#abbot elementary

-“I'm sorry...”-Melissa said carefully trying to get your attention. You looked up too fast, as if you had been startled out of thought. You were beautiful in the quiet kind of way people often missed at first glance. Not polished or deliberate, just warm. Your hair pinned up messily, tired eyes, soft mouth. The sort of face that looked made for smiling even when it was strained with worry.

-“Yes Miss Schemmenti?”-You looked up, Melissa hesitated.

Her house had an extra room, and for the last year it had become a graveyard for old exercise equipment and things she swore she would donate someday. It was empty enough.

And your daughter, Gaia, was sitting cross-legged by the cubbies drawing flowers on the back of a math worksheet because she was too patient to complain that her mom had spent the whole pickup quietly arguing with someone over the phone in rapid-fire Spanish.

Melissa had caught enough to understand.

Rent. Late again.

Please, just one more week.

-"Are you okey?" - she asked and you nodded rubbing your eyes.

-"What?" - you were not used to have someone caring how you were, so it took you by surprise - "Oh yes... I know I'm late to pick her up and that I haven't been coming to the last few meetings... I'm just working some extra hours, but I will be here the next one, I promise..."-you didn't wanted to say that you had lost your job and that you won't be busy the next days because you were not able to do extra hours anymore. But you limited your answer to a promise.

-"Look... I don't mean to pry but I heard..."-before she could gather the courage to say what she was planning to say, your phone rang and you opened your eyes like remembering something.

-"I'm sorry Melissa, Gaia has a dentist appointment and we are getting late...Can we talk another time?..."-you were calling your daughter with hand gestures. Your baby girl grabbed her color pencils and ran to you holding your hand and looking at the redhead with a bright smile

-"Yes... Don't worry...I will see you another day..."-the redhead said grabbing her bag and seeing how you picked up your daughter

-"Bye Miss Schemmenti" - you said hurried

-"Bye bye miss Schemmenti, see you tomorrow!" - Your little kid waved her gloved hand and you left, disappearing behind the green doors into the cold day

A couple more days passed, and Melissa could not stop thinking about you. About the strain in your voice during that phone call. About the way your fingers had trembled while buttoning Gaia’s coat. About the way you had smiled anyway, as if warmth could be forced into existence through sheer determination.

She noticed things after that. Little things.

The way Gaia always arrived clean and neatly dressed, even if her shoes were beginning to pinch at the toes. The careful way her lunches were packed, always homemade, always portioned with precision. Sometimes just a sandwich cut into perfect little triangles, an apple sliced so it looked abundant, a few crackers tucked carefully into a napkin.

And every morning, Melissa made sure there were snacks waiting in her desk drawer.

-“Miss Schemmenti, can I have one of the strawberry bars?”-Gaia asked one morning, peeking up at her with wide brown eyes.

-“Absolutely not"-Melissa clicked her tongue dramatically. Gaia’s little face fell.

Then Melissa reached into the drawer and placed two bars in front of her-“One is clearly for quality control"- Gaia giggled.

-“Thank you"-she said saving one in her pocket-"One for mama, this are her favorite ones too" - that squeezed the redhead's heart

-“Don’t tell the other kids”-Melissa warned-“I have a reputation to maintain”-she joked. Gaia nodded solemnly, as though entrusted with state secrets.

Melissa watched her skip back to her desk and felt something twist in her chest.

The kid was bright. Sweet. Too observant for her age.

She couldn't ignore the innocent conversations that your daughter had with other children, who although they were not rich, had gone out on weekends to nice places and your daughter was excited to say that on her weekend you had enough to buy you a ice cream to share with her.

And one Friday afternoon, while the class colored quietly, one kid was teasing Gaia about her lack of color pencils. Melissa immediately came to help

-"Hey, that's no nice, I will talk to your parents about your behavior by the end of the day when they come pick you up" - she said frowning and crossing her arms. The kid immediately went quiet and resumed his coloring lesson.

-"Gaia, if you want I have colors on my desk" - she offered and your daughter denied with her head

-"I like mine, I don't have the big box of coloring pencils but this works..."-she said and looked up to the redhead - “My mom cries in the bathroom so I won’t hear”-Melissa’s stomach dropped. She crouched beside her desk carefully.

-“Gaia…”-The little girl shrugged, still drawing.

-“It’s okay. She thinks I don’t know"-Melissa swallowed hard.

-“She loves you very much"-the teacher stated

-“I know"-Gaia finally looked at her, serious beyond her years-“She just gets sad because money makes grown-ups weird"-Melissa blinked.

Then, despite herself, she laughed softly.

-“That is… disturbingly accurate"-Gaia smiled. Then she leaned closer and whispered

-“I think she likes you"-Melissa nearly choked on air.

-“What?”-she blinked a few times. Gaia returned to coloring as if she had not just detonated Melissa’s nervous system.

-“She smiles when she says your name and she likes the strawberry bars that you send"-Melissa stared at the top of her dark little head, speechless. Children were terrifying.

That evening, pickup ran late again.

The classroom had emptied, the halls gone quiet except for distant janitors and squeaking wheels from someone’s cleaning cart.

Gaia sat by the window, drawing little stars on fogged glass. And then you appeared.

Hair damp from melted snow, cheeks pink from the cold, breathless and apologizing before the door had even fully opened.

-“I’m so sorry, our car broke and I had to take two buses and one was delayed and...-you were gasping for air trying to speak

-“You’re fine"- Melissa said quickly. You stopped. Actually stopped. As if the words had stunned you. Most people accepted your apologies because they expected them. They treated your lateness like proof of failure. But Melissa said it like she meant it. Like your being late did not make you lesser.

Your shoulders softened.

-"Thank you," - you said quietly. Gaia launched herself at your legs, and you bent to gather her close, kissing the top of her head. The tenderness of it hit Melissa square in the ribs.

Before she could lose her nerve, she blurted

-“I have a room"-You looked up, confused, you frowned

-“What?”-you looked scared, like she was offering something that shouldn't be offered in front of a child

-“In my house-” Melissa clarified, immediately flustered-“Not like a weird serial killer thing. Jesus, why did I phrase it like that?”-she scratched her head nervously. A laugh escaped you before you could stop it. Melissa’s face flushed brighter-“There’s an extra room"-she rushed on-“It’s mostly old junk and a treadmill nobody has respected since 2019, but it’s yours if you need it"-she offered. You froze. The air shifted. Melissa’s pulse thundered-“I overheard enough the other day"-she said more gently now-“And before you get embarrassed, don’t. Life is expensive, Philly landlords are criminals, and sometimes people need help"-she whispered with soft eyes.

Your mouth parted, but no sound came. You looked down at Gaia, who was already half-asleep against your coat. Then back at Melissa. Your eyes shimmered.

-“You barely know me"-you whispered, Melissa gave a small shrug.

-“I know your daughter says please and thank you without being reminded. I know she shares her crayons when other kids forget theirs. I know she talks about you like you hung the moon"-Your breath caught-“And I know good people sometimes get hit with bad luck"- Melissa finished softly.

Silence. Then your face crumpled. Not dramatically. Not loudly. Just the quiet collapse of someone who had been carrying too much for too long. Melissa moved before thinking. Her arms wrapped around you instinctively, awkward at first, hesitant. Then you broke.

A trembling breath left your chest as you leaned into her, your free hand clutching the front of her coat. Melissa held on tighter. Her heart hammered wildly. You were warm despite the cold. Smaller than she had imagined. Real.

-“It’s okay"-she murmured, surprising herself with how much she meant it-“You’re okay"

For the first time in months, standing there in an empty classroom with your daughter half-asleep between you and the scent of snow still clinging to your coat, you believed it.

-"We got kicked out today" - Your voice came out weaker than you expected, trembling as you pulled back just enough to wipe at your tears with the sleeve of your coat. The words tasted humiliating. You hated how small they made you feel. Melissa stayed still in front of you, her hands hovering at your waist for half a second as if she wanted to pull you close again but was not sure she was allowed to. You took a shaky breath-“I lost my job because the restaurant closed. I was trying to gather money for rent cooking meals for some hospitals, but…”-Your voice broke, and you swallowed hard before continuing-“They didn’t give me more time. When I got back after dropping Gaia off here, all our things were outside the apartment"-Melissa’s face changed. Not pity. Something sharper. Anger, hot and immediate, on your behalf. You looked down, unable to bear the kindness in her eyes-“I put everything in our car, and then the car broke down halfway to the repair shop"-You let out a hollow little laugh that sounded nothing like amusement-“It’s still there, full of our stuff. And on the bus ride here, all I could think about was where Gaia and I were going to sleep tonight"-The shame hit harder saying it aloud.Your throat tightened -“I don’t want to impose. I know having a kid in your home is… a lot. A huge change. And I know this is insane, but…”-You laughed weakly through fresh tears-“I don’t exactly have the luxury of saying no"-Your voice cracked completely. You pressed your lips together, trying and failing to hold yourself together-“I… I don’t know what to say"-

Melissa’s expression softened. Her own hands shook slightly at her sides, and for some reason that steadied you. Then she gave that tiny crooked smile of hers, the one she always wore when she was trying to sound cooler than she felt.

