, wow. You got new equipment. Look, I don’t wanna say I told you so, but—.”

“I will!” Naoya said, pushing her friend so she could be in view. “You should’ve listened to me and Jacob when we said to make a right on 30th street instead of a left that night.” She said, squinting at them with a point before walking away. Ava nodded in agreement.

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“You want me to tell you what happened to you?” Ava asked the person behind the camera confused. “Oh, right. Tell the people.” She said before her usual grin spread across her face. “So, they got robbed.” She stated bluntly. “Because they thought it’d be cute to walk around West Philly at night with all this camera equipment. Hell, I’d have robbed you if I was there.” She told them. “Anyway, here we are, five months later because that’s how long it takes for three people with art degrees to save up for new cameras. Welcome back! It’s Career Day today.” She finished enthusiastically before it all dropped within a second. “Unfortunately.”

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“Why would you not listen to someone from Philly when they say don’t do stupid shit in the city?” Naoya asked, looking at the people behind the camera. “We tried to tell you and look what happened. You’re lucky you weren’t held at gunpoint.” She said as she crossed her arms. She paused, looking at the face of the camera crew. “You were held at gunpoint? Oh…” She cringed. “Why the hell did you come back? Are you getting cut a check? Because it must be good.” She stated. “And if you are I want in, I don’t care how much money you think I have.” She said.

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The camera crew then caught the teachers walking into the library as they all waited for some meeting by the district. Naoya took her seat in front of Ava, flashing a confused look at the other when she saw the glasses on the woman’s face.

“Ava!” Barbra yelled, spooking the woman awake. “Not planning on being conscious for Career Day?”

“This is a district initiative. They can handle it.” She frowned, relaxing back into her seat with those glasses still on. “Anyone else feels like the people from the district have been more annoying than usual?”

“They’re not all bad.” Barbra waved her off.

“I think they’re cool.” Jacob chimed in from the other table. Naoya looked back at him, squinting. “Stay at your own table.” She told him, causing Jacob to frown at her in confusion, even though he didn’t take it to heart.

“I actually like them this year.” Gregory chimed in.

“You too,” Naoya said again.

“Shocking,” Melissa said, giving the man a knowing look that he tried to avoid.

“I don’t know, I feel like they’ve been unequivocally and universally worse than they’ve ever been. From unhelpful to unbearable.” Evan complained.

“Wow, what big words for you Ava.” Naoya jutted with an evil smile, turning away before she could see the woman lift her glasses to give her a dirty look. Naoya just continued to smile, looking into the camera even though she could feel the hard gaze on her back.

“Good morning Abbott Elementary.” Janine grinned as she walked into the room with her district coworker behind her. Naoya smirked as she looked her up and down, slightly nodding her head at a chipper and well-dressed Janine. Her eyes then caught a familiar pair behind the short woman, the man smiling at the woman sitting before him. Noaya flashed him a quick smile, causing his to grow as they stared at one another. She tilted her head, looking up at him as he leaned against his weight against the table behind him.

“Hey.” He mouthed to her, not taking his eyes away from her.

“Hi.” Naoya cheesed, lighting biting her bottom lip as she looked into his warm gaze.

“Good morning Abbott Elementary.” Ava mocked from behind her, then received a tap from Barb. Janine smiled, seeing the camera crew was back.

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“So, yeah, I work for the school district now.” She beamed. “You guys missed a lot.”

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𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫…

Janine gave the camera a quick smile and wave as she walked into the auditorium, moving to find a spot in the chairs lined up. She chose to sit in one of the empty spots next to Gregory, who was behind Naoya, who was across from Jacob.

“Left for right?” The man asked.

“Uh, left.” She answered before taking the seat.

“Good choice.” Gregory grinned.

“Thank you,” Janine said. Naoya frowned, raising her eyes from the handbook in her lap and making eye contact with the cameras a few feet away. She didn’t move her head, not wanting to be obvious, but her face showed enough.

“Girl this development day has me developing a migraine.” Barbra groaned from her seat next to Melissa, who was popping a pill into her mouth before downing water in her cup. The pair sat in front of Jacob.

“Let me have one of those aspirins, please,” Barbra asked, holding out her hand.

“It’s a sleeping pill,” Melissa said. “Wake me if there’s a fire, a tornado, or a volcanic eruption.” She sighed. “I know that’s right,” Naoya mumbled to herself, not looking up from her papers.

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“What?” She asked with a shrug. “I told you guys I hear and know everything. I’m nosy, okay? That’s isn’t a crime.” It was silent for a moment before the woman gave the person a confused look. “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?” She asked as she lifted her hands to her face.

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“Good day to the fine teachers of Abbott Elementary,” Ava said into the microphone. The majority of the teachers in the room then turned to look at Gregory and Naoya, who was shocked by the odd attention she’s been getting as of late. The pair sat there awkwardly, Naoya more so trying to convince herself that they couldn’t be staring at her.

“What?” Ava asked them.

“No comment about Gregory being “F I O N, fine?” Melissa asked.

“Or whatever’s different about Noaya that’s making her more attractive this year.” Jacob chimed in, causing everyone to look his way, but he was too busy staring at his friend across from him. Naoya gave the man a confused and slightly disturbed look. “Aren’t you gay?” She asked him

“I’m starting to question it.” He said, making her eyes widen and look away from him.

“No, Mr.Hill and Ms.Schemmenti.” Ava chimed back in a little aggressively. “I was speaking to everyone. But since all eyes are on them, uh, Mr.Eddie would you mind reading from the first paragraph of your immaculately assembled binder?” She said a polite smile on her face. If Naoya wasn’t so disturbed, she’d frown her the woman’s behavior, but she couldn’t help but spiral inwardly due to the way everyone was acting.

“Sexily?” Gregory asked unsurely.

“Excuse me?” Ava asked. “That’s is not only suggestive but highly inappropriate in front of our company,” Ava said before gesturing over to the trio that stood at the other end of the stage. Naoya’s eyes jumped to them, eyeing the tall man in the sweater for a brief moment, who just so happened to already be glancing her way. At the newfound attention, the man called his throat before speaking, looking away from the woman. “Uh, hi. Hi, everybody.” He said as she made his way into the center of the over to the podium for the microphone. “We’re from the school district. Principe Colman invited us to come, observe, and collaborate with you all on this Development Day.” He said.

Naoya slightly tilted her head as she analyzed the man, admiring his obvious strive appearance.

“Yes!” Ava said in the mic. “The importance of collaboration is one of the many things I learned while I was matriculating at Cambridge.” She boasted. Naoya gave the camera a deadpanned look.

“We’re super excited to be here.” The man spoke again. “On behalf of the new superintendent, John Reynolds. I’m Manny. That’s my dream team over there.” He gestured to the pair from his original position. “That’s Emily. That’s Simon. And we don’t come empty-handed. We’ve come with some iPads and SMART boards for your classrooms, loaded with learning apps.” He explained, causing the teachers to clap. Naoya just sat there though, her hands clasped over her crossed legs with a disinterested look on her face.

“New and improved model,” Melissa stated as she leaned closer to Barbra.

“Same old engines.” The other woman said. “These people aren’t going to change a blessed thing, except how many bodies are in the room.”

“Thank you. We’ll see you around.” Manny finished with a grin, his eyes trailing back to Naoya. She sat there, face blank as she looked the man up and down. Manny smirked at that, before looking away as he made his way back to his team.

“Gregory, we still need you to read from section ‘A’., there in your binder,” Ava stated.

Gregory stood from his seat, binder in hand. “ ‘Section A. Welcome back.’ That’s concluded section ‘A’.” He said before closing the booklet.

“Thank you, Mr.Eddie. You may be seated.” There was light applause after that, most uninterested or highly confused.

Softly, as if she wasn’t away she was in front of a mic, Ava began to read from her notes. “As the teacher, if they have any ideas from over the summer they’d like to implement. Try to make it fun.” She said to herself. She sighed before moving away from the podium. She struggled for a bit before doing a small dance, asking the question over again. “Does anyone have any ideas from over the summer that they’d like to implement?”

Janine raised her hands.

“Janine!” Ava said. “One of our most…teachers at Abbott.”

“So I was thinking over the summer while I was spending time with myself and just thinking about, like, what really led me to this point in my life.” She began.

Melissa yawned. “Get to the point.” She groaned with her head back.

“Get to the point, Janine,” Barbra said.

“Yeah, okay. So, a Career Day?” Janine suggested. “We should do career day at the school because I checked and we haven’t had one since the only jobs for women were typists, moms, and wet nurses.” She explained. “I think it’s a great way for the kids to see all of the amazing jobs they can have. And that’s it. That’s my idea. I’m done. Career Day.” She quickly finished before taking her seat. Naoya nodded, turning in her seat to look at the girl.

“That was an amazing idea, Neen.” She said, causing the shorter woman to smile. Naoya nodded as she looked at her friend for a while longer. “How much time did you spend alone, exactly?” She asked, causing Janine's smile to slightly drop. Before she could answer, Naoya waved her off. “It doesn’t matter, I was alone too.” She said, letting out an awkward chuckle. “I’m gonna say my idea now.” She said before Janine or Gregory, who was listening, could comment on anything.

She raised her hand, catching Ava’s attention, as well as the people on the stage. “Yes, Miss Lovell.” She said. Naoya jerked her head back at Ava’s use of her professional name before she just shook her head at it. “I was thinking of a librarian.” She said. “A better library program, actually. New books, more books, better books. Just an improvement of that old wretched system that keeps losing the books I put in there.” She said through a strained smile at the thought of all the books she’d donated, only for them to end up missing. Manny looked the woman up and down from his place on the stage, watching the way the sun seemed to shine through the room only for her, dressed in fun colors and her quirky glasses.

“I could name a plethora of reasons those Ideas won’t work.” Ava began, barely listening to their suggestions. “Scheduling, previous failed attempts, that’s the fact that it’s was your ideas.” She said, gesturing between the two. Naoya jerked her head back at the woman’s audacity while Janine tried to save herself.

“Right, but there is a way—.”

“But I’m just gonna go ahead and say no and save yourself the embarrassment.” Ava cut in. Janine leaned back in her seat while Naoya raised her middle finger at the woman on stage, not caring for the guests who were visiting the school.

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“I’m never suggesting anything again.” She hissed as she leaned against the lockers. “It’s one thing to try and embarrass me in front of my coworkers who already live pathetic lives and make less money than me. It’s another to do it in front of sexy company. She’s gonna pay one way or another.”

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Naoya was walking next to Janine, the shorter woman looking her friend up and down. “There is something different about you that I just can’t put my finger on.” She said skeptically, causing Naoya to slightly frown at her. “You are glowing though.” She shrugged.

Before Naoya could speak on the matter, they were intercepted by the voice. “Hey, Janine. Ms.Lovell.” They said, causing the girl to turn around. “I’m Manny, which I said up there.” He stumped as she held out his hand. Janie shook his first before he moved into Naoya. The man hiked as he looked her in the eye, Naoya’s face blank as she placed her hand into his, giving his large hand a firm shake.

“You can call me Naoya.” She said with a small smile. She couldn’t help it. She tried to stay stoic in front of the man but there was something about him that just made her all giddy and gooey inside, especially now that they were up close and she felt his skin on hers, even if it was a simple handshake.

“Naoya.” He tested the name on his tongue as he continued to look her in the eye, both parties loving the way it sounded. “I love that.” He said until he was aware of what he said. And also aware that his hand was still in hers. “Name. I love that name. It’s cool and different.” He said, before pulling his hand away. Noaya nodded, letting out a small huff of a laugh. “Thanks.” She said, placing her hand behind her back. Janine’s eyes snapped to the cameras near them, slightly shocked written onto her features.

“Uh, I just wanted to say, that, uh, Career Day and the Library Program sounded good.” He began. “They’re good ideas and I would love to hear more.”

“Thank you!” Janine said. “So you guys are new at the district?” She asked.

“Yep. Just started over the summer. Loving it so far.” He explained, looking between the two. “Feel like we’re going to make a lot of positive changes and do what the last administration didn’t. Nobody embezzling funds in my watch.” He joked, causing Naoya to giggle. Janie was taken aback, looking at her and the cameras at Naoya's unusual behavior. “Funny.” The taller woman simply stated before beginning to make her way out of the auditorium.

“Oh, hey.” Manny began again, stopping her while Janine stayed stationary. “Actually one of the things we wanted to do today was shadow some teachers. Are you two up for it?” He asked, looking between them. Naoya glanced at Janine, who shrugged, before looking back at Manny and doing the same. “Yeah, sure. I’m just gonna be setting up my classroom.” She said.

“Same,” Janine stated.

“Exciting!” Manny grinned.

Naoya nodded, a fond smile on her face. “It’s is exciting. I’m a pretty creative and free spirit.” She grinned. “Yeah? Well, I’m just gonna grab my coworkers.” He grinned. “They're talking to Principle Coleman over there. You guys are so lucky you have such a good principle.” He said. Janine awkwardly smiled while Naoya just pursed her lips.

“Yeah.” Janie agreed, nodding as the man walked away.

Noaya watched him with a small smirk before sighing and twirling around, her straightend hair flowing behind her. Janine squinted as she watched the woman practically skip away in glee, Manny not too far behind.

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“That’s what it is!” Janine grinned primal at the cameras. “She’s not wearing her contacts.” She grinned proudly. It didn’t last long though, slightly dropping as she looked at the camera, thinking it over more.

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“No,” Naoya said to the camera, an almost offended look on her face. “I wear my glasses almost all the time. Granted, these are new frames, but why the hell? These people know nothing about me.”

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“So, where’d you teach before picturing to the school district?” Noaya asked as She, Janine, Manny, and his crew walked to their classrooms.

“I didn’t, actually.” Manny averted sheepishly. Janine flashed a look to the camera while Naoya hummed in acknowledgment with a purse of her lips. “But I grew up here, though.” He quickly added. “My first-hand experience is more from when I was a student in the area.” He said as Janine led them into her room.

“Oh, alright.” The shorter woman nodded. “Well, you know, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to teach at Abbott.” She said. “Because I was a student in the area, as well, so…” She shrugged. “This is my room.” She said to them.

“What are you making here?” Emily asked, gesturing to the table where a tone of colored paper and glue was laid out.

“Oh, A ‘Welcome Back’ sign for the kids. Naoya was helping me paint.” She grinned, gesturing over to the woman next to her. “We’re gonna decorate it together so that everyone feels included. I try to implement a lot of color. I wanted to go with blue because that inspires focus.” She began to explain.

“And calm, which is so important for primary classes.” Manny chimed in. “I read about that in Chalkbeat.” He grinned. Naoya tilted her head at that, flashing the camera a Quick Look as she glanced between the two.

“You read Chalkbeat?” Janine asked, a smile starting to spread across her face.

“Mm-hmm.” Manny hummed.

“I basically live in the comment section, so…” She chortled.

“Oh, my God. Are you @JTeaguee215?” He asked as he stepped sideward a little, an excited grin on his face. “Yes!” Janine said enthusiastically. Naoya softly nodded her head, glancing at the camera when it tried to catch her tense facial expression at the exchange.

“And @JTeagues267 when I wanna spice up the discourse.” She continued.

“Ms.Teagues, I’m @MannyFromTheBlock. I’m always using this emoji.” He said before doing a salute. Janie gaped at him in shock. “That’s you!”