-“Say yes before I overthink it and become a coward"-A laugh escaped you before you could stop it. Small and watery, but real. Melissa’s shoulders loosened at the sound, and something in her face brightened.

For the first time in what felt like forever, your chest loosened enough to breathe.

-“Yes, Miss Schemmenti”-you nodded, the words came out soft. Your cheeks warmed under her gaze-“Thank you"-

The way she looked at you then made your pulse stumble. Not polite concern. Not obligation. Something gentler. Something that made your skin feel suddenly too warm inside your coat.

Melissa cleared her throat and looked away first, her own cheeks pinking.

-“Please"-she said, grabbing her purse from her desk- “if we’re going to live together, you should call me Melissa"- The name felt strange and intimate sitting on your tongue.

-“Melissa"-you repeated quietly. Her breath caught. Just for a second. Then she recovered quickly, tucking a strand of red hair behind her ear and forcing a practical little nod.

-“Right. Good. Great. Cool.”-You smiled despite yourself. She looked adorably flustered-“Now"-she said briskly, slipping back into her usual sharp efficiency-"tell me where the shop is. We’ll grab your stuff from the car, and then we’ll go home" - Home. The word hit unexpectedly hard. Your eyes stung again. Melissa noticed immediately and groaned dramatically-“Nope. Absolutely not"-You blinked-“No more crying. I’ve hit my emotional support quota for the week, and Barbara says if I absorb any more feelings I’ll become a guidance counselor"-she said looking for her car keys. A startled laugh burst from your chest. Melissa looked deeply pleased with herself-“Better"- she said.

Gaia, who had been half-asleep against your side through most of the conversation, suddenly lifted her head and blinked up at Melissa.

-“Does your house have snacks?”-Melissa gasped in mock offense.

-“Excuse you. My house is basically seventy percent snacks"-Gaia’s face lit up. You laughed, really laughed this time, and Melissa felt the sound settle somewhere dangerous beneath her ribs, but she tried not to pay attention to it.

Two weeks later, Melissa was learning that living with another person was like suddenly discovering your house had acoustics.

You hummed while making coffee in the mornings, old Spanish songs Melissa didn’t know but found herself replaying in her head all day.

Gaia left tiny glittering trails of crayons and stickers wherever she went, as if she shed art supplies instead of skin cells. And Melissa, who had spent years coming home to silence, found herself lingering after work just to hear them.

At first some things were "difficult", not necessarily problematic, but yes funny encounters of getting used to live with someone else. The first month settled into domestic collisions.

For example:

1-Melissa likes the house warm enough to survive Philadelphia winter.

You grew up with “put on another sweater, heating is expensive.”

You keep secretly turning it down. Melissa keeps turning it back up. This escalates into sticky notes on the thermostat: “Stop touching this. We are not reenacting the Ice Age.”

Your reply: “We are not funding PECO’s CEO’s yacht.”

2-Melissa had a system. You reorganize the kitchen logically for cooking. Now she can’t find anything. She opens a drawer.

-“Why are the spatulas with the measuring cups?”-she frowns

-“Because they are both cooking tools?”-you reply

-“That is psychotic"-

Gaia picks sides like it’s a custody battle-“Mom’s right, Miss Melissa"-Absolute betrayal.

3-Melissa Accidentally Becomes “Mom Mode” without realizing when Gaia spills juice.

-“Okay, no panic, paper towels, blot don’t rub, we can fix this"-Melissa says immediately. Then freezes because why did that come out so naturally?

You just stare at her, weirdly touched.

Later Gaia casually tells someone at school - “Miss Melissa knows mom stuff"-and Melissa short-circuits for a week.

4-Melissa does her laundry. You do yours. One day they get mixed.

She unfolds a very lacy bra that is aggressively not hers. You walk in making eye contact. Silence so loud it deserves its own soundtrack.

-“This is structurally impressive"-she murmurs and you laugh so hard you cry.

5-One night you got up at 2 AM for water because your thermos was empty. Everything was pitch black and you were not using your glasses, clumsy you slammed against something soft, very soft, Melissa's chest, was like a clowdy pillow. Her smell was very nice and she was warm, you were still half asleep, not processing that you should separate. Melissa turns on the light and you blush, separating and going without saying nothing else to get your water.

During the next couple months, those interactions kept progressing, the awkwardness becoming something familiar and confortable now.

1-One Saturday morning she wakes up to music drifting from downstairs. You’re cleaning the kitchen, singing softly in Spanish, hair messy, wearing one of her oversized old t-shirts because your laundry is still drying.

Melissa comes downstairs for coffee and just… stops. Completely frozen. You notice and smile.

-“Good morning"-you whispered. Melissa forgets how language works

-“Yep. That is… statistically morning"-Then she walks directly into the fridge door while your eyes followed her.

Gaia witnesses everything.

-“Miss Melissa has a crush"-she declared and Melissa nearly dies on the spot.

2-The Accidental Matching Outfits. You both come downstairs wearing black sweaters and jeans. Same silhouette. Same shoes. Gaia gasps like she has witnessed prophecy.

-“You match! That means you’re married in cartoons"-she claps and Melissa chokes on her coffee.

You turn bright red. Gaia spends the rest of the day introducing Melissa as “my almost-stepmom.”

3-Melissa has been thinking about her leftover lasagna all day at work. She comes home. Opens the fridge to find it gone. Absolute betrayal. She storms into the kitchen.

-“Who ate my lasagna?”-Gaia points at you immediately. No loyalty. No hesitation. You freeze mid-bite. Melissa stares, scandalized-“That was labeled"-she frowns

-“It said ‘don’t touch.’ I thought it was sarcasm"-you looked at her with your cheeks full

-“I'm Italian. That’s how we express seriousness"-You laugh so hard you snort. Melissa is doomed because she finds it adorable and she can't keep her mad face up.

-"I made more lasagna, don't cry" - you said pointing to the warm one on the oven

4-Melissa Learns You’re Touchy Without Realizing. You’re naturally affectionate. A hand on her shoulder when passing. Fixing her collar absentmindedly. Brushing lint off her blazer

5-Melissa gets sick and insists she’s fine. She is clearly not fine. Still trying to grade papers while looking like Victorian tuberculosis. You take one look and confiscate everything.

-“Bed"-you point to the stairs

-“Absolutely not"-she frowns like a little kid

-“Melissa"-you raised an eyebrow like you did with your daughter

-“…That tone feels illegal"-she murmurs getting up the stairs to her bed. You tuck blankets around her and make soup. She’s so unused to being cared for she gets weirdly emotional about it.

Later Gaia whispers to you while you cook

-“She likes when you boss her around"-you look at Melissa and she just pretends to be asleep but the blush on her cheeks betrays her.

And after a little more time, things change from familiar to family.

1-Melissa hears you defending her at pickup

-“Miss Schemmenti is kind of intense"-another parent complains

You immediately smile politely stepping into the conversation

-“She’s dedicated, smart, and she cares more about these children than anyone in this building. Some people mistake competence for intensity"-nobody dears to fight you, Melissa overhear from her car. No one has ever defended her like that. That night she stares at the ceiling until 3 a.m. Catastrophic feelings unlocked.

2-Grocery shopping. Melissa hated grocery shopping on Sundays.

Not because of the store itself. She liked lists. She liked organization. She liked crossing things off with aggressive efficiency and silently judging people who blocked entire aisles while contemplating yogurt. What she did not like was crowds.

And she especially did not like crowds when Gaia had somehow convinced you both to come along, which meant Melissa was currently navigating the produce section while your daughter zigzagged ahead in her little pink coat like a caffeinated hummingbird.

-“Gaia”- you called, steering the cart with one hand-“lento bebe"

-“I am slow!”-she yelled

-“You are literally running"-you replied

-“That’s just fast walking"-she always had an answer to everything, Melissa snorted before she could stop herself.

-“See? Miss Melissa agrees with me"-Gaia whipped around triumphantly.

-“I absolutely do not"-if the redhead learned something on the time living together was that Gaia didn't needed someone on her side to win

-“Traitor"- Gaia informed her solemnly narrowing her eyes. Melissa placed a hand over her chest.

-“After everything I’ve done for this family"-The word slipped out before she could catch it. This family. You heard it too. She knew because your hands paused on the shopping cart handle for half a second, your knuckles tightening slightly before you looked down to hide the little smile tugging at your mouth. Melissa’s stomach flipped. She immediately redirected her attention to a pyramid of oranges as though citrus had become critically important

-“Those are definitely overpriced"-she muttered. You laughed softly beside her. God, that laugh, it was becoming a problem, a dangerous, daily sort of problem.

Family...You had settled into her house with alarming ease over the last months. There were little signs of you everywhere now. Gaia’s drawings taped to the fridge. Your cardigan hanging over the kitchen chair. The scent of your perfume and whatever impossible magic you did to plain rice lingering in the walls.

Melissa had spent years cultivating her solitude into something neat and controlled. And now your shampoo was in her shower. And somehow that felt less like intrusion and more like something her home had been waiting for.

-“Melissa?"-Your voice pulled her back. She turned too quickly. You were holding up two jars of pasta sauce.

-“This one or this one?”-Melissa stared blankly. Not at the sauce. At you. At the tiny crease between your brows while you concentrated. At the way your hair had escaped its clip in soft strands around your face. At the domestic normalcy of this exact moment. Like this was just what the two of you did. Like there was nothing strange about standing here together deciding between basic tomato and roasted garlic while your daughter attempted to climb into the lower rack of the cart behind you. Her chest tightened.

-“Melissa?”-You tilted your head-“Are you okay?”-She blinked. Right, words.

-“The left one"- she blurted. You frowned at the labels.

-“The plain tomato one"-you frowned

-“You love garlic"-you whispered confused

-“I have evolved"-she replied. You smiled, warm and amused.

-“Sure"-you left the sauce, then, before she could process what was happening, your free hand reached up and brushed lightly at her cheek. Melissa froze. You held up your fingers, showing a faint streak of red.

-“Gaia got marker on you this morning"-The touch had lasted barely a second. It still sent heat rushing all the way down Melissa’s spine.

-“Oh"-Very articulate Melissa. A+ response.

You smiled, clearly oblivious to the fact that your casual tenderness had just short-circuited her entire nervous system, and dropped the sauce into the cart.

Behind you, Gaia popped up dramatically-“Can we get cookies?”-she looked at you

-“No"-both of you said instantly. Gaia gasped. Then narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

-“You sound married when you do that"-Melissa nearly aspirated. You turned bright red. Gaia grinned like she had personally orchestrated this.

-“Interesting"- she sang, and disappeared toward the cereal aisle before either of you could recover. For one long second, neither of you moved. Then your eyes met. And to Melissa’s horror, you both started laughing. Real laughter. The kind that made your shoulders shake and left your cheeks aching. By the time it faded, you were both standing a little closer than before. Not touching. But close enough for Melissa to feel your warmth through her coat. Close enough that if either of you leaned in even slightly, everything would change. Neither of you moved. Then Gaia’s voice echoed from three aisles over.

-“Mom! Miss Melissa! There’s a man licking the avocados!"-The moment shattered instantly. Melissa closed her eyes

-“Why is that a sentence I have to hear?”-You were still smiling as you started toward your daughter

-“Welcome to parenthood" - And Melissa, following close behind with the cart and a smile she could not seem to suppress, realized something terrifying. That the word no longer scared her quite as much as it should have.

3-Melissa starts to gets jealous of literally nothing

You thank the mechanic fixing your car and smile politely. Melissa, standing beside you:

Why is she smiling at him?

Does he deserve that smile?

She is immediately disgusted with herself.

4-A rude cashier dismisses you when your card declines. Before you can even react, Melissa appears. Sharp posture. Dangerous calm.

-“Try that attitude again and I’ll explain customer service to you using very small words"-she said, you stare. Cashier folds instantly. Later, outside, you smile at her.

-“You defended me"-you smiled, Melissa shrugs, suddenly shy.

-“Well. You’re… here"-That tiny sentence absolutely wrecks you.

5-The moments that your daughter decided to play Cupid.

You’re reaching for something on a high shelf. Melissa reaches too. She plants one hand against the wall to steady herself. Now she’s accidentally caging you in. Faces inches apart. Breathing catches. Nobody moves. Then Gaia walks in.

-“Are you guys kissing?”-You both leap apart like the house is on fire. Gaia sighs dramatically-“Okay. Later then"-Walks away.

Melissa had dated enough terrible men to know the warning signs by heart. It was almost impressive, really. If there had been an Olympic event for consistently choosing emotionally unavailable men with mediocre opinions and deeply unnecessary confidence, she would have qualified for nationals.

There had been Chris, who called her “intimidating” every time she disagreed with him, as if her having thoughts of her own was an aggressive act.

And then there was Ethan, who had once looked genuinely inconvenienced when she got the flu. She remembered shivering under three blankets, feverish and miserable, while he stood in her bedroom doorway holding his phone and asking if she really needed him to cancel poker night. Melissa had broken up with him two weeks later.

Then Joe, cheating husband.

Gary that didn't listen to what she wanted.

And then Rob, who the only thing that she saw attractive on him, was his job. And he thought that his work was way more important than hers and his relationship.

The thought drifted through her mind now as she stood in her own kitchen, staring at you. It was almost midnight. She had gotten home late after parent conferences, exhausted and already bracing herself for the usual ritual of silently microwaving leftovers and grading papers until her eyes crossed.

Instead, the kitchen light had been on. You were standing barefoot by the stove in one of those soft oversized sweaters that always made Melissa’s brain briefly lose signal.

Your hair was half-down, loose around your shoulders. And you were making soup. Not because she had asked, not because you expected anything. Just because, apparently, you had noticed she looked tired that morning.

-“There you are"-you said softly when she stepped inside, whispering because Gaia was already asleep. The smile that spread across your face was immediate and unguarded, like seeing her had genuinely improved your night. It did something strange to Melissa’s chest.

-“There’s soup"-you said, nodding toward the stove-"And before you protest, yes, you’re eating.”

Melissa automatically opened her mouth to argue. You gave her a look. Not annoyed, not impatient, just calmly certain and somehow that was worse. She obeyed, which was humiliating.

She sat at the kitchen table while you poured a bowl and set it in front of her, along with a spoon and the good crackers Melissa pretended she was saving for special occasions.

-“You didn’t have to do this"-she said. You shrugged, like the answer was obvious.

-“You work hard"-That was it. No grand performance. No expectation of praise, just a simple statement of fact. You work hard. Melissa stared down at the steam curling from the bowl. Something about it made her throat tighten unexpectedly. Her exes had always made care feel transactional. If they remembered something she liked, it was because they wanted credit for remembering. If they did something kind, it arrived with an invisible invoice. Later, there would always be some moment where the cost was collected.

A favor expected, a guilt trip, a reminder that she owed them for basic decency.

But with you, kindness just… existed. It moved through your hands as naturally as breath.

You packed her lunches if she forgot. Folded the blanket over her if she fell asleep on the couch. Left sticky notes on the coffee maker when she had stressful mornings.

"Good luck today. You’ll do great."

"Don’t forget your scarf. It’s freezing."

"Gaia says your eyeliner is 'slay.' I was told this is a compliment."

You gave without keeping score. The realization hit her so suddenly it stole her breath. This was what comfort was supposed to feel like, not anxious, not performative, not the constant, exhausting work of making herself smaller so someone else could feel bigger. Just this. Warm soup. Soft kitchen light. Your sleepy smile as you leaned against the counter, watching to make sure she ate.

Melissa looked up before she could stop herself.

You blinked.

-“What?”-you asked. She had been staring. A lot, apparently. Her face heated instantly.

-“Nothing"-Your eyes narrowed slightly, amused.

-“You’re doing the thing"-you pointed to her face

-“What thing?”-she narrowed her eyes this time

-“The one where your brain is clearly spiraling but you’re pretending it isn’t"-you already knew every face that she made

-“I do not spiral"-You smiled. Melissa’s stomach flipped.

-“You alphabetize your spice rack when you’re stressed"-you state

-“That is called efficiency"-she replied

-“That is called distress-organizing"-you retorted. She opened her mouth to defend herself and then stopped when you laughed. God. That laugh. It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t polished or practiced. It was warm and breathy and real, and it filled her kitchen like it had always belonged there. And just like that, Melissa understood something terrifying.

Every relationship she’d ever had had felt like trying to squeeze herself into clothes that didn’t fit. Too tight in the wrong places. Always aware of the discomfort. Always waiting to breathe again. But this? This felt like finally coming home and changing into something soft. And that was infinitely more dangerous.

Because Melissa Schemmenti had spent years learning how to survive discomfort. She had absolutely no idea what to do with peace.

Melissa didn't wanted to accept that any kind of feelings, besides appreciation were involved, she wasn't scared of loving you because she doubts her feelings. She was scared because she respects you too much to ever want you wondering if her kindness came with strings attached. That guilt would eat her alive.

Melissa did not tell Barbara. That alone should have been enough to alarm her.

Barbara Howard had somehow become the unwilling keeper of every emotional disaster Melissa had ever stumbled into. Usually because Barbara possessed the deeply irritating ability to look at Melissa for three seconds and immediately know when something was wrong.

Which was exactly why Melissa had spent the last three weeks avoiding being alone with her.

No lunch breaks in the teacher’s lounge alone, no lingering after meetings, no going out together, no opportunities for Barbara to narrow those knowing eyes and gently dismantle every carefully constructed lie Melissa had prepared.

Because if Barbara asked, Melissa would tell her.

And if she told Barbara, then it would become real. And Melissa could not afford real. It was easier this way.

If she kept the feelings quiet enough, buried deep enough beneath routine and practicality and carefully timed exits from shared rooms, maybe they would shrink. Maybe they would dissolve into something manageable. A harmless crush. Temporary. Controllable.

That was what she told herself, anyway.

It was what she told herself every morning when she heard your soft footsteps downstairs and had to physically stop herself from smiling before she even saw you. What she told herself every time you laughed at one of her dry little comments and looked at her like she’d said something genuinely brilliant. What she told herself every time Gaia casually called her Miss Melissa in that affectionate little voice that somehow made her chest ache.This was temporary. It had to be. Because the alternative was unbearable.