“That’s me.” He grinned.

“I love your comments,” Janine stated with a grin.

“I love your comments.” He smiled back.

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“Fuck!” She yelled in the hallway, turning away from the cameras as she her fist j to the lockers, making a loud sound.

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Janine continued onto fine before glancing at Naoya, who had taken several steps back and looked to be on her way out of the room. When the other woman saw her looking, she flashed a tight smile before looking away. Janine eyes subtly squinted in confusion before she continued. “Anyways.” She began, brushing the interaction off. “Naoya wanted to paint the walls blue last year, but you guys—the district—didn’t like the idea of pinging walls, so…” She shrugged, explaining for the other woman.

“What!? Why not? That’s is so good.” Manny responded, his eyes sifting to the distant figure of the other woman. “I think that’s exactly an idea that we could and should implement.” He said softly, examining her awkward grin. The woman just nodded, rubbing the back of her neck while Janine glanced at the cameras at the tension hiking within the room.

“It’s a low-stakes, high-reward improvement,” Emily stated, glancing Naoya’s way.

“Yes. Let’s revise that.” Simone grinned. Janine pursed her lips, making a funny face as she looked away from them. The trio looked at the woman funny. “Are you okay?” Simone asked.

“Yeah,” Janine asked. “Just a lot of positive reinforcement. I usually only get that from Ms.Love back here.” She awkwardly chuckled, pointing to the woman next—behind—her. That caused all of their eyes to drift to the woman, who seemed dither than she was before. She stood by the other door, her hands stuffed in her pockets now that eyes were on her while she was almost away from them.

“Are you okay?” Janine asked, looking at the woman confused, her mood a complete flip from earlier.

“No,” Naoya said simply before twirling around and skipping to her room. Janine paused, glancing back at the trio as they all watched the woman leave, Manny with a small smile on his face. “She’s a wonderful woman.” She began, stealing out of the door. “A soft chocolate chunk cookie with crispy edges. Her words not mind, they’re in her Twitter bio.” She said, trying to fill the air with something. The trio nodded at that. Janine lightly cleared her throat before making her way to Naoya’s room. “Let’s follow her, shall we.” She said softly, the others trailing behind her.

They made it to her door, looking into the classroom as Naoya rearranged the comfy furniture she had the way she wanted it.

“Wow.” Manny sighed from the door before making his way into the room. Naoya turned at the voice to see the group, said the man looking around as he trailed in.

“This is really nice.” He said softly before letting his eyes fall on her.

Naoya’s face held a small grin as she nodded. “Thank you. I try.” She shrugged.

“It’s cozy in here.” Emily grinned as she made her way around the different sections.

Noaya's eyes snapped over to her as she pushed a small couch over to the rug she had laid out in between the bookshelves. “Yeah, I try to keep it that way.” She said, pairing the seat. “I hate—The kids hate fluorescent lighting.” She chuckled nervously, shooting them a quick look. “But some do come on when it’s instruction time.” She added to save her ass.

Manny grinned at her as he nodded his head. Janie looked between them with a small smile before glancing at the watching cameras, her expression dropping.

“That’s actually really important.” He began. “Such lightening for long hours does nothing for brain stimulation.” He said. Noaya glanced at him, lightly nodding. “Yeah, it actually has the opposite effect. Weakens memory retention causes migraines” She said. Manny hummed, looking at her. “It’s why they have them in prisons.” She added, quickly turning away from them and then moving over to a box that sat on a table. Manny’s eyes tricker after her, not wasting time before stepping closer as he watched her.

“What’s this section for?” Simone asked, watching as the woman set a box on the ground in front of an empty shelf, flanked by small bookshelves on either side. “Oh, this is my relaxation saltation.” Naoya grinned as she lifted the clear top of the record player, and then reached down to pull out a vinyl from the box. “Well, that’s what it is now.” She said as she placed the Minnie Riperton record onto the player. “It used to be where I taught the kids music. As best I could though. We didn’t have a music teacher here for a while.” She said sheepishly, glancing at them. “Now it’s called the relaxation station. The kids like coming over and picking out their songs. It’s a reward for good behavior.” She shrugged before pressing the machine on, the classroom then being filled with the soft sound of Les Fleurs by Minne Riperton.

“Wow,” Manny said softly, not taking his eye off the woman. “That’s amazing.” He said, this team nodding as they looked around the comfy section. “Naoya glanced at him, a small smile creeping onto her face. “Thank you.” She said softly. They stayed each other in the eye for what felt like forever before the woman gulped and looked away from him, trying to find something to occupy herself. She looked down, her eyes going to the box of records she needed to put away. She squatted as she began unloading them into the section at the bottom of the shelf. She handled the old-school records with care, not wanting to damage the already torn covering and hurt the disc.

Manny couldn’t help but watch with a fond look in his eye, the colorful woman in her own world as she worked, her lips softly singing the song playing in the background.

“What’s this on the board?” Emily asked from the other side of the room, catching their attention. Naoya had just finished when she stood up, rubbing her hands against her jeans. She quickly glanced at Manny, who was already looking at her, before her eyes trailed to the questioning woman near the board, who pointed at the Kanji.

“Oh, those are just words I she a lot so I put Kanji next to them so the kids become familiar.” She said as she walked closer. “We also didn’t have a language teacher here for a while so…” She tried off with a shrug. “I was teaching them the Spanish I learned from the bodega guy growing up but he wasn’t saying anything children should be.” She grinned tensely at them. “Now I just inform them on Japanese when we have free time or if they’re curious, which they usually are.”

“Why Japanese?” Simon asked. Naoya glanced between all of them, a small smile on her face.

“I’m Japanese.” She said with a small smile. “It’s my first language. My mom was a nurse and an English teacher over there for a long time.” She sighed. The other hummed, surprised at the new revelation while Manny admired the woman.

“My mother was a teacher as well.” He said, causing the woman to look his way. “It’s part of the reason why I work at the district now.” He said softly. Noaya started at him, mother of the faces faltering from their soft expressions. She just nodded at what he said. Because she could speak, as if she was going to, Janine spoke up.

“What’s this one mean?” The woman asked, pointing at the unfamiliar Kanji on the board.

“Oh, it’s just love.” She shrugged. “I put it on the board at the beginning of each year because if I was a teacher in Japan, that would be my name.” She said. “Sensei Ai or Ai-aan.” She stated in Japanese, ignoring the impressed looks she gathered from the crew as she continued to explain. “Even though Ai is the general term of love and affection.” She shrugged.

“That is so amazing,” Simon said with a proud grin, looking at the woman. “There is such a diversity of cultures and learning in this classroom. What grade do you teach?” He asked. Naoya was slightly taken aback by his apparent enthusiasm, looking at the man with a small smile. “Fourth grade.” She said.

“Mhm, that’s when all the magic starts to happen.” He said, causing Naoya to nod. Manny glanced between the two, his smile slightly strained as he watched them interact.

“Yeah,” Naoya said. “There is a significant development in their cognitive abilities. The children become more logical and critical thinkers, alongside increased independence, stronger social connections with peers, and a growing awareness of social hierarchies, often navigating feelings like peer pressure and the desire to fit in. They also start thinking more about abstract ideas, and not just about things they can observe.” She explained. Everyone in the room looked at the woman in shock, taking in the information she just dumped on them.

“I majored in Psychology for Human Growth and Development. I was gonna be a children’s therapist but I realized my heart can’t really handle all that.” She said. Some hummed with the other nodded at the woman.

“Well, aren’t you the gift that just keeps on giving? Full of unexpected but pleasant surprises.” Simone said, grinning at the woman. Naoya laughed, waving him off before turning to find something else to do in her class. Manny’s eyes trailed after hard, glancing between her and his coworker.

▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣

Noaya was walking down the hall, talking to Gregory when Janine came out of her classroom, spotting the two. “Oh, hey! Fancy seeing you here.” She joked, speaking to Gregory. “Whatcha got there?” She asked, gesturing to the boxes the pair held.

“Just bringing the books in.” The man said. “Oh, there is a ten-for-ten sale at Nichols Schola Supplies, by the way.” He said while Noaya nodded.

“Oh fuck yeah,” Janine said, catching the two off guard.

“What the hell?” Noaya stated in shock.

“Trying out cursing. Still getting the hang of it.” Janine sighed, seeing their confused and shocked faces. “No was Baltimore?” She quickly tried to change the subject. Noaya sighed, sensing where the conversation was going, and moved to carry the box she held in Gregory’s classroom.

“It was so flat!” Was the first thing she heard from Gregory when she exited the class after luring the box down. She cried in confusion, looking at the cameras before making her way over to the pair.

“What’s you do over the break?” Gregory asked her before glancing over when Naoya came closer, squinting at her. “You too, now that I’m thinking about it.” He said.

“I just spent a lot of time with myself,” Janine answered. “And it was good for me. I feel, sure, centered, good.” She listed with a content smile. “Oh, Jacob, Noaya, Erika and I started going out to brunch together. We’re calling ourselves the Brunch Bunch.” She joked.

“Why not just the Brunch Bunch?” Gregory asked.

“I thought it was just the Brunch Bunch? That’s why I named the group chat.” Naoya said, her brows furrowed.

“Fuck, that’s good,” Janine said. Naoya pursed her lips while Gregory let out a tense exhale, Janine, looked between the two.

“It’s just not working for me, is it?” Janine asked.

“Not quite there,” Gregory said.

“Fuck, no.” Noaya scoffed. Janine snapped her fingers, pointing at the woman. “See, that sounds so much better.” She said. Noaya cocky shrugged before her eyes caught a finger coming up behind Janine.

“Hey,” Manny said. “Teacher of the Year. Gregory Eddie.” He said in his odd accent that she couldn’t help but find endearing. “I heard about that garden you made out front. Really cool, man.” He said.

“Oh! Thanks.” Gregory said. “I like to do it and it makes the school and the street look nice.” He explained with a small shrug.

“Sure does,” Manny said before looking between the two women. “Uh, Ms.Lovell, Ms.Teauges, could I speak to you two for a quick second? Sorry to interrupt.” He said to Gregory. Janine nodded. “Oh, yeah. All good. And you can call me Janine.” She said as she led the man into her room. Gregory and Noaya shared a look before they glanced at the cameras. They then went their separate ways, her into Janine’s class while he went into his own.

“Well, uh, Janine.” Manny begun. “I was talking with the other from the school district. And you two seem to have a ton of great ideas.” Manny complimented, looking between the pair. Janine smiled proudly at him while Noaya shrugged softly.

“There’s this fellowship—.”He started again. “The Robeson Fellowship at the district. We want somebody with in-field experience to come to enhance what the district can do to make schools as efficient as possible.” He explained.

“That sounds like a great opportunity,” Janine said. “I'm pretty sure I can help you find somebody for that.” She stated, glancing at the woman next to her.

“Well, no, I had one of you in mind for it,” Manny said, glancing between the two. Noaya’s eyes widened, immediately shook her head. “Oh! That’s amazing but.” She chicken’s nervously and in shock. “I can’t.” She sighed, trying to come up with an excuse as to why she couldn’t.

“Yeah.” Janine echoed. “I’m flattered but, you know, the summer is when I get a little bit of a break away from school.” She said, causing Noaya to point over at her in agreement.

“This would be doing the school year,” Manny stated.

“But that’s when we’re doing the schooling,” Noaya stated, brows furrowed as she gestured to her class.

“Yes, well, a sub would take over your class. While you’re with us for your duration of the fellowship.” He said. Naoya’s brows raised as she nodded at his words, taking them in. Janine, on the other hand, scoffed out a chuckle. “Sorry, but no.” She said. “I can’t imagine being away from my students, so… I’m flattered but, no, thank you.” She said.

Manny grinned, letting out a small chuckle. “Okay, alright.” He said before he then turned to Naoya, who had her hand behind her back. Her eyes widened slightly, taking in what the man was saying. “Uh, I’ll think it over.” She said with a nervous smile. “I would have to plan so much and, you know, I only have so many ideas.” She shrugged.

“And I bet they’re all great,” Manny told her, his voice very sure of himself as he looked at the woman. Noaya nodded her head, offering him a small smile. “Okay.” She said. Manny nodded before moving his way out of the room. He was on his way out of the room before he turned around, looking between the two.

“Just give it some real thought, okay?” He said, his eyes mainly on Noaya. “You can help make some real change around here. Creative and culturally diverse ideas—.”His eye then trailed to Janine. “And painted walls are just the start.” He gave Noaya another smile, showing his there before making his way out of the room.

Once he was away Noaya sighed, throwing her head back. “I’m gonna go complain to Jacob.” She sighed before exiting the room to make her way upstairs.

[cosmichahn]

when candles burn out.

[i. SPRING]

abby anderson x scientist!reader

— 4 seasons with abby; seasons pass, feelings grow.

— notes: fluff, abby being silly, reader trying to be serious

“Can I help you, Abby?"

You were sitting on a stool, hanging at your usual spot. The Science District. Looking over a microscope, your eyes transferred to a visitor. She's tall, muscular, has dirty blonde hair, and, well, she's hot, but you had to shake those thoughts away. Not necessary nor relevant at the moment.

“I was just checking up on you." she replied with that beguiling smirk on her face. “I also got some honeysuckles for you.”

You thank her and place the flowers in a spare jar, walking over to the faucet and letting this bask in the sunlight by the window. “What made you so decent to me all of a sudden?" you joked, crossing your arms, furrowing your eyebrows. Head turning to face her.

“Nothing, my schedule's just free and I don't know what to do." Abby leaned over the door frame with her arms crossed. “So I'm here to see you."

What is she on about? Your eyebrows curved, wondering what really made Abby go here of all places. Why not where Manny is? Or maybe Lev. “Ok, Anderson." You went back to observing the moss-infused mushroom that you took. It was growing a couple of blocks away from your laboratory. “Just don't touch or mess with anything. Thanks."

The atmosphere of the room seemed off. You felt her eyes observing and wandering over her, and she knew it was going over your buttons. “Can you stop staring?” You sighed, looking annoyed. Abby’s nice, you knew that, but she liked getting under your skin which you’re not sure why or how come.

“No.” She said in a blatant manner.

“And why not?” You looked away from the microscope once more.

“Just want to.” Abby retorted.

You tried to hide the heat rising up your face, getting hit by one of her lines again. “Just go play some music or whatever. I have cassettes over there on the shelf.” Abby doesn’t have that much of a bad music taste anyway, so you just let her choose whatever was available.

She swiftly walked along the organized place, heading towards the mahogany shelf that you found lying somewhere and just cleaned it off. The options were not much, so she just ended up choosing a shuffled cassette. It had pretty cheesy songs that you found a guilty pleasure, but hey, they were actually good.

The opening of a random love song started to play. Abby looked at you, and you looked back. She started swaying along to the beat, giving you that childish look. Somehow it’s as if she wants you to join her. And she did. “You look very ridiculous right now.” You were trying to hold in a light laugh, but a sly smile still lingered in you. “I’m not gonna dance with you, Abby.”

“The best part’s coming on soon.” It was the chorus. Abby loved the chorus. She always hummed cheesy love songs whenever she was alone, reading a book, or doing some kind of errand that didn’t require her to patrol all over the area, but sometimes it was a random 90s punk song that she usually listened to. It reminded her of you. Almost everything reminded her of you.