Her plan worked, for a few days at least, until one night Gaia slept at a friend’s house.

Melissa had never considered herself the jealous type. Possessive, maybe. Judgmental, certainly. Selective with her affection to the point of emotional constipation, absolutely.

But jealous? No.

Jealous implied irrational attachment. And irrational attachment required first admitting she had some kind of attachment to begin with, which was obviously absurd and deeply inconvenient.

So when she came home Thursday evening, juggling two overstuffed grocery bags and mentally composing tomorrow’s lesson plan, she was entirely unprepared for the sight waiting in her living room.

You were standing by the hallway mirror, adjusting a small silver earring. And you looked…

Melissa’s thoughts stopped functioning.

You were wearing a dark green dress she had never seen before. Nothing flashy, nothing dramatic. Just soft fabric that skimmed your body perfectly, elegant in that quiet effortless way that always seemed to follow you.

Your hair was down, falling in waves around your shoulders. A little makeup, just enough to catch the warm apartment light. You looked beautiful.

Not the tired, practical kind of beautiful Melissa had memorized over the past months. Not your messy-morning-hair, oversized-sweater, flour-on-your-cheek kind of beautiful.

This was deliberate. Intentional. Date beautiful.

Melissa’s stomach dropped so suddenly it almost felt physical.

You turned and smiled when you noticed her.

-“There you are"-Your smile was warm, distracted, a little nervous. Not for her. For whoever was waiting for you.

Something sharp twisted under Melissa’s ribs.

-“Hi"-she managed. Her voice came out weirdly flat. You tilted your head.

-“Everything okay?”-you asked

-“Why wouldn’t it be?”-Too fast. Too sharp. Your brow furrowed slightly. Melissa immediately wanted to throw herself down the stairs. She set the grocery bags on the counter with more force than necessary.

-“You look…”-she started. Good. Beautiful. Impossible. Like whoever was taking you out tonight had better appreciate exactly how lucky they were-“…different"- Excellent recovery.

You blinked. Then smiled softly, smoothing your hands down the dress.

-“Oh. Thank you.”-That tiny smile wrecked her. You looked nervous. Excited nervous. Melissa hated this mysterious person instantly. She opened cabinets aggressively, putting groceries away with enough force to suggest she was personally punishing the canned goods.

-“So"-she said casually, which would have sounded casual if she hadn’t just nearly decapitated a box of pasta against the shelf-“big plans?”-There was a pause behind her

-“Sort of"-you replied

Sort of? Not a denial. Her stomach sank lower. You hesitated.

-“I don't want to say anything yet, until it's something sure...”-That somehow made it worse.

Because of course you wouldn’t tell her. Why would you? You were roommates. Friends, maybe, if Melissa was being wildly optimistic. You didn’t owe her explanations about your love life. The thought hit with surprising force. A hot, ugly little ache she was deeply embarrassed to feel.

-“Oh"-She kept her back to you-“Cool"-Silence. The kind that stretched too long. Then your voice came, softer, your leg was bouncing on the floor, the hill of your shoe making it sound louder, you were nervous.

-“Melissa"-She turned before she could stop herself. You were watching her carefully now, reading her. You’d gotten annoyingly good at that.

-“What?”-her question was sharp. You studied her face for a long moment, and she had the terrible feeling you could see every stupid, yearning thought written there. Then your expression gentled.

-“It’s not what you think"-you whispered. Her heart gave one humiliating leap. Dangerous. Hopeful. She shut it down immediately.

-“I’m not thinking anything"-she almost pouted

-“Melissa"-your voice came more serious this time

-“I’m not"-she repeated and you stepped closer.

Just enough to make her pulse kick.

-“It’s a job interview"-you confessed. The words landed so suddenly Melissa actually blinked.

-“…What?”-she asked lost. You let out a tiny breath of laughter, nervous and relieved all at once.

-“It’s dinner with the director of a new pediatric rehabilitation center. They’re opening next month, and one of the nurses I used to cook for recommended me for their in-house meal program"-you blushed lightly because of the nerves. Melissa stared. Your smile turned shy-“If it goes well, it could be full-time. Benefits. Real stability"-For one suspended second, all she felt was relief. Bright and dizzying and immediate. Not a date. Not someone else.

Then guilt followed close behind. Because the strength of that relief told her exactly how badly she’d wanted it to be true. And that was… information she absolutely did not know what to do with, a stable job maybe would mean that you would move out, and she didn't wanted you to leave.

-“That’s amazing"- she said, and this time her smile was real. Your whole face softened.

-“You think so?”-you played with your rings nervously

-“Obviously"-Melissa stepped forward without thinking and fixed the collar of your coat where it had folded awkwardly. The motion was automatic. Domestic. Her fingers brushed your neck. Both of you froze. The apartment suddenly felt very quiet. You looked up at her. Too close.

Close enough for Melissa to notice the tiny hitch in your breathing.

Close enough to smell your perfume, soft and warm and dizzyingly familiar underneath.

Her hand lingered for half a second too long. Then she jerked back like she’d touched fire.

-“There"-she said, voice thinner than usual-“Professional"

You smiled, but your cheeks had turned pink.

-“Thank you"-You bit the inside of your cheek,her closeness making you feel more nervous that the interview itself. Neither of you moved.

Then Gaia’s voice crackled suddenly from your phone where she was on speaker with her friend’s mom, you forgot you had called her.

-“MAMA?”-You jumped.

-“What?”-you asked, your heart hammering on your chest

-“Miss Melissa says you look nice"-Melissa nearly died.There was delighted cackling from Gaia and her friend in the background.

-“Oh my God"-Melissa muttered.

Your laughter spilled out bright and helpless, filling the room. And just like that, the tension broke.

You reached for your purse, still smiling.

-“I should go"-You pointed the door, Melissa nodded.

-“Yeah"-she replied, you hesitated at the door.

-“Would you wait up?”-you asked. Her heart stuttered-“For interview updates"- you added quickly, though your smile turned a little shy.

Not entirely innocent. Melissa swallowed.

A song, your favorite, came on. And you just couldn't help the dance moves that slipped from you as you danced down the hall.

You were heading to your car for one last trip to just make sure you had everything. Not seeing the red head in front of you.

Just as you bumped into her, you caught her with one arm and your other reaching to get the box. It was weird how you maneuvered. But...smooth?

Maybe it was that smile you wore that day. Maybe it was the kiddish outfit. Maybe it was nobody knew who you were. Maybe it was how strong you were.

Melissa couldn't pin it. What was it about you? She shouldn't feel like this for a stranger. She doesn't even get into physical touch until she really knows someone.

Yet you, you made her stomach flutter. She stood up and was about to say something snarky or something asserting her dominance but she was just staring up at you.

"I'm going to take your silence as a yes?" Your voice. It came through to her finally. She couldn't forget it suddenly. How it perfectly matched you. It wasn't too high pitched, but wasn't too raspy either. It was full of emotions constantly.

"Sorry," she hummed. "I just have never seen someone move like that?"

You gave a small laugh, "thank you, I think?" You didn't know how to take that, so randomly you left. Trying to figure it out in your own head.

Melissa hadn't seen you around again until the first day.

You stood outside in a pair of cargo jeans, a blue hot wheels top. Your hair was down and pulled back to show off your earrings.

The smile you had while greeting your kids made Melissa feel giddy. She couldn't tear her eyes off of you. Especially the glimpse of buff arms. How with each movement they would slightly flex.

You turned and caught her wandering eyes. Feeling warm as she didn't know she had been caught. Instead you ignored it and hoped it wasn't her spacing off.

By lunch you had waltzed into the teachers lounge. Grabbing your bowl of fruit you hid at the bottom of the fridge. You didn't get your mini fridge till next week, hence why you hid it (in your first week Ava had eaten most of your stash).

You were minding your own business entirely, not caring other teachers walked in.

"Damn, you a fine piece of steak!" Ava smiled. You, on pure curiosity, turned to see who she was talking about. Going wide eye when she looked at you. "And the face card matches?! You must be new here!"

You laughed lightly and shook your head. "I've been here since 17'." You beamed proudly. Hands being occupied with the bowl of colors.

"No way, I would've known if someone as sexy as you was on my staff." Ava shook her head in disbelief.

"Ava..." you began, but saw the red head walk in. Catching your attention now that you could see her up closer. You would've spent a second longer if you weren't in the middle of a conversation. "Y/n?" You reminded her.

The shock that rushed into this woman's face was enough to make you almost cackle. It was a recurring look but never got old.

"What happened during that pandemic??" She looked you up and down again. "Get a new body or was this all you?!"

You gave a playful shrug. Making way to exit, but not before looking to the red head. Finding that she was already staring at you.

There was something in her eyes. You wanted to ignore it, but it made you feel so giddy. It was a mix of desire and need. Surely you were misinterpreting things. How could she want a 29 year old? She probably looked for someone who was more experienced and stable. Not that you weren't. You lived in a nice house and a solid credit score.

You found your way to your classroom, missing the second half of lunch in the teachers lounge.

"Ava who was that?" Janine furrowed her brows. Wanting to befriend you almost instantly since this morning. She had also watched you greet kids and she could tell you truly cared.

Melissa, she didn't want to let anyone know she was listening, its why she focused on her newspaper. But she wanted to know everything.

Ava glanced at the teacher. Then jumped to Melissa, folding her arms and turning to her entirely. "You gonna act like you weren't checking them out this morning? I figured with the way you looked ready to eat them alive, you knew more about them than anyone."

Shocked she was pulled in so quickly, she put the paper down. "I mean, I knew they worked here but I didn't know they looked like that after the years. Pandemic changed everyone. Some in ways other than most."

"The hell does that mean?" Ava made a face and left the room. The conversation got dropped at that. Yet, you were still a common topic for them all.

Every lunch they would mention you. From the sightings of you in the halls to interactions. It seemed everyone was having one with you but Melissa.

~

It was close to winter break. The end of the day on a slow Wednesday. You were walking out when you stopped into Barbra's room. Catching her also on her way out. You stepped in closer, grabbing her bags for her. She had complained about how she pulled something in her shoulder earlier. "Oh bless your heart."

"Oh for sure, also I just had a quick question for you. Since you're her friend and everything.." You began but the turn of the corner and suddenly the temperature dropped what felt like ten more degrees. "My goodness it's freezing," you commented.

"Supposed to be the worst storm of the year. They're considering giving us a snow day soon. But with how this world runs, it's all online now." Barb joked. "What about Melissa?" Her lips drew tight in her big smile.

You stopped in front of the door. You were staring hopefully. Getting her attention, you knew you weren't backing down. "Is she..."

Barb let out a laugh. You didn't know what that meant. "I'm not one to tell, but I can't stand to see you both dance around it. Just talk to her. She's not as big and scary as you think."

You followed the older woman out to her car. Placing her bag in her car, before giving her a warm hug. "Get home safe Barb. Its gonna get terrible out."

"You as well, text me when you make it home. Drive safe." Barb hoped into her car and it just left you.

You got to your car, and you would've gotten in, except the red head of your world, her car was still here. The hood was popped and she was digging in the engine.

You watched her after putting your things down. From your observations, she had to be out here longer than needed. Her body was shaking and her breathe was in the air.

Quickly you grabbed the blanket from your back. Rushing to wrap her in it. "You should wear a coat more often, Schemennti. You'll catch a cold."

You heard a relieved sigh leave her when you hugged her with the blanket. Your body heat getting to her. "God, thank you!" She turned in your arms, burying her face in you. You played it to her just being cold, but you couldn't help your heart that was hammering your chest. "This old thing just...I love it but it just doesn't work. And the start of the coldest weeks is when it gives out on me finally. You're so warm!"

You let out a chuckle. "Here, why don't you go warm up in my car and I can take a look?" You offered your keys. She was about to say no, but you gave her a stern look and she followed through.

And within ten minutes or so you came back to the car. Practically moaning at how warm the car was. You rolled your head to look at melissa, smiling at her beautiful face.

You sat up a bit, "you'll need to call a tow, just to get it back to your house. From there, once it's not a snow storm, I can fix it up for you in no time." You hummed out quickly. "And lucky for you, my brother owns a tow company that runs 24 hours and I can have someone here in no time. Then I can drive you home so your nice and warm."

Melissa could've melted at how you were so quick to help. And before she could even answer, you were calling your brother to come get the car.

"Thank you," she whispered to you. "Truly, I would've been stuck here for the storm."

You could only flash a smile. Letting your eyes just take in her features in the dim lighting. You didn't realize how intimate the moment was until you started smiling at the blush that formed.

"Ya' know, you're the only one I hardly talk to? I try to come talk to you alone but someone else is always there," you ratted yourself out. Not really seeing the harm in such a silly confession.

Melissa furrowed her brows. Why would you want to talk to her specifically? "I see the way you stare. I have since the first day. I think I really took it in was when Janine broke the ac and I walked around in a tank top. How you thought I wouldn't catch you." You pointed out, never making eye contact. "I truly figured you had something against me. So I threw myself in your way in hopes you'd see I'm nothing bad and ju-."

"Shut up and kiss me," Melissa cut in. Not realizing what she had said before you had turned to stare at her. "I...I'm sorry." You stared in silence only a little bit longer.

You were so stunned at that. As a matter of fact, you stepped out the car. Rounding to the back and just sitting in the back of the car. Really taking in everything now.

Neither of you moved until your brother showed up. You were cold but in shock. The heat from the car pushing on your back thankfully.

He jumped out quickly and sat next to you. "So." He started. "Was I right?"

"I'm not answering any questions right now." You whispered into the winter air. Your breath being a great focus point. "Can you take the truck to mine?" You turned and looked at him.

"You gotta help me at least." He said with a sly smile. Getting a small smile in return. "We'll make it quick!"

"Whatever," you shook your head. Rounding to grab the keys.

You opened the driver door and leaned in a bit. "The keys?" You spoke softly to her. She began to look around, hands shaking.

You saw this as your chance to make a move. Your left hand went to cup her face, forcing her to look at you. Her breath was unsteady at the action. "Just breathe. We're in no rush." You gave a reassuring look. She nodded and just took a deep breath. "Good girl," you let out with a caring smile. Watching as her eyes went wide and the pink cheeks burned to red.

Melissa felt like she was dreaming. There was no way. Her hands kept patting around, feeling relieved when she had the keys in her hand.

She almost threw them over, but opted to just hand them to you. Setting them slowly in your hand. "Thank you, hun." You pulled away and closed the door.

The woman was left to watch you and your brother load the car up. She stepped out ready to pay the towing fee now. She stood by the back of your car.

Watching as the two of you conversed. Then when you both suddenly looked at her, she felt overly conscious of the situation. You were talking to your brother about her.

You both smiled at her reaction. "I think she thinks she's paying." You joked. Eliciting a laugh from your other half. "Thank you again. Especially because the chances of this working is so slim. Drive safe?"

"You too. And it has to, its a smooth plan," he nudged your arm. Getting into his truck and starting.

Melissa frowned as he left before talking to him. "I never paid him?" She looked to you. Glaring as you just shrugged. "Can I give it to you to give to him?"

"Melissa, the storms about to start and I need to stop home. Money can be a future conversation." You got into the car without much focus.

You drove the both of you in a silence. Humming and tapping along to the music.

Melissa couldn't take it though. "So...you've been at Abbott for?"

"Like five years or something? I don't know, the whole pandemic threw my sense of time off. Crazy how much people changed during it." You let the joke slide.

"So you were here for two years prior Covid?" The red head lingered on the topic, needing to know how much she's missed you in the halls. "How come everyones just meeting you?"

You let out a little laugh. "Nobody pays attention to a kid that looks like a nerd. So during the pandemic I made a gym in my garage and then I got to it. My friends say I look happier than ever." You slowed down at the red light. Eyes catching the snow that began to fall.

You couldn't help the excitement when you saw the setting change.

"So that makes you, what like, twenty-four?" She attempted the math. You seemed younger.

You shook your head, "almost thirty but saying it out loud is such a weird thing. One day you're ten running in a flower field, and then the next you're twenty-nine trying to figure out where the hell the time went."

"Imagine how that feeling feels at fifty-three.." She sounded defeated at admitting such an age.

Your head tilted towards her, slightly rolling back to see her with a playful smirk. "You're only fifty-three?" Melissa nodded, a questioning stare being given. "I just thought you were always younger, you look stunning regardless though." And then ever so slightly under your breath, "just makes you even more attractive honestly."

Melissa's eyes grew, "What?"

"Huh?" You smiled widely. The light turned green and the silence was quick to appear.

Her eyes focused on the road but she wasn't really focused. Lost in a daze of the moment. She didn't notice how you were already at your house. Hopping out the car, you basked in the snow.

Letting it fall against your cheeks and getting stuck in your hair. Your eyes sparkled in the house lights you had.

Finally, you brought yourself to look at the older woman. Then quickly you jumped to her red truck in your driveway. A bigger smile on your face.

"Whys my truck here?" She furrowed her brows. Her green eyes stared at you, not for long though. She couldn't meet your stare for long it seemed. There was some sense of dominance you held over her. It was a new feeling for her.

With a wide ass grin, you went inside. Setting down the little stuff you brought in before going back for your bags. Bringing in Melissa's as well.

"Wait? If we're leaving why are you taking in my bag?" Melissa hoped out now. Jumping as the car locked. "Y/n?!"

You kept going in. Letting her follow behind you like it was nothing. You set everything down and took off your shoes, leaving them by the couch. Your sweater following soon after. The dark green leaving your body and showing off your black cami.

Your arms all full display for Melissa. You poured both a glass of wine. "We're in no rush to get anywhere. Worst case is you sleep in my bed." You pushed the glass to her. "Keep me company for a bit?"

She was stuck in her place. What were your intentions tonight? The thoughts pondered and banged around in her head. "Ok," she mumbled. Taking the glass and taking a deep sip.

"Are you hungry?" You asked, walking towards the fridge. "I can make a killer bowl of cereal!"

"Do you have anything to make pasta? I can help?" She proposed. Melissa set the glass down and walked up to you. Standing behind you and looking over your shoulder. "God you eat healthy. All these fruits."

You turned and looked down at her. "I like naturally sweet." You had this look in your eyes. Like you were implying something and she caught on. She was blushing and looking into your fridge.