“Don’t leave me hanging.” She walked up to you, waiting for you to give your hand. She can whisk you away like she always does, helping you escape your mind that never stopped thinking. She was your escapism in a world not full of it, sadly. You just wouldn’t admit it. Or perhaps you couldn’t. You liked Abby, that was all there was. You should at least try soon before things are too late, right?

With a bit of convincing that only lasted for ten seconds, you removed your gloves, placed the mushroom inside of a container with a bit of hole to help it breathe, and gave the right conditions to it. Afterwards, you stood up, walking awkwardly towards her. “I’m on my way…?”

Abby chuckled, she adored you and everything you were. She was bothered though. Bothered by your unending attachment to your work. Night and day, she passed by your lab doing other things, and you would just be so focused on your research with a mug in hand, filled with bad coffee that didn’t even help, but it was the only thing with caffeine that you can access, so whatever. Your work was important, yes, but your health was just as important. Sometimes you don't even sleep, you just drown yourself in your work. She is constantly worried about you, so she tries to find ways to press your buttons a little bit to loosen you up, but she’ll never cross your boundaries.

As soon as you walked up to her, she took your hands and held them dearly. Abby looked so tough, and yet here she is. Gentle. “You can come closer, you know.” She placed your hand on her waist, leaving you room to decide whether to move closer to her body. Slowly as each chord passed, your arm began to curl around her, practically giving her a hug now.

Your heart, it was calm, quiet. It flowed freely, that invisible string connecting the two of you. Soon, both of your arms are around her waist, holding her dearly. She rested her arms on both of your shoulders, trying not to put on too much weight. She’s heavy, of course she knew that. It was hard trying not to catch her eyes, and that’s exactly what you were trying to do. Avoid them. Her gaze was captivating. Her icy blue eyes that gave you warmth. Her gentle hands that felt as if it could heal every bruise and every scar.

Finally you met her gaze. Her eyes softened, she gave you a smile. The brightest one you’ve seen. Something always happened between the two of you. Moments like this to be exact, and yet… What even are the two of you? Abby never addressed that spark happening whenever you were around each other. She likes you, you know that. You like her, and she knows that too, so what’s keeping the two of you from going for it? You always wondered.

“Abby.” You called. She just looked at your eyes, caught in your enchantment. “Abby?” Tilting your head a little to the left. You let out a little snicker, but that toned down soon. “Abby.” Your left hand brushes that loose strand of hair to the side. Went from the strand of hair to her face, stroking the side of her cheek with your thumb. This, surprisingly, snapped her out of whatever hypnotism she had.

“Yes?” She finally answered.

“There’s something.” You replied as she listened in anticipation. “I have to tell you something."

“What are you gonna tell me?" Abby answered, trying to make her voice go softer.

You leaned in, tugging on her waist with a conspicuous devilish smile on your face. Teasing her wouldn't be so bad, right? She always did it anyway. Your thumb began tracing circles on her lower back, letting your fingers snake up beneath her shirt.

“Abigail…" You whispered.

“Mhm?" Abby murmurs.

“Lev's at the door." Quickly, your arms untangled around her, peeking behind her to see Lev trying not to let out a laugh. “See you later, Soldier.” And there she left, a pout in her face as she walked away, hearing distant playful scolds to Lev and he began teasing her even more.

i. SPRING ii. SUMMER iii. AUTUMN iv. WINTER

[arandomdai]

I don't think Crystal did it... It was a scheme Todd set up lolol. No, but seriously, I feel like the golf course guy devised a plan to set them up and I feel like after Jacob said something's to the school board at the meeting (the Valentine's Day episode), it went downhill from there (with Ava being worried about getting caught to the school board being suspicious of Abbott).

And No... I don't think Manny had anything to do with it ( I just hate that he had to be the one to fire her 😔). You can tell that he didn't want to do it but he had no choice, he was literally the little dog in the fight. And I feel like The district asked him to come along because he defended them. And only for him to be hurt to fire someone he liked. Also (a theory) this is probably a deja vu moment from when his mother used to work in Abbott and see how she and other teachers were treated back then.

[uses-for-fics]

Rekindled | Manny Rivera

The scent of dry-erase markers and fresh off-the-printer paper filled YN’s classroom as she straightened the last set of desks. Any minute now, the district representative would arrive, and she felt like a nervous wreck. If she could prove that Abbott Elementary was a wonderful and supportive place for students, maybe, just maybe, the district would help with funding.

A soft knock at the door made her straighten her blazer and take a deep breath.

“Is this room 124?” a deep voice asked.

“Yes! You must be—” Her words caught in her throat as she turned to face him.

Manny Rivera.

He stepped inside, his presence knocking the air from her lungs. It had been years since their bittersweet goodbye in college, when they chose career paths over love. Now, he was standing in front of her. In her school. In her classroom.

His dark eyes flickered with recognition, mirroring the surprise on her face. But when he spoke, his tone was all business.

“I’m Manny Rivera, the district representative shadowing your classroom today.” He extended a hand.

For a split second, she hesitated. Then, schooling her features, she took his hand in a firm shake. “Mr. Rivera.” Her voice was steady, even as knots twisted in her stomach.

The air between them buzzed with unspoken words. She struggled to focus, her carefully planned pitch for funding slipping from her mind.

Sensing the shift, Manny cleared his throat and broke the silence. “So… what’s the lesson plan for today?” He rocked on his heels, a faint smile playing on his lips.

YN blinked, then forced herself to snap back into the moment. “Oh! Right.” She returned his smile. “I usually start by taking attendance, then move into some light yoga.”

Manny raised a brow. “Yoga?”

“I find it helps wake the kids up, especially since some of them come in still half-asleep. It gets their brains going in a healthy way—and gives latecomers a chance to settle in without missing important work.” She shrugged. “It happens to the best of us.”

His smile widened. “That actually makes a lot of sense.”

“After that, we’re continuing our lesson on vowels. I’ll give them a short four-question quiz to see who’s struggling and who’s ready to move on. Then it’s their turn at the library, recess, and later, a fun color-by-number activity—except they have to solve addition problems to get the numbers.”

As she spoke, her confidence returned, and her enthusiasm shone through.

Manny nodded, clearly impressed. “Sounds like a great plan. Just tell me where to sit, and the classroom is yours.”

Her nerves hadn’t completely faded, but as she gestured to a spot near her desk, one thought echoed in her mind: ‘This is going to be an interesting day.’

———

The morning went by smoothly, and soon enough, it was time for the vowel quiz. YN walked around the room as the students focused, her heels clicking softly against the tile floor.

As she passed one of the desks, she noticed a small hand shoot up hesitantly.

"Ms. LN?" a boy named Jordan whispered, glancing nervously at his paper.

She crouched beside him, offering a reassuring smile. "What’s up, buddy?"

"I… I think I don’t get number two," he admitted, chewing on his pencil. "But if I get it wrong, does that mean I fail?"

YN’s heart softened. She placed a gentle hand on his desk. "Oh, sweetheart, there’s no way to fail this. It’s just to see where everyone is, so I know how to help. You're learning, and that’s what matters."

Jordan still looked unsure, but before she could say more, Manny knelt beside them.

"You know, Jordan," Manny said, his voice warm, "when I was your age, I thought quizzes were scary too but, you know what helped?"

Jordan looked up at him, curious. "What?"

"Thinking of them as puzzles. You just take your time, figure out the pieces, and before you know it, everything clicks."

Jordan considered this, then nodded slowly and picked up his pencil again.

YN met Manny’s gaze, and for a moment, they shared a look—silent appreciation passing between them.

—At the Library—

The kids sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes locked onto Manny as he held up ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. He was animated as he read, using different voices for each part, making the story come to life in a way that had the students giggling and hanging onto every word.

"Alright," Manny said, turning the page. "Who thinks this little guy can actually eat all this food?"

A few kids covered their mouths to suppress laughter, while others eagerly shook their heads.

"He’s gonna get a tummy ache!" one of them blurted out.

Manny gasped dramatically. "You think so? But what happens next?"

YN stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching with an amused smile. He was a natural with the kids, effortlessly keeping their attention, something even seasoned teachers struggled with. The way he engaged them, encouraged their curiosity, it was… endearing. And, if she was being completely honest with herself, maybe even a little attractive.

"I saw that," came a voice from behind her.

YN nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned to find Melissa Schemmenti standing next to a cart stacked high with books, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face.

"Saw what?" YN asked, feigning innocence.

Melissa arched a brow. "You checking out Mr. District Representative over there like he’s a brand-new book you’re thinking about borrowing."

"What?! No, I—" YN sputtered, her face heating up. "I was just—he’s observing my class, so I was—letting him observe!"

Melissa scoffed, reaching for a book on the cart. "More like you’re observing him." She shot YN a look before casually walking off toward the checkout desk, leaving her standing there, flustered, arms still awkwardly crossed over her chest.

YN exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus on the kids again, on anything other than the way Manny’s sleeves were rolled up to his elbows or how his voice softened when he spoke to the students.

Melissa wasn’t entirely wrong, but YN wasn’t about to admit that.

She shook her head, took a deep breath, and tried—tried—to keep her emotions in check but as Manny caught her eye from across the room and gave her a small, knowing smile, she knew it was going to be harder than she thought.

———

"Go on, take your break," Ms. Teagues said, waving YN off with a knowing smile. "I’ll keep an eye on the little rascals."

YN hesitated, but the pile of vowel quizzes waiting on her desk was calling her name. "You’re a lifesaver."

She headed back inside, surprised to find Manny already at her desk, sleeves rolled up, flipping through the tests.

"You don’t have to do that," she said, setting down her coffee.

He smirked. "I know. But I figured I’d help."

He reached into his bag, pulling out a container. The scent hit her first. Warm, spicy, and familiar.

"Are those… enchiladas?" she asked, eyes widening.

"Homemade," he confirmed, opening the lid. "You want some?"

She hesitated, but the smell was too good to resist. "I mean… if you’re offering."

Manny was halfway through marking a paper when he spoke, almost absentmindedly.

"I miss you, you know."

YN froze, her pen hovering above the test she was grading. The words landed like a sudden gust of wind, knocking the air from her lungs. She blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

When she didn’t respond right away, Manny let out a breath and leaned back in his chair. "I don’t mean to put you on the spot," he said, running a hand through his hair. "It’s just… being here, watching you do what you love…it reminds me of how much I enjoyed being around you."

YN finally set her pen down, but she still couldn’t find the words to say.

Manny sighed and continued, his voice softer now. "But I don’t regret the path I chose after college. If I had to do it all over again, I would. Because I love my job. I love what I do, and I know you love what you do, too." He exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "The only thing I ever really wished was that we could be on good terms, you know? That we could… not have this weight between us."

The sincerity in his voice tugged at something deep in her chest. Finally, YN smiled, small at first, then genuine. "Manny, I don’t resent you for choosing your career. I think it’s great that you love your job because… I love mine, too. And if things had gone differently, who knows where we’d be now? But the truth is, I only ever wished the best for you."

Manny looked at her then, really looked at her, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke.

It was one of those rare silences that wasn’t awkward, but rather filled with a quiet understanding. A moment suspended in time, where the weight of the past and the possibilities of the future seemed to hang in the air between them.

His gaze flickered down to her lips for just a second before he cleared his throat and looked away, a small, smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Before either of them could say anything else, the door suddenly swung open.

"Hey, YN! Sorry to interrupt," Jacob called out, stepping inside with a handful of supplies. "Do you have any extra glue sticks? I kinda miscalculated my science activity supply list, and now I’m in a bit of a bind—literally."

YN let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head as she stood up. "Yeah, Jacob. Check the supply cabinet."

Manny took the interruption as a cue. He pushed back from the desk, stretching as he stood. "I should get going anyway."

YN looked up at him. "You sure?"

"Yeah." He smiled, softer this time. "But I’ll be back tomorrow. Gotta monitor more classes, after all."

As he walked to the door, he hesitated for just a second before turning back.

"See you tomorrow, Ms. Ln."

She smirked. "See you tomorrow, Mr. Rivera."

And just like that, he was gone but the feeling he left behind? That lingered.

[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. 

[cloveroctobers]

PG[3]: Admit it — D.T.

A/N: Oop! Look at me not waiting month(s) to continue this. Idk how long this is going to go on tbh but I can’t lie and say that I’m not having a little fun 💘

WARNINGS: a lengthy one? Longer than the previous I’m sure, some language probably, plot being used for D.C. Reid since he’s missing in the actual show now lol but they’re probably saving him towards the finale or something + continuing the usage of characters from another show, “the night agent,” + a few more OC’s mentioned for the plot! & a bit of a love triangle? Which team are you on? You might want to circle back to this once you finish 😬

<- flip back to page two here.

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“So you’re back in the chi?” Manny confirms as Seraphina tries not to burn her tongue on her hot morning beverage.

She’s in the kitchen, phone propped up against a strangely decorated blender that’s on the counter, as she’s chatting with her man-friend on FaceTime.

Flicking her framed lightened hair back from falling into her eyes she nods, placing the mug back onto the counter, “Yup, just got in last night.”

“You know how long you’re gonna be back there?” Manny questions as he appears to be unlocking the door to his office, “I ask this because I don’t want the atmosphere to bring you back to a dark place. Yet I do think it’s good that you’ve got some work flow goin’ since you like to keep busy you know?”

Seraphina offers a small smile at Manny taking knowledge of that. If she didn’t keep busy, then that gave her mind the power to overthink and that was never a good thing. It was rare for her to wear her emotions on her sleeve but when she did, it had the potential to be the biggest crash out and she never felt like there was time to do that. She was always set on mode: keep pushing!

“I…” she inhales, “Can’t really say. It’s still kind of developing and I only know bits and pieces. I just made sure everything was okay in KC before I left: there’s two nurses that’ll be assisting for a little, giving my mom some time to herself outside of the house, and even mom and dad’s friends are starting to come over so I think it’ll be okay for now.”

Manny plops down in his chair and shakes his head, “Hey, what did we talk about? Say it like you believe it, manifest it: Things will be okay even if feels like its just for today.”

Dante’s leaning against the wall in the hallway, arms crossed over the other as he listens in on Seraphina’s conversation. It’s not like he purposely did, he woke up a little late, and she probably didn’t hear him go up the steps since she was in such a deep conversation with: Mr. Walks as if the sun glows out of his ass this morning.

“I can be out there in a couple of days after this district budget meeting we’re having…if you need me?” Manny’s voice is always the right amount of warmth that makes Seraphina’s body tingle, “We are due for some quality time—maybe on a date night vibe.”

A genuine smile creeps onto Seraphina’s face at that, although there is a slight ping in her gut, her interest is still shown, “Is that so?”

“Oh most definitely. I like to wine, dine, show off what’s mine and tell the world you’re so fine my girl.” Manny has no problem flirting, no matter how early it is, just to keep the short haired woman smiling and honestly that’s all he can ask for.

She playfully rolls her eyes, “Did I ever mention that you would be a horrible poet?”

“Don’t doubt me, baby. I got tricks up my sleeve that you haven’t even seen yet.” Manny winks making Seraphina ready to tease him and ask him what poets he knows of besides Shakespeare.

That goes on for a while that she shifts positions, resting her back against the counter and holding the phone up to her face as they go back and forth.