Carefully, you slipped from next to her. Melissa figured you were going over to the pantry to look for noodles. Yet, she jumped went she could feel your hands on her hips and breath on her ear. "I bet you taste sweet." You whispered, moving before she could turn.

Melissa felt flustered. She wasn't enjoying being teased like how you were. You did it so effortlessly. So incredibly effortlessly.

"I have these noodles?" You pulled out a box of thin noodles. "Will they work?"

She inspected the box, then your hands. She zoned in on them forgetting the question. Once you moved closer, she came back. You got into her space, trapping her between the island and you.

"If you keep staring at me like that Melissa, I'm gonna be enjoying you tonight." Your voice dropped an octave. "You're a very desirable woman."

Her mouth fell open and then snapped shut. She watched as you smirked. "What? Can't get anything out?" You leaned closer to her lips. Faking them out twice before pulling back.

If Melissa wanted anything, she would have to get it herself. And she wanted you.

As you stepped back, she yanked you back. Crashing her lips to yours in a desperate manner. Feeling how you smiled against her. It made her more sexually upset. How you had all this cool collective manner.

And the small control she had was soon taken away. You had her bending back slightly on the counter as you deepen the kiss. Hands holding her hips as you led.

A small gasp left the red head as you lifted her on the counter like she was a feather. It gave you the chance to establish your dominance.

"You are just so adorable like this. On my counters, in a state of desperation." You cooed at her. Looking into her eyes as your hands pushed her legs open. "My Melissa." You beamed at her. Eyes jumping all over her face.

The title sounded right to her. Being yours. Having your strong arms to always protect her when she needed more. Or just to be all wrapped up in them. How they probably would hold her so snug that you'd never let her go. Not that she wants to leave.

"Are you sure about this? I can easily step back and act like it never happened." You drew serious. If what was about to happen wasn't what she was wanting, you'd never lay a finger on her again. But when her head bobbed, you could only smile. "I need a verbal answer, Melli."

Melissa almost fainted at the nickname. How it rolled perfectly off your tongue. How it was a nickname she only heard once in a while. But when it came from you, she wanted to hear it all the time.

"I want you." She practically begged. This was an entirely new side of her. Usually she was the one to make people beg for her. To chase after her. Not the other way around. But when you wouldn't chase, she became a mess for you. Dare say submissive for you.

You let adoration fill your eyes as you kissed her all over her face. The most passionate kiss being to her plush lips. You were claiming them to a point. This woman was now yours, but you've always been hers.

You were slow and careful, yet fast and rough. It only took a simple opening for you to wrap her legs around you and carry her to your room. Where you delicately sat her on the edge of your bed while you stood between her legs and looked down.

"You're so strong..."she whispered, listening as you chuckled. "Really," her hand snuck up on your arm. Giving your bicep a squeeze, only going wide eye at how strong you really were.

"You have no idea how long I've been thinking of you...how many times I've thought of being able to manhandle you. To be rough. Then to be soft. The images never fulfill me enough." You kissed all over her neck. Your eyes were almost just pupil with how dilated they became. "I've longed for you Melissa...I've worked so hard for you..."

She was speechless as she watched you move. As you lowered to your knees in front of her. Hands firmly placed on her wonderous thighs. The same ones you've pictured closing on your head. Your tongue darted out at the thought.

Your hands moved up to the waistband of her jeans. Holding her and just admiring her from your angle. "You're such a beauty Melissa. Always quick with your wit. Always making everyone laugh." Your words distracted her from your sneaky hands.

"I bet you have people waiting to be with you."

Fingers undid the button.

"You make me want to do things...unspeakable things."

Slowly unzipping the zipper down.

"Things that would make the devil blush."

You took your time pulling them down. Humming as she lifted her hips for you. "Thank you baby, I appreciate your help." You placed a kiss to her now exposed hips. Feeling a rush at her shaky breath.

Her pants were now long forgotten as you littered her legs with kisses. You tapped at her hips twice, "open," you commanded against her skin. Getting her to do spread her legs without any hesitation. "So good for me already," you hummed. Keeping up the kisses as you got closer to where she wanted, but your kisses passed and you had her leaning down to kiss you desperately.

She was about to slip down to the ground with you, only until you picked her up again. Your hands placed to hold as much of her ass as you could. As her arms wrapped around your neck and hands tangled in your hair as she kept kissing you.

You took this chance, she was beyond distracted and you knew it. You wondered how much she was willing to let you do, and if you could accomplish it all within one night. That's how you ended up with her straddling you in the middle of the bed. Soon laying her down to be under you.

"You're so perfect, Melissa." You cooed as you sat up and stared down at her. Taking in how her head rolled to the side, avoiding looking at you while she blushed. You however, you wanted to see every single facial reaction possible. You gently grabbed her jaw and turned her back to you and she saw your frown. "You don't think the same do you?"

How could she? She's been through so much life and it's taken its toll. She let the thoughts seep in a bit, and the tears snuck up.

"Oh Melissa," you felt for her. In a cruel world where everything you do is always second guessed. The fear that it's wrong weighed on you everyday. You knew what it was like not to feel perfect. But she was to you. And you were destined to show her. Your hand moved to cup her cheek, "you deserve so much. And you Melissa, you are perfect to me. You are human and it's ok to feel, but that should never make you feel anything short of worthy and loved."

A tear slipped into your palm, "you are something special." She got out as she accepted your kiss.

"Mmm, I do my best." You smiled and kissed her once more. Going to her neck soon after and biting down softly at first, getting a gasp, then you did it again. This time harder and more fierce, gaining more of a moan. It switched something in the air again. "You always sound that pretty?" You kissed what exposed collar bone you could.

"Take your clothes off and maybe you'll find out," she was breathing heavily. Eyes wandering over your arms and then the rest of you. "God you're so hot," she whispered. Her hands ghosting over your muscles.

"Gonna make me think you're in it only for the muscles," you joked as you pulled your cami off. Showing off everything you've worked for.

Melissa's mouth ran dry, "they're sexy is all..." she stared at you in silence after that. So much adoration flooded her eyes. She felt almost like she was dreaming.

While she was spaced out and staring, you slipped your hands under her shirt. Grabbing her waist and pulling her closer to you. She gasped, "keep staring at me like that and I'll never cover them up again." You meant it. You couldn't help the on-going desire this woman made you feel.

You dipped back to her neck as your hands played with her chest through her bra. You could feel her staggered breathing and racing heart. It made you insane. This woman made you insane.

"Hun...I need more," she panted while her legs squirmed a bit under you.

You pulled away and pulled her with you. Sitting her up as you almost ripped her shirt off. Leaving her now in nothing but her underwear and bra. You gazed over her, taking in as much of her as you could within the few moments. It wasn't a surprise to you that she was beautiful, it was just a shock that she was even more stunning than what you could even imagine.

"Hun?" Melissa had called out to you. Looking in your eyes for anything that could give her insight to your thoughts.

You let this smile take over. It was wide and full of joy. The corner of your lips hit each ear and a rosy color dusted your cheeks and nose. "My Melli, so pretty. So sexy. So stunning."

She groaned at your words. Eyes quick to look away from you as she blushed. "Y/n...you don't-"

"I do." You had all the seriousness you could muster. Eyes holding nothing but adoration and admiration. "I mean everything I say to you."

Her cheeks were on fire at how loved she suddenly felt. Even if that wasn't what you were trying to imply, she knew you had too much of it to contain in just your being. Even if this was only a short thing she got to share with you, she was willing to take the heartbreak that would follow.

You on the other hand, you were bout to be dedicated to this woman for the rest of your life and you set that as a life goal. You couldn't stand to believe you had thought she hated you this entire time. The time you wasted just trying to get her to talk to you, when all you had to do was just start the conversation with her. Seriously, how blind could you be?

She looked back to you now. Eyes glistening in the dim lighting. It made your smile grow and her heart fluttered. "There she is," you couldn't help the excitement that filled your words. You leaned in and captured her lips with yours once more. "You'll be good for me right?"

Her head nodded as all thoughts behind her eyes disappeared. She became lost in the haze. You couldn't help the smile that grew as you held her face now. But your eyes contradicted your sweet tone. They were demanding words from her and she knew it. "Yes. I'll be good." She whispered.

Your smile turned devilish as you dipped down to kissed her neck. "Just relax, baby. Tonight's about you." Your hands pushed her shoulders back down to the mattress. Fingertips moving lightly over her abdomen to the waistband of her panties. You let them slip to hold her waist, and you'd be lying if you said you weren't imagining holding her while pounding into her. How her boobs would bounce and how her thighs would shake. Her moans would float in the air. "God I could ruin you." It fell out your mouth before you really knew it. Your hips rolled forward, hands pulling her to meet you in the movement.

You leaned forward and attached your lips to her neck. Biting at her pulse point and soothing it over with your tongue. You wanted to leave a mark, not telling people she was yours but leaving the signs. And you thought of the teasing you could pull on this woman. It tempted you more just the thought of her getting flustered.

Her low groan caught you first, "don't even think about it." She grabbed a fistful of your hair and carefully tugged.