Seraphina laughs, “Oh, That one sounds made up!”

Manny frowns but there’s a smirk on the corner of his lips, “Alright, don’t take my word for it but you and I both know you’re gonna go googling right after this call.”

She sucks her teeth and he laughs because they both know he’s right.

From her peripheral she spots a shadow in the living room to her right, heart rate spiking just a bit, making her forget that there was a possibility that someone else was still in the home that did not belong to her.

And not just anyone.

Dante is dressed for his work day, his usual white shirt and jeans, moving quickly around the living room as he picks up the folded comforter and pillow stacked on top that’s resting on the couch to stuff back into the hallway closet. Seraphina was more than willing to take the couch but part of her knew she shouldn’t have said it because the look she received from Momma Catalina (who also kindly waited up for Seraphina to get here) was as if she assaulted the woman.

“Mija, you must be so exhausted from your trip that you let these delusions say these things.” The woman cooed, doing a swirling motion with her finger by the side of her head, before she cupped Seraphina’s face into her hands then engulfed her into her arms.

Dante was silent as he took her things from her grasp, no questions asked and moved to head upstairs to his room to place her bags. As Seraphina held onto the woman who became quite the mother figure, her eyes couldn’t help but to linger on the buzzed haired man who disappeared from her sight.

“Hey so, I’m gonna let you go since you made it into work safely and all that.”

Manny beams, “Thanks for your concern baby but I wouldn’t mind having this face on my line all day just to be honest.”

It’s Dante’s turn to roll his eyes as he used the wall for balance while he shoved his feet into his sneakers.

“You and I both know you wouldn’t be able to focus if you kept me with you while you’re clocked in.”

Manny scoffs, “You’re not wrong…but it was worth a shot!”

Seraphina sends him a sweet smile despite what escapes her lips, “Ain’t nothing wrong with shooting either.”

“Oh…do I need to put my EarPods in?” Manny lowers his voice, “I didn’t know this was turning into that type of call.”

Seraphina faux gasps, “Manuel Castillo! I can’t believe my ears, are you fraternizing on the job?”

“Maybe.” The bearded man winks just as there’s some knocks on his door and he tells them to hold on, “Looks like duty calls.”

“What will I ever do now that I’m sending you off to war?” Seraphina playfully pouts and then mockingly gags leaving Manny to nod his head in amusement, expecting that faux disgust to follow at the attempts of affection, “Have a good day, babe.”

Manny kisses two fingers at her, “You have a better one, beautiful. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Later and not a minute after.”

The calls ends and the usual buzz Seraphina feels is short lived as Dante finally makes his way into the kitchen. She turns to grab the mug, just as Dante goes through the cabinet for a mug of his own, then glanced at the clock on the wall behind them before putting it back, he takes a abrupt seat in a chair at the dining table, ready to get something off his chest.

“Morning.” He starts.

Seraphina swallows as she turns back to meet his spring hues, “Good morning. Momma C made some Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Bars that you can take on the go if you want?”

Dante feels his stomach gargle at the mention of the snack and it’s not the good kind. He clears his throat, trying to push the knot back down, “I’m good thanks. Indulged in a little too much of that last night being first row to the kitchen and all. Just gonna grab something on my way in or take some coffee at the precinct.”

Seraphina dips her head, “Suit yourself but don’t go starving yourself during those lengthy shifts like you sometimes do.”

Dante shifts in the chair, resting his elbow on the table, “…Are we good, Nina?”

He blurts out and he immediately spots the tension in her neck and shoulders.

“Why wouldn’t we be?” She folds one arm over her ribcage and under her opposite elbow.

Dante blinks, “Because of what happened back in Kansas City? There’s been tension since and now that you’re actually here—

“That was two weeks ago.” Seraphina interrupts, “We’re fine. There’s nothing wrong. We don’t need to talk about it.”

Dante goes quiet, quickly taking up her defense, “Why not? Because you’re in a relationship that you’ll never be fully loyal to?”

He struck a nerve, that much he can tell. He wished he would have taken a different approach but once things were already said, they often remain.

“What is there to even talk about? It wasn’t anything groundbreaking or something that hasn’t happened before.” Seraphina snaps back, “It happened and it shouldn’t have so let it go.”

Dante frowns and rubs at his jaw in agitation, “So you think it’s fair to just ignore it?”

Seraphina snickers, “Is anything fair lately? The earth still spins!”

“I just…can’t stop thinking about the what if’s.” He seems a little zoned out before meeting her eyes, “You stopped us from taking things further because you touched my burn mark. It wasn’t Manny on your mind.”

Seraphina tightens her stare at her old friend in the room with her. She made the choice of being vulnerable along with Dante then and allowed herself to sink back into him, who she thought she could be strong enough against to not fall back into that type of pattern. The upsetting thing is Dante was right. If her fingers didn’t brush against the scorched skin that altered the tat on the nape of his neck…it could have went further.

She likes to think that he would have backed off out of respect of her blooming relationship with Manny or even the fact that she was on her lady friend…however those things wouldn’t have mattered. Seraphina didn’t want to point the finger so she wouldn’t. It takes two and she was part of the two that cheated on someone who didn’t deserve it.

Someone who would love her the way she wanted.

“Yeah you would think that wouldn’t you?” Seraphina hisses, turning to put the mug back and grip the counter behind her instead; since her hold was tight enough to break the mug, “It would make you feel so much better that every thing I do would only be for you.”

Dante exhaled but his tone is somewhat gentle at the start, “That’s not what I’m saying. It’s more than okay that we didn’t take it there, I followed your lead with no problem. You’re just mad that Manny wasn’t even a thought when we kissed, not that I give a shit about his feelings—

“Please,” Seraphina snorts, “You don’t think I noticed you lingering in the hallway, listening in on our conversation, trying to see what’s so special about what we have?”

Dante lifts his shoulders, “What do you have?” He quizzes, “I think he’s just background noise.”

“And I think you’re being a asshole.” Seraphina is as cold as the first bite of December in Chicago, while a crooked smile appears on her lips, “You come around when you’re needy, you slept with your now deceased CI that you claimed to be in love with, we shared a kiss, and you’re sitting here trying to tell me about my relationship just like I did with you and Glo—

Seraphina looks away, tightening her hold on the counter even more that the skin tone of her knuckles didn’t look the healthiest, “And you can’t even say you feel guilty about making this harder for me?”

Dante blows out a breath shifting to rest his elbows into his knees, “I…can’t regret something that matters. I’m just full of sin at this point but you’ll always be the one thing I give grace to. I do hate that by us…doing what we did makes things difficult for you, yet you and I both know he’s not who you’re meant to be with.”

Seraphina sticks her tongue into her cheek for a moment finding this all to be so ironic, “It’s just better in your eyes, if I be by myself until I expire then huh? Or am I supposed to sit pretty on the shelf and wait for you to come around? Been there, don’t want to continue doing that. You’re overprotective when it comes to me you know that right? You can’t keep me solely for yourself. Manny and I are good, new but good. I can’t do this with you, we crossed boundaries by jumping back into old habits and it’s not right. It might have felt right that night but that cannot happen again because we can never take it back. Manny is my—

Dante stares at her as she blabbers from underneath his eyelashes making her breathing get caught in her throat, “Go on…you can’t even say it to my face can you?”

He scoffs at her hesitation, ready to push away from the table.

Seraphina’s ink eyes are hot on his face, “Oh please dont go acting all high and mighty. You know what we are.”

“Does he?” Dante examines, with a simple blink of his eyes.

Which in other words means, was Seraphina going to come clean and show that she messed up, breaking Manny’s trust? Are they as solid as Seraphina claimed? Dante was prepared for anything, he didn’t owe Manny a thing and he wasn’t sorry about how his actions may affect Mr. Sunshine in the slightest. It’s wrong to admit but he wouldn’t lie, not with this. Dante had the advantage when it came to Gloria, anything Seraphina learned of Gloria was by someone telling her and that one time Gloria pulled up on Seraphina not long before she died. She learned about Gloria Perez in pieces and Dante learned just as much as he needed to of Manny Castillo.

If wanted to know it all, he could.

There’s a ringing at the door and a couple of knocks that disrupt their tense stare off.

“What’re you looking at me for?” Seraphina scowls and then points, “This isn’t my house, go get the door.”

Dante laughs in annoyance at her rude remarks but he’s aware that he’s got her thinking as he gets to his feet.

“Looks like I won’t be staying here another night.” She mutters her decision but Dante stops in the hallway, ears perked.

“And where exactly do you think you’re gonna go huh?” He says to her with a deep frown, “You’re renting out your old place, you don’t like Seán’s fiancé and the ladies you occasionally hang out with…are mostly Seán’s friends. As long as me and mi ma are here, this will also be your home and you can always stay, no matter what we’re going through.”

Seraphina looks away just as the doorbell rings again and Dante brings his attention elsewhere leaving her to whisper, “I said I didn’t want to talk about it.”

To stay busy, she dumps the rest of the herbal tea contents into the sink, disregarding the teabag, and is prepared to wash the mug out when she hears Dante calling out her name.

“Nina,” he says while she makes her way into the entryway of the home, “There’s someone here for you.”

She moves towards Dante, eyes settling on the appearance of Peter Sutherland who stands with his shoulders squared inwards as if he’s hiding from prying eyes. The back of his auburn hair looks more red against the sun, his deep-set eyes are taking in her features as well in recognition, and there’s some stubble he’s allowing to grow in that fits his diamond shaped jaw. He appears regular, in a simple gray hoodie and jeans opposed to his fancy getup she’s seen him in a couple of pictures on social media.

“Hi Sera,” he starts and notices her pinching one eye closed at the shortened version of her name and immediately corrects himself, “Sorry, Coty. You still look the same.”

Seraphina shrugs her shoulders, “And you look less pasty, Peter Pan. Where’ve you been?”

His dark eyes flick to Dante who is still standing right beside her but doesn’t let the amusement fall from his tone, “That’s classified but…I’ll just say…a good amount of time in Asia. Mind if we have a private chat for a bit?”

Which sparks another red flag for Dante.

“I don’t let people I don’t know into my house.”

Seraphina plucks his shoulder, while Dante’s pushes his lips out, unapologetically shrugging himself, just before his phone suddenly starts to buzz from his pocket.

“Understood,” Peter nods not taking any offense since he already had intel on Dante, “I won’t take up too much of your time, I promise Coty. In fact we can just chat in the front yard where Dante can keep a good eye on us.”

Seraphina and Dante share a silent conversation with their eyes that Peter almost feels like he needs to clear his throat to break it up. However Dante gives a curt nod towards Peter, almost with a warning before he steps back placing his phone to his ear, “Torres,” he greets, eyes locked on the two until Seraphina closes the door in his face.

“Your boyfriend’s more serious than you.” Peter joshed, keeping his back to the street, hands in his pockets.

Seraphina grits with a deep sigh, “Not my boyfriend.”

“I could have sworn Reid—

“You’ll learn that you need to take Deputy Chief Reid’s words as if it’s cough syrup, my dear.” Seraphina voice oozes sarcasm.

Peter stares off to the side in confusion for a bit and then shrugs, “Noted! I would have reached out sooner but I didn’t want to risk you being compromised if someone has tabs on you already. I’ll get you a burner this evening.”

“If that’s really necessary, I can get my own burner.” Seraphina stated.

Peter knew this stubbornness would come out at some point so he eases his breathing, “Sera—shit I have to remember that’s something triggering for you but I’ll get it right during however long we’re together this time.”

She puffs out a breath, “Yeah, Sera See’s France isn’t exactly a cool nickname.”

Long story short, after the whole panic attack at the academy, some better ranked attendees thought it would be cool to address her as such. It was the most childish bullying thing to experience and it’s not like her pants split or anything as she crouched down letting the panic take over. The top of her underwear somehow was tucked over her shirt instead of under and became noticeable as she got into a new position to stop the panic and they took that opportunity to make things worse. That group also consisted of two women, so yeah she had her unfortunate battles of not finding some true girlfriends in life.

“Right.” Peter speaks his eyes holding care instead of pity, “People are assholes.”

“Absolutely.”

Peter decides to change course for what he came here to do, “Did you have a chance to look at the file?”

“I did.” Seraphina let’s out a long breath, “I still don’t understand how Reid thinks I would have a personal connection to something this big.”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Someone who happens to be: Amaia Cartagena—that you used to hang with back in the day—probably around when you were sixteen, their little half sister Camila Cartagena is actually the leader of TSF and the one who ordered the smuggling of the jewels and weapons into Chicago. We just have to find out where in this huge ass city.”

Seraphina was actually shocked to hear this, “Wow. Camila was younger than us by a good four to five years and always so fearful whenever Amaia brought her around…you mean to tell me this is what she’s been up to? How does this involve you though?”

“I don’t trust many and that includes Reid but what little I’ve known of you back in quantico, you hardly beat around the bush so I’m just going to say it, I’m a night agent.”

“A what?”

“Exactly.” He smiles.

⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

Seraphina made her way back in the Torres household, pacing a little in the entryway at this new found information that was not included in the file but was thankful that Peter shared what he knew. It made sense that Reid would leave this out, that one of the reasons he was dragging Seraphina into this mess is because she used to hang out with The Cartagenas…back when she was up to no good and playing the swiping game.

Deputy Chief Reid was most likely using her, rather than what bullshit he tried to persuade her with back in Kansas City. It didn’t take a rocket scientist or even a chemist to figure that out, everything that Peter just told her verified what she was already thinking.

However it was still a stretch that Reid wanted to throw her into this case but she agreed to meet up with Peter some time this afternoon and hopefully he had more info, so she wasn’t completely thrown to the wolves.

For now?

This was a waiting game.

“Hey, everything good?” Dante peeks out from the kitchen, phone in his hand, after he watched this Peter guy disappear down the street from the window.

Seraphina nods but her response can’t help but to be sarcastic, “Never better.”

“You can talk to me, you know? Whatever it is, whatever that was, i can help.”

Of course he was speculating something! Dante was already aware that Seraphina dreaded Chicago and she wouldn’t leave Kansas City behind without good reason. Especially right now. Dante talked it through with his ma about her staying for however long she needed to and the next thing he knows, there’s this random guy showing up to his house? The puzzles were there and she wasn’t hiding it.

Something was going on.

“I think we did enough talking this morning,” Seraphina argues and then takes a breath at the demoralized look in Dante’s eyes, “Sorry. Stop worrying and get to work, you don’t need to be any later on account of me.”

Dante sighs and steps into the entryway, hands reaching out to the mini bookcase against the wall to grab his keys that sat on top, “…I hope you’ll consider staying and not taking that disagreement as a means to shut me out but if you need space…take it.”

He leans forward, almost as if he’s ready to kiss both of her cheeks in farewell before embracing her but he picks up on her breathing hitching and face turning. Which stung. So he just opted for squeezing above her elbow, before trailing his fingers down to hold her hand. He still finds himself waiting some, for some sort of reaction where her guard isn’t completely up, until her other hand goes to playfully smack his shoulder, “Go before I end up with a phone call from Voight or worse, Trudy.”

Dante lets out a breathy laugh and it matches his eyes, which is a silent agreement that things will be alright between them for now. “Be good.” He tells her with a grin.

“You first.” She jokes, as she watches him leave for the day.

⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

If anyone thought (Dante) Seraphina was going to choose hanging out at the Torres household on her own for the day then they were greatly mistaken. The home was quiet enough during the day that it made her anxious, it had been maybe an hour or a hour and a half since Dante left and scrolling the internet got boring after a while. The woman thought about watching some tv but realized she couldn’t get any of the streaming services on the screen…all Momma C cared for was the news channel, her telenovelas, and the baking channel. Dante wasn’t much of a tv person in the first place anyway, since most of his time was spent out dealing with crime on a daily, he barely had any interest to get into anything before the tv always ended up watching him, so this should have been expected.

Seraphina made the decision to get ready, throwing on all black attire, sculpting a good portion of her hair back into a half up-do and debated about putting any makeup on besides her go to lip combo. Deciding against anything else but moisturizer and sunscreen, she chose to roam the streets herself, taking in the views of the city she was supposed to love.

Seraphina wasn’t sure how long she’s been walking before she ended up at a local black-owned cafe, tucking herself into the furtherest corner of the brick building on a Dijon yellow velvet couch but she had good scenery of a park across the street. She gets lost at the group of women with strollers or carrying their children, chatting away with each other and it makes her hopeful that her mother is taking care of herself today.

Her phone buzzes from a unknown number which reads: it’s🧚 meet @ —

With a location dropped, Seraphina knows it’s Peter due to the emoji—she plans to make fun of him for that later—and does quick search of the location to see that it’s a parking garage. She’s always ready to work but takes her time making her exit. She finds herself browsing on the internet again and once she finds what she’s looking for, there’s a smile that appears on her lips before she takes the rest of her iced chai to go.

⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

“I forgot to say earlier…I’m sorry about Cisco.” Seraphina says as she follows Peter down a set of steps.

He stops at the door, peering down at the handle before saying, “Appreciate it, Coty. I don’t plan to lose anyone else though.”

“Don’t tell me you’re worried about…” she points to herself as she follows him by the row of cars.

Peter’s eyes are scanning the area, a quick pep in his step, “When you hear what I’m about to tell you, you should be too.”

“That’s comforting.”

“Hey, I told you this job isn’t a walk in the park and I’m sure yours isn’t either.” Peter informs and lifts his chin towards a vehicle, “This is me.”

Seraphina stops in her tracks, head tilted to the side followed by a frown, then she takes a long look at Peter’s ride of choice, “I have to be honest…I’m a little disappointed.”

Peter pauses on the driver’s side and scoffs, “I didn’t have time to take a trip to the dealership, alright?”

“Well maybe you should have,” Seraphina laughs, “Madam President has you running the streets like this?”

The president did not know Peter was riding around the Midwest in a 1995 Ford Escort that was the color of Barney and friends.

Peter huffs, “I’ll let Weaver know that you’re less than impressed the next time she decides to pop up on me.”

She hums.

“Right uh, she’s who I report to.” Peter describes, “My first person of contact. I’m sure her and Reid are acquainted otherwise I probably wouldn’t be here.” The man holds eye contact with his temporary academy mate to show he’s being truthful, “Now would you please get in the car so I can tell you what I know? We can’t stay here underneath all these cameras.”

Seraphina didn’t have any reason to not trust Peter. Although it’s been awhile since they’ve been last face to face, he’s been candid about his position in all of this and seemed more willing to guide her than The Deputy Chief.

They’re leaving the parking garage, car putting along while they headed out to the freeway after Peter dropped more paperwork into Seraphina’s lap. She’s going through so many files that she’s sure she would have a paper cut by the end of the night.

“Damn, this girl’s been all over…but why Sierra Leone?” Seraphina wonders as she stares at a black and white picture of Camila.

She also appears just as Seraphina remembers her but there’s a darkness in her eyes compared to the sadness Seraphina was used to seeing.

Peter shrugs, “She fell in love with someone over there that so happens to be Amaia’s baby’s father, Bayo. Bayo started to make trips back to his homeland as soon as he learned that Amaia was pregnant, which makes me believe he started the trading then. It was reported that Amaia wanted no parts of what Bayo had going on and his persuasion to get her to move her and to raise their child there. So Camila went in her place.”

Seraphina shakes her head in disapproval, already filling in the rest of how their relationship began, “That’s trifling. I’m guessing it was a dead end with questioning Amaia?”

“Weaver did the honors of the interrogating but also sent me the account Camila set up for her nephew.” Peter notified while peeking over at Seraphina, “There’s over eight-hundred-thousand dollars for him.”

Seraphina comments, “Taking rich auntie to another level.”

“You can say that again,” Peter laughs some, “Amaia’s used maybe a couple hundred dollars from the account over the last few months for the kid but never on herself. She’s working two jobs and doing okay, not great but okay.”

“You do what you gotta do,” Seraphina remarks remembering Amaia’s strong-will, “Camila sure does. I couldn’t imagine doing that to a sibling.”

Peter tries to joke, “Maybe that’s why we’re only children.”

Seraphina sends him a look, which makes him clear his throat.

“And let me guess? She hasn’t spoken to her?”

“Not since Amaia was ready to kick Camila’s ass in the hospital right after she gave birth. Security got involved and there’s footage of that as well but…Camila always sends small messages, in code to announce when there’s been a new deposit for the kid.” Peter continues to feed the woman info that sat on the passenger side.

Seraphina goes quiet as she continues to flip through more paper, “Wait a minute…Camila and this Bayo guy are married or engaged? She’s got a hefty rock on her finger.”

“I was waiting for you to find that.”

She pauses, “This invoice from this pawn shop was almost a month ago…Camila used to work there under the table…until we stole from there.”

Peter glances at Seraphina before switching lanes, “That the one where you all got caught?”

“Yeah, only Camila and I got off. I told her to run but she must have waited around to see how it all went down. I only got off because of my dad’s status. Why would she sell to this place? She said Amaia was on her head more than ever after that happened, Amaia got house arrest and beatings from their father.” Seraphina frowned, her brain scrambling trying to piece this together, “…We’re going to this pawn shop aren’t we?”

Peter gets off the exit, “Definitely.”

ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

Thankfully Peter still had a nice shiny badge to flash and Seraphina could be just as intimidating if she wanted to. The pawn shop still had the same name and felt the same, reeking of motor oil and cigars and the floors looked as if they could use a long mopping job. It was cluttered and narrow, meant to make it a in and out type of situation but business had to be done.

It wasn’t the same man as when she was a teenager but it was possible that the older man could be related. If she had to guess he had to be decade older than her and Peter, maybe in his forties and had a thick Slavic accent.

He was less than thrilled to be threatened over this situation or having Seraphina take a seat right on the glass, playing with a throwing knife.

“Are you aware that you purchased a blood diamond from someone who is planning to cause mass destruction at any given moment?” Peter pressed the man who was in denial.

He’s sarcastic, “I dunno if you’re from here or not but it’s Chicago, not Vermont.”

Seraphina fights back a snicker, since she’s supposed to be on Peter’s side in this whole good cop bad cop thing, “Hey, you’re a good lookin’ guy that’s probably just trying to take care of his family right?”

Peter gives her the side eye.

“That’s right,” the man grins.

“Just imagine how bad it will look when it comes out that you assisted in this upcoming crime.” Seraphina keeps her tone soft, “Give us what we’re looking for, plus the diamond or we’ll come back with some people that won’t ask and will take it upon themselves to turn this place upside down until they get it. I’m sure you don’t want that do you? That has to be bad for business.”

Peter can’t help the smile that quirks at the corner of his lips at the man who suddenly breaks character.

“She forced my hand, that one!” He splutters turning red as he’s frantic, “Took my money and made me make a fake invoice so it didn’t look suspicious, I knew it would only be a matter of time before someone caught on. I’ll get you the jewel but I don’t know much else about what she’s planning! The guy she came in here with, was a militant and he was armed. Messed with the inside footage but clearly not the outside if it brought you two here.” He moves to head to the back.

Peter quickly waves for Seraphina to get down, while he touches his waistband, showing that he’s armed which gets Seraphina to stay back as Peter stands in the doorway, watching as the man continues talking, shoving boxes out of the way to get to a vault that’s low on the ground.

“I thought they would be back for it by now but it doesn’t mean they won’t be! The guy just said something about getting to city hall. That’s all I know.”

Peter keeps his chin lifted, making sure the man wasn’t up to any funny business as he pulled out a pouch and locked the vault back. He’s on his feet, groaning as he does so before standing before Peter, “Here, take it and go, officer. I need to up my protection now and hope you all know what you’re getting yourselves into.”

Peter holds the pouch up for Seraphina to see, shaking it and taking a peek inside. He lets out a low whistle just as in the distance there’s someone snapping pictures. He tosses it to Seraphina who gets a look at it as well before tucking it into her crossbody bag, turning towards the door as they announce their exit.

A picture of her is taken as well.

The two make their way back to Peter’s car and sit in silence for a bit.

“I almost forgot what it felt like to have a sidekick with me,” Peter laughs with his head resting against the headrest.

Seraphina shrugs, “I wouldn’t get used to it. You and I always loved handling things on our own.”

He sighs, “That’s true but we don’t have a choice in this one.”

“Yeah, maybe we’ll be the dream team.” Seraphina gives a grin, using her fingertips to pull up the corner’s of her mouth mockingly.

Peter snorts, “Should we give all of our thanks to Weaver and D.C. Reid?”

“Even if it was that problematic holiday thanksgiving and I was lit on fire, they wouldn’t make the list. Although I don’t know Weaver, I can sense you’re not a fan.” She lets her fingers drop.

Peter still laughs, “Brutal but I agree.”

Seraphina lets out an exhale, “So…city hall? What’s the connection there? The pawn shop makes some sense but I’m at a loss on city hall.”

“Don’t know but I’m sure it’ll come to light sooner than we expect.” Peter yawns, “For now we do our own research and regroup later?”

“But we’re just getting started?”

She was surprised to see Peter calling it quits for the day.

“Time got the best of me and I have something else that I need to handle,” Peter braces himself as he continues, “…So the deputy chief requested I get you to the hotel you’ll be staying at and I got the burner phone.”

“Of course!”

“Hey, I didn’t make the demands.”

“You did with the burner phone.” Seraphina points out.

Peter holds out the phone to the woman, “Don’t make it a big deal.”

“The next thing I know you’re gonna get me to train on how to use guns again.” Seraphina flips the phone open with sass.

Peter goes quiet at that, making Seraphina widened her eyes while she slowly lifts her head to peek at him, “Oh hell no, Sutherland!”

“Again, it was a suggestion. I already expressed to Weaver—

“Well now she’s on my shit list too! She doesn’t know me, she can’t force you to teach me anything!”

“I mean…it is important considering what we’re dealing with and there will be times when we’re not together 24/7.”

Seraphina has a bitter taste in her mouth, “I’m surprised Deputy Chief isn’t holding me hostage at this point.”

“Oh he’s thought about it,” Peter muttered making Seraphina side eye him now, “Since I had more time around you than he has I suggested that your boy—not your boyfriend,” he corrects, “should know about this and step in but to my surprise Reid wants to keep this on the down low for now. It makes the most sense to have an officer that you’re comfortable with have your back when I can’t be around.”

Seraphina can feel the stress appearing in between her brows, “I’m…irritated.”

“I can see that.” Peter answers, “Hopefully you won’t be dragged into this for much longer. Now is where you lay low and just be a chemist.”

“You mean a unemployed chemist?”

Peter starts the engine, “Think of it as possible paid training again and when we solve the case…”

“What? Things go back to normal?”

“What’s that?” Peter feels a smile twitching onto his lips, attempting to ease the tension, “…so…hotel?”

“I don’t have any of my things?”

“I’m sure weaver took care of that.”

Seraphina squeezed at the back of her neck and rolls her head around, “This spy shit is suddenly making me nauseous.”

“Yeah…you’ll get used to it.”

Seraphina looks out into the city for not even a minute before her regular phone goes off with a reminder: *self-care in 30 mins!*

“Actually…before you drop me off at the hotel…can you take me somewhere else first?” Seraphina puts on her best puppy-dog glance, although she’s very aware that she could jump out of the car if Peter denied her this.

ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

Being at complete ease all the time must be nice but at least for tonight, it was pretty close. It’s late in the evening by the time she’s settled into the hotel, she’s feeling nice after her Swedish massage and facial, thankful for the ladies that took great care of her there. She was fine splurging if it meant making herself feel alright through the constant smoke. After all she was taking her therapist’s advice in making sure that she tended to herself on this break.

Dr. Tamsin also didn’t need to know it all but a summarized version of Seraphina choosing to take a trip back to Chicago was good enough. Sure she was worried about leaving her parents behind while she was being thrown back into a lifestyle she stepped away from but through the advice of Dr. Tamsin, she still needed to find time for herself.

Seraphina also had the pleasure of meeting Weaver for the first time, who picked her up from her appointment—in a much better ride than Peter’s—a shiny Escalade (and took her things from the Torres household, having them placed in her hotel room. When asked how Weaver managed to get into the home while both occupants were at work, the smile and stare told Seraphina all that she needed to know of the agent.), making sure she got back to the hotel safely. Weaver did ask for the diamond but it felt right to lie and say that Peter had it. The two planned to go (break in) to a lab to test the diamond tomorrow and see if it contained the same materials that were being used for bullets.

Oh yeah that was another thing in the file, somehow TSF was using bullets that didn’t just contribute to many wars in Sierra Leone but the bullets also contained toxic elements that caused: rashes, seizures, and hemorrhaging in the brain no matter where the bullet was aimed first. Seraphina’s worked with ballistics plenty of times before as a extra set of eyes but she had a feeling that the bullets was something Bayo had his hands in since she read his background, he was no dummy either.

That was tomorrow’s agenda and she let that flow to the back of her mind as she belted out her heart to Danity Kane’s, “Damage,” with the remote as a microphone, sporting her night clothes, and bonnet on.

Let’s just say, the woman was having a whole concert in her room and having a blast.

Nothing was going to ruin this night.

Eventually she has to pause the music, head snapping up after doing a death drop on the bed at the sound of knocking on the door. A spike of panic hits her chest, wondering who that can be since no one else knew she was here.

Seraphina’s quick to grab her phone, ready to send her location to Kevin but hears a familiar voice.

“Open up Phina-Mena, don’t stop the party now that I’m here!” He says from behind the door.

Her eyes go wide as she scrambles to get off the bed, tripping over her feet but manages to stand upright and breathe before making her way over to the door. Standing on her tippy toes a little, she peers through the peephole to see that it was in fact her boyfriend, Manny grinning up at her in the view of a fish eye.

Unlocking the door, she pulls it open just to be met with a boquet of flowers and a wide smile, “Hey, baby.”

Her arms go around his shoulders, crushing him to her that he almost stumbles himself. Manny laughs, keeping the flowers out of the way just before Seraphina is squeezing the life out of him. “I’m liking this warm welcome!”

She cups his jaw, staring into his eyes, “Hi, I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” He softly caressed her lower back, before reaching up to pull the band of the bonnet back which was now half-way blocking her view.

They both mirror a smile before Seraphina leans forward with a peck, then another, before Manny grips her back again to hold her longer to his body and his mouth. The kisses are normally on the rougher side thanks to Manny’s eager speed and facial hair but his touch is just the right amount of soft.