"I already have," you pecked her pulse once more before dropping to her chest. Now you let yourself go, she would have to cover it all for the week. But the sinful moans she let out made it all worth it. How her chest pushed off the bed and up, you took the chance to unclasp her bra. Almost unnoticeably slipping it off.

She was free from any restraint and the exposure made even her chest flush. Not that you seemed to mind, if anything Melissa swore it made you even more aroused.

You leaned up for only a brief second, eyes sparkling as you took in your mural. Your smile was huge as you were suddenly full of proudness. "Absolutely beautiful." You mumbled loud enough for her to catch it. Peppering her face with kisses, her harden nipples brushing against the fabric of your bras. It pulled an impatient whine from her.

Melissa's hands ran over your back, dragging her nails down once before fiddling with the clasp of your bra. Struggling just a bit as your lips had fallen to work on the other side of her neck. Yet, she made up with how quick it was thrown against the window. Your laugh frustrated her a bit, she'd have to find ways to make you flustered.

That would have to be a thought she came back to, seeing as you were good at distracting her. Your head moving lower and lower on her body. Kissing against her burning skin and over her hips. She etched the image of you kissing her hip bone into her mind forever.

Your fingers hooked into her panties, ready to pull them down but her hips pushed down into the bed. You snapped your eyes up to her breathtaking green ones. "What is it, darling?" You were quick to switch from the lust filled gaze to concern.

"I want to see all of you," she sat up. Her hand held your cheek. "Rumors are you never wear shorts because you skip leg day?"

Your jaw dropped at that idea. You? Skip leg day? You laughed before standing for her to have full view of your body. Smirking at the way she watched you undo your belt with one hand flawlessly. The brown corduroy pants fell from your hips. Silencing the rumor almost instantly.

"I've never skipped leg day," you winked before coming back to the bed. The both of you in nothing but your underwear. "Who started these rumors?" You were standing on your knees and staring down at her. Taking in how precious she seemed in this moment.

Yet, you weren't expecting the smile that danced on her lips. "I did." She confidently confessed, her hand coming onto the back of your thigh. "You've never worn shorts or skirts during the beginning of the year. So I figured it was because your legs didn't match the arms."

You pondered her reasoning, not believing it for a second. You were in jorts almost daily in the beginning of the year. "Mmh, if you wanted my pants off all you had to do was ask." You placed a long kiss to her lips, sinking down to her level.

"It's not that easy," she rolled her eyes at your smartness. A soft grin forming on her lips as you pushed her back down. "You lift with your legs?"

All her answer was, was a wink. "Always." You muttered before lowering to be between her legs again. It might've become your new favorite spot and you've barely spent time there. You littered her thighs with your love.

The tiniest of shake in her legs told you she was ready for more. But part of you wanted her to say it first. Melissa had groaned when she realized what you were doing as well. She tried to avoid it by grabbing a fistful of your hair and directing you to her core, but you didn't budge.

She groaned again as you nipped her plush thighs. "Fuck, I need more hun. I need you to do more."

She felt your smile and it made her even more turned on. You placed a kiss to the waistband before grabbing it with your teeth. Eyes shinning up at her as you pulled them down. Your heart thumped in your ears as the adrenaline began to rush through your veins.

Even though you wanted to dive in and fulfill every fantasy you've had for the last few months, you wanted to savor this. Savor her.

Your lips pressed all over her. Listening as her breathing picked up and her breath would halt when you got close to her clit. Then suddenly she felt your tongue swipe through her folds. Gasping at the sensation.

She didn't realize how much you had worked her up until a minute in she was already fighting against you. Her mind could focus on you and your movements, and only you. Moaning at the feeling of two digits sliding into her. It hasn't felt that good in years.

Your tongue focused on her bundle of nerves while you fingers plunged to their deepest and you began to loose it. Her moans made you move faster, faster, and faster.

Melissa hadn't even realized the third finger till she was right on the edge. The stretch it brought burning through her as her body began to tighten. "Just like that, come all over my face and fingers." You moaned against her.

She couldn't see you as her head rolled back into the pillows. But right as the coils snapped, so did she. Her body instantly sitting off the mattress as she watched herself come on you. Jaw slacked as pants fell out.

You weren't done though. You couldn't get enough of the sweet nectar this woman produced. You wanted it every chance you would get. So much so, you cleaned her within seconds after her first orgasm. So eager to see her face, you had to force yourself off her and kissed her fiercely. Letting her taste herself off your swollen lips.

"You're the sweetest," you groaned into her lips. Dropping by her cheek and planting one delicate kiss. Her pupils were blown and hair tousled on the pillows. "What else do you want?"

The question stunned the already stunned. Green eyes shifted to look like they've never been asked such a question in bed. "What...what else can you do?"

The returned ask was all it took for your lips to curl devilishly. "Anything you can think of." You sparkled in the situation, but Melissa seemed to shine in the moment.

A deeper rush of blood coursed her entire body. Reddening her right before your eyes. Her chest caved in, rising in a sharp inhale. "There's a fantasy.." was all she got out before you instantly knew the rest.

Your head turned to the side and you bit your fist. You'd enjoy nothing more actually. You gave her another kiss (something you might've fallen in love with doing) before humming positively. "I'm going to make you scream." You slipped away. Sock clad feet carrying you to your dresser. "I bet you've never gotten a proper fucking."

Her heart stuttered in her chest. It wasn't what you said, hell she's heard men say that to her for years, but the way you said it.

You weren't asking her, you just knew. You knew she'd never been touched properly. Never been cared for. Never been able to just lay there and take it. It made you cocky, showing it in the small smile you spoke through. Your muscular back to her, she watched your body flex and relax as you searched for something.

Your head turned to show her half your face, and much to her suspicion, a smirk pulled your lips. "You'll be good for me, yeah? My good girl, Melli?"

Her once dominating eyes shined over with submission. A look she caught in the mirror off to the side. She's seen it before, she faked it majority of her marriage, but this scared her for how raw and true it was this time.

"Don't worry," you fully turned, the deep red strap hanging from your fingers. "I'll take real good car of ya'. Pinky promise."

Melissa didn't speak as you sauntered back over, taunting her as the dildo swung in the air. The closer you got, the more she could register the size. Not only was it rather large, it had quite some girth. "You're rather bold..." She finally met your sparkling eyes and fake frown.

"I put a lot of thought into which strap I bought!" You defended, handing it over for her to feel it out. And you waited till she had fully inspected it before continuing, "I wanted one that would make your eyes pop as I throat fuck you."

The air stilled. Melissa worried you would be able to hear her heart beat in the silence. "...yeah?" she exhaled the single word.

You began grinning, loving the feeling of really knowing what she needed without ever being told. "Absolutely. Why don't you help me in it?"

And she did. Kneeling on the mattress as she pulled the straps tight around your hips. It suited you. It was accurate to how much big dick energy you walked around with.

The moment you were all set, you cupped her warm cheeks. A thumb stroking back and forth. "God I can't wait to hear you." You leaned down to her, giving a slow, way more sensual kiss. "Let's get you situated."

You both shuffle around. Melissa throwing a pillow at your feet before slowly peeling herself from the bed. She gave you a show of her bare body as she sauntered in front of you, using your strong hips as an anchor when she lowered. Her eyes stared through mascara coated lashes. Her lips kissed the silicon tip. It was your turn to let your breathing stutter.

Here is when you realized that every nasty thought you had with this woman was possible. That she had her own as well that she'd use you for. The idea of being used by her made your mind glitch. "You're gonna be the death of me..." a strong hand ran through the fiery waves and grabbed a fistful.

Your hips slowly rolled forward as you held her head still. Starting only so much before the pace began to pick up. Hitting further and further till finally hitting its deepest venture. Stilling to the soft gagging, your lip was caught between your teeth. Her eyes were absolutely beautiful.

As you watched the tears prick her eyes and threaten to spill, you set a steady pace. In....out....in...out...in..out. In. Out. Her nose hit your torso each time. Her hands held your muscular thighs as you moved. Tears had finally rolled past her temples.

Your heart squeezed. Even as you knew they were tears of pleasure, seeing the green eyes water made your grip in her hair loosened. Your free hand came up to wipe away the crystal of pain and pleasure.

Melissa shuddered. Through the brutal pace of your hips, you still cared. That if this was just a one time thing, you wouldn't have done such an intimate act. That if this was a one time thing the darkness in your eyes wouldn't be shadowing the endless adoration.

She gazed up at you the entire time. Never once did she let you look away from your own work. But as much as she enjoyed the roughness delivered to her throat, she was relieved when you slowed and pulled back.

No words were exchanged as you crouched to her level and scooped her into your muscular arms, firm hands holding her ass.

Melissa felt her heart skip a beat. She's always been aware of her size, that she wasn't young and thin anymore. But she worked her curves in ways that makes a gazillion dollars look bad. And here you were, holding her in your arms and kissing her like she was absolutely weightless. All cause you worked to be able to hold her.

She felt dazed by her own thoughts, missing how you situated you both on the bed. A pillow under her hips as her thighs rested atop of yours, bending at the knee only slightly to ease the stretch.

You hovered around her for a moment. "You'll tell me if it's too much?" You whispered into the air, like a quiet prayer only meant for a goddess to hear.