Soon they’re tucked into the hotel room, Seraphina is sitting crossed legged on the bed, beaming at Manny who is stretched out on one side of the bed, hand resting on her thigh, also smiling as he tearing into his breakfast burrito. Normally he was the kind of guy that wanted to go out on these spontaneous dates but Seraphina was always to herself.

Having a date inside wasn’t the worse idea as they ordered breakfast for dinner, danced around together after Manny washed his flight off (he told a little lie himself, the budget meeting already happened) and had a sheet mask on, once he stubbed his toe and tried to walk it off, Seraphina called their concert off just in time for the food to get here. Together they got comfortable, just chatting in close proximity before they decided on what to watch together before they fell asleep.

“Are we feeling’ more love is blind or The Traitors?” Manny asks after Seraphina comes back from the bathroom.

Was that a trick question universe?

Seraphina tucks herself right against Manny’s chest, his body hair pricked her new glass skin cheek but she allowed it as he kissed her forehead, “Uh, let’s do love is blind.”

“Sweet! Last season was tragic though.” Manny sighs as he squeezes her back before caressing and using his other hand to search the streaming platform with the remote.

Seraphina listens to his heartbeat thudding against her eardrum, it isn’t what soothes her tonight but she can thank that masseuse for providing with her sweet dreams for once.

ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎

Morning arrives much quicker than expected and it’s something her body is aware of before her eyes open. Seraphina’s tossing and turning in the bed, her back to the figure she ends up kicking.

“Hey, I see you’re awake.” Manny teases turning to tuck his face in Seraphina’s neck, but she nudges him off, “Whoa, what’s up? Is this going to be one of those wrong side of the bed type of mornings?”

She flops on the bed, peering her eyes to stare up at the dark ceiling. The hotel room feels chilly opposed to the warmth beside her and it is almost completely dark besides the bedside lamp on Manny’s side. He’s still in his night clothes from last night but he smells fresh like his signature scent of salt and amberwood, his scent should ease her like it normally does but right now it feels like it’s suffocating her.

“I cheated on you.”

Manny’s head tilts to the side, ear pressing into his shoulder blade and lets out a laugh, “Yeah okay, good one Mena.”

It’s her turn for her head to roll towards his so their eyes meets. She had to be honest, it all came rushing back and she couldn’t fake it anymore, “I’m serious, Manny. I kissed someone else.”

“Like…your dad?” He soberly inquires.

Seraphina shakes her head, “It was with Dante in Kansas City.”

“He was there? Again?” Manny asks as he sits up on the bed now, “Why?”

“He asked if he could come by, he was dealing with something after going undercover—

“All the way from Chicago? He drove to you?” Manny’s crossing his arms as he sits against the headboard, trying to keep his breathing steady instead of coming out in puffs.

Seraphina nods, “Yes. We’re always each other’s support systems…but I didn’t think it would have led to that. We come so far to not show each other that type of vulnerability.”

Manny swallows the lump in his throat, eyes closed, “I…thank you for telling me but I can’t say that this doesn’t hurt.”

Seraphina also moves to sit up in the bed, stomach doing somersaults instead of feeling butterflies like MJ said in that one song the two sung to each other just last night.

“Which is something I never wanted to do to you. I hope you believe me when I say that.”

“I know,” Manny dips his head, “You’re far from evil but you said you wanted to make sure you were over him before giving your best to me. I don’t want to believe that that was your best.”

“It wasn’t.” She admits, “You’ve seen part of my worst—

“I think your best was when you were away from Dante.” Manny adds, “Of course I knew you still missed the guy given that he’s your best friend and all but you were able to just be you and not half of someone else. I got to just see you. And I really liked her.”

Liked?

Seraphina is at a loss of words at that.

This she wasn’t sure she could a hundred percent agree with but perspectives were also another thing. This was someone who was on the outside looking in. Manny was closer to Seraphina on the east coast than Dante out in the Midwest. She was out of reach purposely, on her terms from Dante and it was tough but something she needed to do. Manny knows it deep down that she wouldn’t have made a trip back so soon if it wasn’t for her father’s decline.

Unfortunately the world wasn’t spinning in his favor.

Warm tears slide out the corners of her eyes and before she can wipe them away, Manny does the honors. He wants to say more but before he can there’s harsh knocks at the door. The two share a confused stare, which was enough to let Manny know that Seraphina was not expecting anyone this morning.

He’s on his feet first, not bothering to peek through the peephole since the knocks were urgent as he yanked the door open. There stands Dante, with a heated look in his eyes.

Dante doesn’t waste any time, shoving his way inside in search of Seraphina who’s standing beside the bed on alert. Manny lets the door slam shut behind him, marching right over to where Dante stands by the flatscreen on the wall.

“Okay now…I’m about to get disrespectful.” Manny announces, hands clasping in front of him.

Dante’s glare is only on Seraphina’s as he holds up a file, completely ignoring the man in the room, “Care to explain what the hell this is, Nina?”

He tosses the file onto the bed.

“What’re you doing here, Dante?” Seraphina takes a step forward, heart hammering in her chest as she realizes what’s on the bed.

There was no getting out of this.

“You left, fine. You left mi ma a note, fine. What isn’t fine is you leaving that behind in the bookshelf, which explains why you’re here in the first place.” Dante declaims.

Seraphina breathes, “…It’s not really your business.”

“It is when you lie to me!”

“Hey, keep your voice down when you’re speaking to her, man.” Manny warns Dante.

Dante holds up his hand to Manny who raises his brows.

“I didn’t lie.” Seraphina denies with a shrug of her shoulders, “I just didn’t tell you anything.”

Dante scoffs, a smile full of disbelief breaking out onto his face, which he rubs away with his finger, “Does he know?”

Manny steps closer to Dante then, “That you put your lips on what’s mine? Hell yeah I do.”

Dante sends a look of realization to Seraphina and then sizes Manny up, “That’s not what I was talking about but I’m going to need you to take about five steps back, bro.”

“Why are you even here?” Manny questions, “Did you get your permission slip signed?”

“Manny.” Seraphina foreworns.

Dante doesn’t have to answer to him but says, “Seraphina here is about to get herself into some shit she doesn’t need to be in, yet again.”

“That’s not up for you to decide,” Seraphina bites back, “Yet again.”

“Excuse me?” Dante frowns and points, “You’re the one who stepped back from forensic science because it got to be too much on your mental. Now you’re about to deal with some killer thieves you know nothing about? How do you think that’s going to go, huh?”

Seraphina snickers, “You don’t know what I know!”

“I know you’re not thinking this through, thinking you’re about to do this by yourself—or rather you and Peter!” Dante’s eyes are wide in anger, “Last time was already too much but this time will definitely put you six feet under.”

“Thanks for your confidence, asshole.”

“This isn’t a joke, Seraphina!”

Manny antagonized, “No but you are.”

“What?” Dante sneered as he turned his heated stare back to Manny, “Don’t you have a flight to catch back to Philly or something? Go annoy someone else.”

Manny licks his lips and sends a smug smile, “Why don’t I give you a personal one of your own? Outside that window right there?”

“Oh yeah?” Dante holds his hands out, “And you can a hundred percent guarantee that you’ll be charged with assault and attempted murder on a cop. C’mon the schools out in Philly got to be smarter than this.”

Now Manny’s got his forehead pressed right into Dante’s, “I’m not gonna tell you again to watch your mouth.”

“Or what?” Dante taunts.

Seraphina gets right in between them shoving both men away from each other with great force. There’s not a smile on Manny’s face anymore but there is on Dante’s and she was honestly ready to slap both of them.

“The both of you need to cut the who has bigger BDE right now! This is dumb.” Seraphina yells, “And honestly it’s too early for a migraine so shut up.”

Manny mumbled, “That’s not a competition anyway.”

Making Seraphina give him a blank look but he raises his hands in surrender, before placing his hand on top of her’s that’s resting against his chest. It’s his silent word of telling her he’ll try and cool down.

Dante laughs, “Keep telling yourself that, bro.”

Seraphina whips around to face the buzzed hair man who flicks his eyes right to her’s, “How did you even know I was here?”

“When I read through the file, I contacted Peter. And I’m sure you don’t need to know how i got that information.” Dante easily explains, “But the better question is, how did Manny find you?”

All eyes are on Manny’s now and he awkwardly rubs at the back of his neck.

“Manny?” Seraphina presses, trying to wrack her brain on when she spoke to Manny at any other point yesterday.

Firm knocks at the door only add to the tension in the room. The three all peer at each other and Seraphina is the first to move but Dante is quick to grab her shoulder.

“Let me.” His hand goes to his waist, nudging for her to step back and keep quiet as he goes to the door.

Peeking through the peep hole, he sends a look to Seraphina and Manny who have space in between them now. Dante sharply exhales through his nostrils as he pulls the hotel door open, revealing Deputy Chief Reid standing there with an easy smile.

“Good morning, Officer Torres, Seraphina Coty, and…Manny Castillo. Just the three I wanted to see. Will the two of you get dressed please so we can all take a ride?” He says in a way that isn’t up for debate before continuing, “Officer Torres, you can wait with me out here and why don’t you grab Coty’s file while we wait for me?”

Seraphina and Manny share a confused glance.

“Also…you won’t need to inform Officer Atwater of any of this just yet.” Chief Reid directs this towards Seraphina, burning a hole into her while she ignores the glare Dante sends her way, wanting nothing more than to slap the man in the doorway, “Agent Weaver is downstairs and will have a chat with Manny while us three tend to what we need to.”

Manny clears his throat speaking up, “Agent Weaver?”

“Yes,” Deputy chief dips his head but doesn’t elaborate for the man, choosing to leave that up to Seraphina, “That’s right and don’t worry, you’ll be in great hands until we figure this all out.”

No one makes a move and he sighs.

“We’re wasting time here people, let’s go!”

The bass in his tone this time around did not sit right to Seraphina and this Dante can sense. Her whole facial expression said, ‘I don’t know who this man thinks he’s talking to,’ but she moves from his sight nonetheless, wanting for his beady eyes to no longer be on her.

Dante moves back into the room to pick up the file while Reid holds the door open with his toe, Dante dips his head at the remaining two before leaving them alone once more.

The door clicks shut behind them and Seraphina digs her hand underneath the mattress to pull out the burner phone. Manny is staring at her wide eyed.

“What’re you doing?” He whispers, “I thought the guy said not to contact anyone?”

“That dimpled bitch doesn’t get to tell me what to do all the time,” Seraphina replied, “This is to keep Peter up to speed about you being with Weaver since I’m sure he doesn’t know about that. And I will be contacting Atwater, that’s what that nod was from Dante.”

Manny blinks, “Wow…I did not get that.”

“And I don’t get why you couldn’t answer Dante on how you knew I was here?” Seraphina exasperates, hand quickly grabbing her phone that’s on charge, fingertips flying over the screen to send a message to Kevin.

Once it was read, she pulls out the SIM card and waits for a message from Peter: understood. B careful. I think we’re all being followed. see u soon.

Which only makes Seraphina’s heartbeat spike, before her attention is back on Manny’s.

“Deputy chief Reid told me where you would be.” Manny tells which makes the woman raise her brows, “…Why is it feeling like I’m the one being interrogated right now?”

‘When you’re the one who broke my trust?’ he thinks.

A knock on the door warns, “Ten minutes.”

Seraphina wants to ask more but they’re all pressed for time, so she heads into the bathroom to flush the SIM card and works on getting ready while Manny gets dressed outside of the bathroom. Once ready, Manny pulls the door open with Seraphina leading the way.

“Great. Gang’s all here.” Reid walks off, expecting everyone to follow.

Seraphina asks before Dante can, “Where are we going?”

The Deputy Chief spins to face the three as he walks backwards, his smirk brightening as he looks back and forth between Dante and Seraphina, “To see a friend.”

That only meant one thing as brown eyes met spring…

This case was being brought to The Intelligence Unit now.

And right to Voight’s desk.

⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎ ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎ ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎ ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆˙⟡ ⚡︎ ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆

⇝ preview slip!

~ full page!

[kariachi]

Still on vague 'Ossy/Ossy hybrid Kev' things...

Way back when nix and I tossed around this idea of a version of Ossy that in extreme situations like starvation went full feral werewolf mode. Just thinking, that would explain how extreme the police response was in Kev's premiere if they were laying a trap for a kid they thought had committed a few grizzly cannibalistic murders...

Also included seasonal molts which, just fun to have and work with...

And of course if I'm splitting up Ossys I have to take into account other fuckers... Am thinking Kevin might be the only alien!Ossy around, with everyone else being Earth-native. Would require a few changes to Aggregor, but not nearly so much as making him an alien!Ossy would do with how I'm dividing up the powers...

Alan and Pierce are obvious hits for Earth!Ossy-ness, given Alan's shapeshifting and you could in theory put the shit Pierce does with his quills in the same boat. I tend to make Pierce and Helen cousins by blood siblings by upbringing so Helen also being Ossy would make sense... So we get Alan who like Kevin is wholly Ossy/[Alien], then the Wheelses who are Ossy/Human/[Alien]...

Manny... There's not really anything for Manny that would push him towards one or the other? Like, maybe could make his mom part alien!Ossy, so he and Kev have that in common, low enough that he's not really getting much but some added senses, nastier teeth than full-tetramand would have... Either way would have to keep him from getting the healing factor I give the bastards, he is staying disabled damnit, I have standards...

I'm torn on Mike, meanwhile, because honestly there's nothing going on with him that couldn't be explained with 'mutant with the Spark' and he, like Kevin, gets the mutant label anyway... But then on the other hand having him have Earth!Ossy going on is a perfect excuse to have the Tennysons, Wheelses, and Manny team up to deal with an energy demon dragon vampire having his first molt not safely confined and so chewing his way through the warehouse district. With bonus 'preview of the shit Max will pull with Ultimate Kevin later therefor preventing Ben from falling into his 'must kill though it pains me' mindset, and 'haughty jackass who's been using his species' original place on the food web and the fact that he's not killing his victims to reason away how bad the shit he's been pulling is comes back to himself with a fragment of someone's skull stuck between his teeth and the memory of gutting like four people'...

Like on the one hand it feels very self-indulgent but on the other I'm literally playing alone in a sandbox...

And of course all this needs actual shit for alien!Ossys. Like, physically, because I don't go for just rubber forehead shit... I wanna lean into the landshrimp from my BABO Ossys but I don't know how far into landshrimp I should go. Like, I've already established shit for alien!Ossys in this setting that don't line up with the landshrimp, but I kinda wanna keep the extra limbs and the, well, shrimpness to a degree. Just, figuring out how to do that...

I do have an image of them consuming prey's blood for the sake of not wasting moisture on a desert planet, but I'm not sure if that's something I'm liable to keep...

[church-of-lilith]

spoilers for the back half of abbott elementary season 3 below so read at your own risk! but I need to discuss these last few episode titles with someone bc i’m losing my mind.

3x11 ‘Double Date’ - now this could easily be melissa & the fire captain + jacob & the paramedic but wouldn’t it be crazy if janine and manny got together in the next few episodes and then gregory got jealous and came up with a fake gf but then got trapped in a ‘let’s go on a double date’ situation??

3x12 ‘Mother’s Day’ - Vanetta Teagues making a return? Would love to see Taraji again or maybe Ayo? Or maybe we’ll finally see Taylor & Gina together on screen celebrating with Barbara? Either way I’m here for whatever this entails

3x13 ‘Smith Playground’ - Now the cast was seen filming here the other day so I knew that was coming eventually but I figured it would be the finale because historically all of the finales have been field trips? so the change up is interesting.

3x14 ‘Party’ - this could be a party for literally anything but I’m banking on it being a celebration for janine deciding to accept a full time position with the district after being extended the offer. I would love to see a dramatic last minute pivot from janine where she decides to come back to abbott as a teacher instead of stick with the district after seeing all of the people she loves gathered around, showing up for her, wanting what’s best for her. and then it turns into a ‘welcome home’ sort of party instead.

anyways I could theorize for hours but lmk your thoughts!!

[ballethouses]

Technique   —   bodily  control   —   must  be  mastered  only  because  the  body  must  not  stand  in  the  way  of  the  soul’s  expression.  The  only  reason  for  mastering  technique  is  to  make  sure  the  body  does  not  prevent  the  soul  from  expressing  itself. — 𝑳𝒂 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒊.

CHARACTER BASICS.

FULL NAME: Manon Alexstrasza Movska.

NICKNAME(S): Manny ( to those that she's close with ).

FACECLAIM: Olivia Cooke.

GENDER & PRONOUNS: Cis-female, she + her

AGE & BIRTHDAY: 32 & December 4th.

BIRTHPLACE: Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union ( now Saint Petersburg, Russia ).

OCCUPATION:  Soloist / Prima Ballerina at Joffery Ballet Company.

SEXUALITY: Pansexual ( female preference ).

RESIDENCE: The Loft District, The Ironworks Loft, Unit #10A.

SPOKEN LANGUAGES: Russian, English, French, Spanish, Italian ( conversationally ).

CHARACTER BUILDING.

THREE POSITIVE TRAITS: Passionate, Uninhibited, Resilient.

THREE NEGATIVE TRAITS: Recklessly Hedonistic, Restless, Defiantly Arrogant.

STORY.

Manon  Movska  was  born  in  the  swirling,  frostbitten  splendor  of  Leningrad,  Russian  SFSR,  Soviet  Union  —  before  the  city's  grand  transformation  into  Saint  Petersburg.  Raised  amidst  opulent  chandeliers  and  the  unrelenting  discipline  of  the  Mariinsky  Theatre,  she  was  the  daughter  of  privilege,  but  she  never  once  coasted  on  the  weight  of  her  family  name.  Ballet  was  not  just  her  inheritance;  it  was  her  obsession.  The  sacred  burn  of  muscle,  the  exhilaration  of  velocity,  the  whispered  ecstasy  of  a  perfect  arabesque  —  Manon  did  not  simply  dance,  she  devoured  movement.

She  was  beautiful  in  the  way  that  nightshade  is  mesmerizing,  or  poison  is  sweet.  Born  to  a  prominent  family  in  St.  Petersburg,  there  was  never  a  time  in  which  Manon  was  anything  but  lovely,  with  her  doe  eyes  and  intense  glances,  the  drape  of  furs  across  slim,  pale  shoulders.  There  were  the  dolls,  the  flowers,  the  dresses  of  silk  and  lace,  but  more  so  —  the  dance,  the  opera,  all  that  which  made  Russia  unique,  all  that  which  had  built  her  legacy.  Manon’s  early  life  was  a  series  of  quick  sketches,  days  spent  training  her  craft,  perfecting  her  physique  and  mind  to  morph  into  that  which  she  admired.  She  saw  Giselle  in  Chelyabinsk  when  she  was  five,  and  was  struck  by  the  fact  that  it  felt  just  like  a  fairytale:  something  refined,  elegant,  and  distant;  something  untouchable  —  and  she  wished  to  be  that  untouchable  figure  upon  the  stage,  a  ghost  of  impressions  and  techniques,  modern  goddess  of  blood  and  snow.  It  was  in  those  moments  of  decision  that  her  childhood  fled  from  her  before  it  had  even  begun  and  her  cheeks  lost  their  rosiness,  beginning  instead  to  frost  like  ice  —  like  a  girl  who  would  rise,  and  rise,  until  she  was  so  high  that  nothing  else  mattered.

Her  choices  pleased  her  parents.  Her  parents  tossed  their  heads  triumphantly  at  having  produced  such  a  wonderful  spirit,  calm  and  seemingly demure,  graceful  in  all  things.  Manon,  true  to  the  Movska  tradition,  did  not  ever  act  as  other  children  did:  there  was  never  an  instance  in  which  she  was  completely  ordinary.  To  be  a  dancer,  a  ballerina,   a  weaver  of  dreams,  one  must  sacrifice  all:  and  she  understood  the  word  well.  Sacrifice,  to  trade  one  valuable  thing  (  her  childhood  )  for  something  more  precious  (  her  ambitions  ).

She  endured  it  all  with  dignity,  a  degree  of  careful  humility  innate  only  to  the  best  ballerinas,  and  as  the  hours  of  dancing  alone  before  the  television  became  the  sole  priority  of  her  waking  hours,  her  parents  piled  their  wealth  behind  her,  an  initiative  for  greatness.  And  so  she  became  a  ballerina  in  training  attending  an  academy  for  the  most  gifted.  While  the  worker’s  children  ran  laughing  through  the  streets,  red  hats  and  black  shoes,  she  sat  in  the  backseat  of  her  father’s  chauffeured  cars,  watching  the  world  pass  by,  her  aching,  bleeding  feet  resting…  waiting  for  another  day  at  the  bars,  small  face  staring  into  her  own  eyes  in  the  mirror.  Arabesque,  plié,  grande  jeté  —  repeat  and  repeat,  until  perfection  shone  in  the  sweat  of  her  brow  and  the  bruises  on  her  feet.

Triumf,  malenkaya  koroleva.

From  the  moment  she  could  stand,  her  feet  were  shaped  into  exquisite  instruments  of  precision.  Every  morning  began  with  grueling  barre  exercises,  every  evening  ended  with  exhaustion,  her  young  limbs  trembling  with  both  torment  and  triumph.  Under  the  iron  tutelage  of  Russia’s  finest,  she  ascended  from  promising  student  to  prodigious  soloist,  her  talents  eclipsing  even  the  highest  expectations.  By  her  late  teens,  she  had  already  danced  across  the  great  stages  of  Europe,  moving  from  Moscow  to  Paris  to  Vienna,  her  name  murmured  in  hushed,  reverent  tones  among  ballet’s  elite.

Those  years  are  a  blur.  Every  great  dancer  remembers  most  vividly  not  the  pain,  but  the  glory,  and  when  she  was  picked  up  by  the  Mariinsky  Ballet  immediately  after  her  graceful  reign  at  Vaganova,  every  moment  of  blood,  sweat,  and  tears  was  worth  it.  One  year,  two  years,   five  years  —  she  was  a  prima  ballerina  of  the  world’s  greatest  stage;  half  queen  and  half  goddess,  fully  ethereal  in  her  allegros,  her  pirouettes.   She  commanded  the  stage  in  a  manner  that  very  few  had  ever  before;  bold  yet  delicate,  striking  yet  subtle  —  and  from  all  over  the  world  her  admirers  flocked,  to  see  her  another  time  on  that  imperial  stage  framed  in  gold  and  ash.  She  was  Juliette  dancing  to  die,  Odette  dancing  to  live,  every  dream  that  men and women  could  have  had,  she  could  capture  for  them  in  a  series  of  adagios.  And  so  she  did,  and  as  she  became  more  famous  and  more  beautiful,  her  ambition  only  grew,  and  grew,  until  she  believed  that  she  could  go  down  in  history  as  Russia’s  most  prolific  prima  ballerina.

Even  with  her  reign  at  the  Mariinsky  secure,  with  the  world  at  her  feet  and  Russia  singing  her  praises,  Manon  found  herself  restless.  She  had  danced  through  Moscow’s  grandeur,  twirled  beneath  the  Parisian  moon,  spun  through  Vienna’s  hallowed  halls,  and  yet,  it  was  not  enough.  She  craved  the  unknown,  the  thrill  of  fresh  audiences  and  untamed  stages.  Europe,  America  —  these  were  not  merely  destinations,  but  new  frontiers  of  adventure,  challenges  to  conquer,  theaters  to  command.  And  so,  when  the  opportunity  arose,  she  seized  it  with  the  hunger  of  an  artist  who  knew  that  even  the  most  glittering  cages  were  still  cages.  She  was  ready  to  set  the  world  ablaze  with  the  fire  of  her  movement.

Now  thirty-two,  Manon  is  more  than  a  prima  ballerina  —  she  is  a  force  of  nature.  She  dances  not  with  rigid  precision  but  with  raw  instinct,  her  body  an  instrument  of  unfiltered  passion.  Sensual  and  unapologetically  open,  she  embraces  life  as  she  does  the  stage:  wildly,  freely,  with  no  regard  for  convention.  Resilient,  she  rises  from  the  ashes  of  every  challenge,  crafting  herself  anew  with  every  performance,  ever-refusing  to  bend  to  fate.  There  was  a  time,  years  ago,  when  she  burned  bright  in  an  affair  with  Lena  Finch,  a  flame  that  consumed  them  both  before  flickering  into  embers.  But  history  lingers  in  every  duet,  in  every  glance  across  the  rehearsal  floor.  As  fate  —  or  mere  chance  —  would  have  it,  she  now  finds  herself  in  Willow  Peak,   Chicago,  a  soloist  and  principal  dancer  at  the  Joffrey  Ballet  Company,  where  her  former  lover  also  graces  the  stage.  Their  bodies  move  once  more  in  tandem,  their  past  whispered  in  every  pas  de  deux.  And  yet,  Manon  does  not  dwell  on  yesterday;  she  is  too  busy  dancing  her  way  into  eternity.

[gregoryeddiesgoldchain]

um okay i saw someone else do this and i really enjoyed it so here's my thoughts from this week's episode of abbott. obviously spoilers ahead

the first five minutes of this epsiode are some of the funniest tv i've seen so far this year!! OMG the face barbara makes to the camera, tariq's line from shaq lmao this show is so fucking good man

"i'm afraid of all natural disasters, of which there will be scores in our lifetime" - janine teagues once again being the voice i need on tv lol. currently making a bug-out bag for my grandparents cause this shit is nawt a game.

just gonna say this here and now- manny is fine and sweet idc what y'all say!

gregory eddie with the reveal that both mortons work at abbott!! i hope we get to see more of them that's so cute.

"I got so good at ignoring Janine, I never noticed she was pregnant" ummm this is y'alls queen?? sorry she irks me so bad sometimes. she's the only one still doing this "we hate janine and she's so annoying" thing and it's getting tired.

oh i loovee ava popping in on janine at her district office and i'm so excited to see how they expand their relationship this season!! honestly probably going to make a separate post to talk about all the good ass avanine moments from this episode but i just love them.

"really helps fill the janine-sized hole in my heart" thank you jacob for always holding it down for my baby janine!! i love their friendship sm

as someone who eats my lunch in my car every day just to get some quiet alone time i understand gregory very much but also let them babies in your classroom beloved

"Gregory Eddie, is no woman safe from your incompetence with the opposite sex?" omgg this felt mean lol poor gregory but also she's right and she should say it! mr eddie is on a journey this season but idk where we going chile. like for a man who started out wanting to be principal of this school i think " i don't want the responsibility" is a weird take idk. we shall see honey.

"Your advice goes harder than that thang, Mrs Howard" lmaoo whoever wrote that line i'm giving you specifically a kiss on the cheek for making me cackle oh so hard

also someone pleaseee make a compilation of all the cute pins and brooches miss teagues is wearing with her lil work outfits like are you kidding me!! she's so cute pls.

[marble-hand]

[ manny jacinto, cis-man, he/him ] Look who just landed! VALERIO “VAL” DIZON, I sure hope you packed all you need. Perhaps you’re not worried as FORCE LEADER of THE OVERSEERS. The city has plenty of spots for a 34 year old HEXTECH USER like you. You’ll be known in the city soon enough as THE MARBLE HAND, being RIGHTEOUS and CREDULOUS.

OOC INFO

OOC: Jun, PT, any pronouns/siya

Muse’s Name(s): Valerio “Val” Dizon

Tagging System: Below

Interview: Here

STATISTICS

Full Name: Valerio Dizon

Nickname: Val

Date of Birth: October 4, 2371

Gender: Cis-man

Pronouns: He/him

Sexual Orientation: Pansexual

Romantic Orientation: Panromantic

Current Age: 34

Modification: Hextech User – White Titanium Gauntlets AKA The Marble Hands

Affiliation: The Overseers

Birthplace: Marwar District, New Jakarta

Current Neighbourhood: Sora, New Jakarta

Occupation: Force Leader of The Overseers

Known Languages: Tagalog (native), English (native), Mandarin (conversational), Bahasa Indonesian (conversational), Japanese (conversational)

APPEARANCE

Faceclaim: Manny Jacinto

Height: 5'11"

Eye Colour: Dark brown

Hair Colour: Black

Clothing Style: Usually in uniform, otherwise minimal, clean, and comfy a la Scandinavian Minimalist core 

Jewellery: Multiple rings to fidget with if he’s not wearing his gauntlets, but very deliberately keeps his ring finger free

Tattoos: N/A

Marks/Scars: A few burn scars from his time in the bakery, numerous scars from front-line duty, and a larger scar on this back that he got during “training” when he first got recruited into the Overseers

Modifications: Hextech user

Scent/Fragrance: Like freshly baked bread

FAVOURITES

Likes: Any sort of freshly baked bread or pastry, Filipino drink desserts, a good time in karaoke

Dislikes: Criminals with no remorse, disorderly conduct, people who leave less than 5 star reviews about his mom’s bakery 

Hobbies: Basketball, baking, recipe development

Habits: Fidgeting with rings or the crystals on his gauntlets, code-switching between more casual and formal talk off/on duty

One Cherished Item: A personalized apron and oven mitt set from Santi for their six month anniversary

BIOGRAPHY

Always "Val," and never "Valerio Dizon"—unless it was his mother scolding him for staying out too late. Val was the kind of guy who made people feel at ease. Popular, good-natured, the one who’d help walk an old lady across the street without a second thought or share his lunch with a classmate who’d forgotten theirs. Up until high school, he never aspired to be anything more than what he was, a regular kid with a decent life in New Jakarta’s Marwar District.

Born to a single mother who ran the family bakery, Valerio’s Bake Shop, Val’s life followed a comfortable, if predictable, routine. The bakery was a local favorite, known for its warm, flaky pastries and the kind smile his mother greeted everyone with. For Val, the future seemed simple: he’d take over the bakery, maybe work part-time during college, and continue the family tradition. Ambition wasn’t something that had crossed his mind. Why would it? Life was normal. It was fine.

But even in his laid-back existence, he held an unwavering belief in justice. Though he was one of the popular kids, Val always made sure everyone was included, that no one felt left out. He’d step in when the neighborhood kids got too rough, making them apologize if they bumped into someone. Laws and order kept life safe, and that’s how Val liked it. Stable. Secure.

Until it wasn’t.

The robbery was a shock. A bakery of all places. The desperation in New Jakarta was growing, people were hungry—not just for food, but for survival. Val remembers running home, heart pounding, fearing the worst. The storefront window was shattered, glass littering the sidewalk, but his mother, though shaken, was unharmed. Relief washed over him, but reality punched him straight in the face—their safety had been an illusion, a fragile thing easily broken as the bakery’s window.

At the scene, Val’s eyes were drawn to an Overseer, an imposing figure clad in sleek armor, weapons glowing with the eerie light of Hextech crystals. The Overseer moved with authority, surveying the damage with a calm, focused demeanor. Val had never seen anything like it. The man approached him, asked if he was the owner’s son. When Val nodded, the Overseer placed a heavy, gloved hand on his shoulder. “Be strong,” he said, his voice steady. “Protect your mother. We won’t always be here.”

Those words struck something deep within Val. The Overseer’s presence, the power he wielded, and the responsibility he bore—it all crystallized in Val’s mind. He wanted to be strong enough to protect those he loved, to uphold the laws that kept people safe. For the first time, Val felt a drive, a purpose that went beyond the bakery and the simple life he’d always imagined.

From that day on, Val’s path shifted. With less than a year before his high school graduation, he poured himself into his studies, especially anything that would help him understand the law, justice, and the workings of the city. He trained his body, pushing himself to physical limits he’d never considered before. His mother supported him, proud of his newfound determination, even if it meant a different, bigger, future than she’d envisioned.

Val joined the Overseers as soon as he was able, climbing the ranks with a mix of hard work, innate talent, and that fierce belief in justice that had always been a part of him. He specialized in Hextech weaponry, just like the man he admired all those years ago. His titanium white gauntlets becoming his signature, earning him the nickname “The Marble Hand.”

Despite his rise, Val never lost that good-natured, approachable side. He was known for his fairness, his refusal to bend the rules, but also for his empathy. He argued for mercy when he believed people were victims of circumstance, remembering his own past and the desperation he had seen in the eyes of those who had turned to crime.

Now, as the Force Leader of the Overseers, Val is in a position of power he never sought but fully embraced. He sees himself in the new recruits, those young, eager faces that remind him of the boy he once was—the one who had no real ambition until the day his world was shaken. Val takes it upon himself to mentor them, to instill in them the same belief in justice that drives him. He’s seen the darkness in the city, but he’s also seen the light, and he’s determined to guide the next generation of law enforcers, and anyone else he can bring along, towards that light.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS (More TBA)

Mother - Marigold Santos Dizon

Val had always admired his mom. Growing up, he was a bit of a brat—he can admit that now—but looking back, he feels a little sorry for the way he acted. It wasn’t until he got older that he realized the situation they were in: a single mom running a bakery by herself, keeping everything together with sheer willpower and ungodly early mornings. Val remembers how she would wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning to get the day’s stock of baked goods going, a routine that seemed as natural to her as breathing.

By the time Val was in high school, he couldn’t just watch her do it all alone. He started getting up early too, helping her out before heading off to practice. It wasn’t much, but he wanted to do his part. Those early mornings taught him perseverance, a trait he knows he inherited from her.

Now, as he climbs the ranks in the Overseers and dreams of a better future for both himself and the city, he wishes he could do more for her. Val hopes to see her retire soon, but he wonders if she could really let go of the bakery. It’s been her life’s work, her pride. Would she find fulfillment in retirement, or would she miss the routine, the sense of purpose it gave her?

One thing Val does know, however, is that she keeps asking when he’s going to get married. She says it doesn’t matter who, as long as he’s happy. Val finds her persistence amusing and endearing, a reminder that no matter how much his life changes, some things—like his mom’s unconditional love and prized pandesal recipe—will always stay the same.

Boyfriend - Santi Amarin-Zhao

The words were already spilling out of his mouth before he could think. He had just finished a routine line of questioning, and before Val knew it, his next question had him asking out New Jakarta’s most eligible bachelor and X Academy’s CEO on a date. Val’s heart nearly stopped as he realized what he’d done—he’d never fumbled like that before when asking someone out. He was about to apologize, to take it back, but then Santi said, “Sure.” Just like that. 

They’ve gone on quite a few dates since then, and Val likes to think they’re going steady, exclusive even. But he can’t help noticing the walls Santi has put up. Their relationship isn’t public, Santi avoids any kind of PDA, and sometimes he feels just out of reach, even during late nights when it’s just the two of them in bed. It’s like Santi’s there, but not fully there.

Still, it doesn’t shake Val’s faith in him. He trusts Santi. They both want the same thing, right? For this city to be better, safer. Val tells himself that’s enough, even if getting closer to Santi feels like trying to touch something through glass.

[marvels-baudelaire]

Confessions of the Heart

I finally posted!! The FIRST chapter of my story is now uploadeddd on both ao3 and wattpad.

Here is a preview, i hope you enjoy:

It was the first week back from Spring Break, a week after Janine ran into Gregory into the bar. Well... ran is a stretch. More like, minded her business then was heard a loud yell from Gregory who then asked several questions about his observations and then left.

Either way, it left Janine feeling confused.

And a little proud.

On the one hand, why was Gregory acting so weird? Even if she were on a date, Gregory didn't want a relationship with her. She spent a lot of the break alone contemplating this because she knew she wasn't crazy.

He didn't want her.

Or at least she thought he didn't. But why was it such a problem that she went out with Manny. And what was wrong with what she was wearing? And why did he have to look at her like that knowing she cannot have him. Why did have to be on a date with someone else? That quietly stung Janine's heart a little bit. Not because he was on a date, but because it wasn't with her. She would have loved to be there with Gregory instead of Manny and talk to him about how excited she is to be back teaching and how she has been taking care of the plant he gave her and how she has learned so much about herself and gotten closer with her mom. But alas, Gregory was on a date with another girl, talking about whatever. She wanted to be the one sitting next to Gregory gazing into his eyes and feeling the warmth of his presence that she normally gets whenever he was around. And it was the worst not speaking to Gregory for those months at the district. Everything was just a little harder, not being able to talk to him and hear his voice.

Janine was currently at a staff Easter Party where Barbara and Melissa were holding court about something, Jacob was putting in his input, Ava disputing everything being said, and Mr. Johnson was just... Mr. Johnson. Gregory was there but they hadn't spoken much. He hadn't been acting weird but different. Like he was standing in certainty. About what? She didn't know, though she was curious.

Gregory was sitting at a table by himself drinking a cup of water in his thoughts until he spotted Janine, and instantly smiled. Janine loved when he looked at her with that smile that reached his ears.

"Hey Janine" he said as she sat down, watching her very closely, giving Janine butterflies.

"Hi Gregory, I see you shaved your beard". Oh yes, the beard Gregory had made a point about Manny having that Janine didn't get and found... odd? Not even that, it was just random, what does a beard have to do with anything.

They sat there making light conversation about the flowers Janine had previously picked from his garden and how to take care of them as they grow, and Janine couldn't take it anymore. She wanted to know so badly, but this wasn't the time nor place, so she excused herself from the table. "I'm going to go for a walk" she said slowly beginning to get up.

As she reached the door, she realized she really needed clarity, because this was crazy. It was eating her up inside and she could just talk to him about it. So, she shortly pulled out her phone from the purse and searched for Gregory's contact.

"Can you follow me please?" She sent.

He instantly read the message and Janine watched as bubbles popped up onto her screen,

"Of Course."

[oscars-wifeyyy]

A Lesson in Love (Manny Rivera x OC)

A/N: Below the cut are the chapters.

Lina Kim, a dedicated and hardworking teacher at Abbott Elementary, always looks for ways to improve her classroom and support her students. Lina is initially uncertain when Manny Rivera, a charismatic district administrator, is assigned to collaborate with the school on a new district initiative. However, as soon as they meet, their shared passion for education becomes clear, and they quickly bond over their mutual goal of creating a better learning environment for the students. Manny, known for his relaxed and personable nature, appreciated Lina’s commitment and ability to connect with her students. While he has a more laid-back approach to problem-solving, he values her structured and thoughtful methods. Lina, in turn, admires Manny’s enthusiasm for making positive changes within the school district and his genuine care for the teachers and students. As they work together on the initiative, they find themselves collaborating seamlessly. Their chemistry grows as they share ideas, laugh over challenges, and support each other in their efforts to improve Abbott Elementary. Outside of work, they begin spending more time together, discovering shared interests beyond education, and enjoying each other’s company. Their connection deepens, and what starts as a strong professional partnership evolves into something more personal. Both Lina and Manny realize they make an excellent team at work and have the potential for a meaningful relationship. With Abbott Elementary’s quirky staff and their ever-present commitment to the students, they navigate the balancing act of career, romance, and personal growth, learning from each other along the way.

Career Day Pt. 1

Career Day Pt. 2

Dinner with Manny

Smoking

Unplanned Movie Night

Librarian

First Official Date

Panel

Double Date

Mother's Day

The Party

[justice-news-24]

State Rep. Ron Reynolds turns himself in to serve year-long jail sentence

The Missouri City Democrat was convicted of multiple misdemeanors for illegally soliciting clients for his personal injury law practice.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds has turned himself in to authorities in Montgomery County to begin serving his year-long jail sentence.

Reynolds, a Democrat from Missouri City, was convicted in 2015 on misdemeanor charges for illegally soliciting clients for his personal injury practice and sentenced to a year in jail. He was out on an appellate bond for years while his case wound through the appeals process.

On Friday morning, he had a hearing in Montgomery County after all his appeals were denied, and he turned himself in, according to a court clerk. He has not resigned his seat and state law does not force resignations for misdemeanor convictions, meaning it's likely he'll be in jail when the next session of the Texas Legislature convenes in January.

Reynolds has won several elections since his conviction, including his primary in March. He faces no opposition in the general election this November.

The exact length of time he will spend behind bars, however, remains uncertain. Though he was sentenced to one year, county jails will often allow “good time credit” which can drastically cut time served in some cases. Joel Daniels, the main prosecutor in Reynolds’ trial and chief of the white collar division in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, said that decision is left up to the sheriff.

“The sheriff can have him serve day-for-day, he can give him credit for two days for every day that he serves or three days,” he said. “It’s really just on the discretion of the sheriff and it depends on Mr. Reynolds’ behavior.”

If Reynolds served only one day of every three of his sentence, he could conceivably get out of jail just one or two days before the next legislative session starts on Jan. 8.

Shortly after Reynolds was escorted into a county van in handcuffs and a button-down shirt, his office released a statement that said the lawmaker's attorney is continuing to work on “various legal challenges” and Reynolds was confident that his conviction would still be overturned. Reynolds said he will continue to “fight for his constituents during the upcoming session.”

“Rep. Reynolds has full confidence that his experienced staff will be able to handle any immediate needs of his constituents, during his 4-6 month absence,” the statement, attributed to Reynolds, said.

He emphasized that he “voluntarily revoked his appeal bond so that he could be prepared to start the 86th Legislative Session on time.” His appeals had been exhausted in state courts, with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denying to hear his case in May and then again rejecting a motion for a rehearing in July.

On Friday, a Texas Democratic Party leader said Reynolds was taking responsibility for his actions.

“No politician is above the law,” said Manny Garcia, the party’s deputy executive director. “Today, Rep. Reynolds took responsibility for his actions and is facing the consequences, when will indicted Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton do the same?”

Paxton is facing a criminal trial for securities fraud charges, but has not been convicted of a crime.

Garcia said he had “no further comment at this time” when asked if the party saw any need for Reynolds to resign or face disciplinary action. State Rep. Chris Turner, head of the House Democratic Caucus, echoed Reynolds' statement of voluntarily revoking his bond.

"We respect the legal process and we hope this matter is finally resolved in the near future," he added in an emailed statement.

Reynolds’ conviction stems from a 2012 undercover investigation that revealed a chiropractic firm was persuading patients who had been injured in accidents to sign contracts that named Reynolds as their legal counsel before the patients had physical exams or even met him.

Those charges were ultimately dropped after investigators in the case were accused of stealing evidence in unrelated cases, but Reynolds was again arrested a year later after authorities raided his office and the offices of seven other area attorneys. The lawyers were allegedly involved in a $25 million kickback scheme with Robert Valdez, a co-owner of two chiropractic clinics.

[simslegacy5083]

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 9 Ep 50: Catching Up

Remembering his promise to keep up a good “school/life balance”, once Luigi felt he was fully prepped for the new semester he checked in on his family.

First up was a trek back to the old homestead in Brindleton. He brought a newly elder Chubbs along to celebrate Valentina’s own transition to elderhood. He enjoyed seeing everyone again, catching up with Kelsey and Scott. Scott was still working at the Art Gallery and had recently been promoted, while Kelsie had brought her husband and some well loved grandkids to her mother’s birthday.

---------------------------------------------

Peachy and Valentina had yet to set a wedding date, due to some lingering family drama on her side. In their youth Valentina’s twin sister Kassandra had cheated on her unsavory husband Leroy with Peachy, until the two men became aware of each other. Relations were still tense between them.

Luigi told his dad not to worry about it, he’d put the old reprobate in his place if Leroy started anything. Peachy just shook his head, promising his son that wouldn’t be necessary. They’d send out invites as soon as they decided on a venue for the ceremony.

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Next up Luigi headed out to Moonwood to check in on Hunter and Tess. He was glad to find them settling in nicely, as their primary skill sets were an excellent fit for the bustling farm community and the pack had been just as warm and welcoming as promised.

Luigi was saddened to hear of the passing of his old art Club friend, the ancient werewolf Wolfgang. He wasn’t able to pretend to similar sadness when he heard that his aunt Toni had left Hunter’s short-fused father Manny and returned to The Collective single shortly after Denton’s wedding.

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Toni took the opportunity to thank her nephew for his unwavering support of his cousin. Her partner’s “my way or the highway” attitude had driven many of their friends away, and when he had at last alienated their child as well, she had been forced to dissolve their relationship.

She had come to the mill to reconnect with Hunter and Tess. Once there the community had rekindled fond memories of her youth and begun to restore her faith in relationships. Her old friends welcomed her back with open arms and she loved being able to watch her son bloom here with them.

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Finally, Luigi got a chance to check in with Denton and Cullen when the newlywed invited them to the flea market downtown.

He and Bridget had just moved to a new apartment in the Spice District, and when he heard of an innovative young musician playing amongst a large collection of secondhand furnishings, he knew they could all could catch up while catching a show and hunting for deals.

Cullen found a chair while Denton picked up a comfy couch and Luigi snagged a cocktail themed floor lamp.

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After they all found decorations that appealed to them and took in a performance that did not disappoint, the cousins headed to a local gaming café.

The change of venue was definitely Luigi’s idea, but Denton and Cullen had a good time too. Despite their different upbringings and careers all three boys were digital professionals and quite at home in front of a screen. They chatted as they played, giving the game only half their attention.

Denton told them married life with Bridget was going well so far, although they were nowhere near ready to bring kids into the mix.

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As for Cullen, he’d recovered nicely from surgery, but what he was most excited about was the results of his HRT therapy.

He looked very different than the last time his cousins had seen him, and he felt a thrill of excitement every time he glimpsed the person staring back at him in the mirror. Cataloging his exploration of the city for his followers on Sinstagram was going well, and his parents had helped him find his own small apartment in the Spice District not far from Denton and Bridget.

The cousins had a great night together, and they told Luigi they couldn’t wait to cheer him on at his next e-sports event. They parted ways looking forward to seeing each other again soon.

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View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here