Melissa was the one to kiss you, "promise." She confirmed.

And sigh! She had expected you to take it slow. To ease into such a large size, but you had worked her up so much that the appendage slide in without a fight. Mellisa gasped at the stretch however.

Your lips attached to her neck, lightly littering kisses. You gave her a few seconds to relax again in your hands before your hips rolled again. Greedy hands roamed her body and held her comfortably in place.

The dragging of the veiny details scrapped against her walls in the most delightful way. Soft sighs fell continuously from her lips. A delicate person you were on top of her. "I could stay here forever...wrapped in your very being."

Your hips drive faster and faster into her aching core. Her sighs were moans and your grip was tightening. Nails dug into plush thighs.

Right when you could tell she was getting there, your thumb found her bundle of nerves and ran tight circles over and over. "F..fuck! Just like that!" She finally found her voice and it was hoarse. Strained and fighting its way out. "So big..."

Your lips curled, "oh my sweet girl. Taking me all so well. Bet you've never had anyone handle you like this." And just as your words ends, you had lifted her back into your lap, pounding up into their now.

Melissa didn't have to do much work, you made sure of it. All she got to do was enjoy the brutal truth of how well you fucked. "Please..please..."

A low chuckle came out first. "Go on princess, let it all wash over you." You cooed.

You knew how to wrap your words around Melissa without fail. And once they held her all nice and snug, she snapped. Crying out your name as her head fell backwards before rolling forward to your shoulder. Her hot pants hit your collarbones. You held her in your arms and panted with her.

Neither of you really moved for a while. The woman had shifted slightly closer into you, but that was it. You had wondered if she fell asleep, but when you went to even check she just hummed instead. A silent plea not to move.

"Are you ok, sweetheart?" You spoke so carefully into her untamed mane. She gave you another soft hum, causing you to lightly chuckle. "Imma lift you off now ok?"

And surely, you had eased her off of you and onto the mattress. Giving yourself a second to discard the strap and start the tub in the bathroom. You moved around like you had done this a million times before, and to Melissa she assumed you had. With skills like that...she couldn't help but wonder.

Suddenly she was aware of her behavior tonight. Regardless of being insanely sore, she sat up, wrapping herself in the blanket. She felt a little confused on everything. Despite everything you said and everything you did without doing and saying, she still had her doubts. You were young, still had chances out there for you. You deserved to go get what she never did.

She was deep in her thoughts, really deep. She didn't notice you standing right there in front of her analyzing the way her face contorted.

"Melissa, honey." You quietly demanded her attention. That caring glint in the back of your eyes was now at the front. Bearing it all to her as you crawled closer. "Whatcha thinkin' about?"

"This is gonna change a lot...like a lot a lot." She mumbled, it came out lost, like there was no end in sight lost.

"How much do you want it to change?" You raised.

"I want to know if I let it, that I won't regret it so soon. I'm in my fifties, you're just getting into your thirties...there's more for you than me..." Green eyes sparkled with guilt.

Your brows furrowed in great confusion now. "I mean...not really? I don't want kids, prefer a cat or something. And as for people my age, they're all just other adults. None of which I am attracted to as I am absolute smitten by you Melissa Schemmenti. I told you it before and I will tell you after. I've only wanted you. So what nonsense are you trying to pull?"

She tried not to laugh, pursing her lips and bitting the inside of her cheek. "Will you be serious about this?"

"I am!" You cried before scooping her body up into your arms (still as smoothly as you did the first time). "Oh Melissa what do I have to do to prove to you!" You smothered her face with kisses. Carrying her into the bathroom as well to see the bubble bath you drew up for her. The steam for how hot the water must be seeping through the suds. "I drew you a bath!" You cheesed in a British accent.

~

That morning, you both did your classes online from different parts of your house. Melissa got to choose your office, while you took the living room.

"Ms. Schemmenti?"

"Yes, April?" The red head beamed into the camera, peering over her glasses slightly.

"Why are you in Ms. y/l/n's home?" She asked so suddenly.

"Yeah, my brother is in her class, they were in that room last time we did online!" Javier chirped up as well.

And that's when the redhead remembered she doesn't know what grade you teach. She assumed based on how colorful you dressed, it was younger, kindergarten even. Yet when she had finally dismissed her kids for lunch and recess, she came to see you still on a call.

A deep conversation on some history lesson could be heard from a collection of your students. You had glanced up briefly to Melissa and flashed her a smile, cheeks warming only slightly.

"Oooh, Ms. y/l/n! Who got you smiling like thaaaat!!" Tanesha cut through the class discussion. Soon everyone had their camera's on and were looking at you for an answer.

You could only Sutter over your own laughter. "That's what it takes to get your camera's all on?" You dodged the question.

Only, your secret was foiled the moment Javier ran into his older sister's room. Jumping right into the camera. "Ms. y/l/n! Did you know Ms. Schemmenti is in your office?!" He sounded shocked.

But not as shocked as your class did when they easily put things together. Your cheeks were burning up as you could only beam at the woman standing just behind your computer.

Your head shook, "alright! alright! I confess! She is at my house but that's because her car broke down and the storm hit before we could make it to her house. But that is all that it is, you little dweebs. Now! Go! Be free from this history lecture!" You dismissed.

For a moment, the briefest moment, you thought you were fine. That the kids would all dismiss the idea in record time. But in an even more astonishing record time, Jacob texted the group chat.

So Melissa and y/n are a thing. Didn't know we did secrets!

"Well that didn't take very long." You laughed.

You jumped from your spot and rushed over to the second grade teacher. Scooping her up and peppering kisses all over her face. "Oh I could so get used to carrying you!" You radiated your joy like no one else.

"Me too, hun." She smirked, this time being the one to lean down and give you a slower kiss. It stole your breath and left you in awe. Cheeks tinted with redness. "Oh I can't wait to learn you."

~

“We are extremely inclusive here, as you can see. By our clear token hire.” Principal Ava boasted like she was the most progressive. In a public school, in Philly you suppose maybe your being hired was novel.

You’d hoped none of the staff would dwell on this one little fact about you.

The camera swung to you in the break room.

“Stop calling him that.” Barba snapped, as your shoulders curled as if you could hide yourself and your lunch.

“It’s offensive, and that’s coming from the gay hire.” Jacob adds mid bite, coffee stain on his own papers as he sat at the opposite table.

You tried to ignore the cameras and focus on your notebook with the lesson plan. But Ava kept speaking, and you slunk even further in your seat. Desperate to melt into the disgusting floor.

“You will recognize him from my TikToks. We hired an attractive trans man who’s yummy! But I didn’t say that cuz I’m in love yal.” Ava adds and cups her heart, and then poses for the camera.

“This feels wrong,” Janine said to Gregory who was eyeing the camera, uncomfortable as ever. “Should we do something?”

You grabbed your stuff, slung your bag over your shoulder, stuffing the papers under your arm and taking the black coffee with you.

You slipped out the door just as Melissa entered the break room, stopping just by you, a little closer than she’d allow many to stand near.

“Hey Buzz where off to at this hour? Not doing your second cup of too much sugar, not enough coffee, are you?” The red head teased but you shook your head and moved away from the door.

Making a mad dash into the hall and away from the lights and cameras.

“What did you do to him? He’s the nicest hire we’ve ever had and you go scarin’ em! AYE! GET THOSE CAMERAS OUT OF MY FACE BEFORE I TURN YE INTO POLPETTONE!” Melissa shouts so loud you hear it at the end of the hallway.

Already imagining what Jeanine's face is doing at that offended scowl. The definition of a teacher's pet even after she became one.

But you won’t slow down, you open your door and enjoy the comfort of silence.

Your cartoon sneakers squeaking as you round your desk. Your eyeglasses hang from the cream thermal you're wearing. And luckily its too early for anyone to need you. Dropping the thick stack of papers and notes for this week. You're careful not to bump the Pixar memorabilia figurines off the top of your desk, or the long luscious plants you’d had since your first day of teaching six years ago. The vines are thick and love your newest classroom.

You take the corded headphones hanging on your shoulder and put them in your ears.

Enjoying the beats of ABBA, you shoulder the window a little too hard and it works. The pop is satisfying. The frame bending just enough for you to jack it open.

It was humid as all Hell this summer, and as June heat hit your windows like a greenhouse. You tried to enjoy the small movement of air, as the morning noises bumbled outside.

Your smile curled as ABBA’s Chiquitita swelled from the headphones into your system.

Chiquitita, you and I know

How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they're leavin'

You'll be dancin' once again and the pain will end

You will have no time for grievin'

Chiquitita, you and I cry

But the sun is still in the sky and shinin' above you

Let me hear you sing once more like you did before

Sing a new song, Chiquitita

You hum and even sway a little as you dance out the bad feelings, you couldn’t let the kids feel what you just went through. It wasn’t their fault.

Being a transgender teacher didn’t change your mission, if anything it made it all the more important.

No kid left behind in the public school system, not on your watch. You weren’t as perky as Janine, but you certainly understood the hustle. You’d been bulled through your whole life for being born wrong. Now that you realized you hadn’t been, that there was beauty in hormones and gender euphoria. Finding yourself on a different path then others. That was all okay.

Now you wouldn’t let another kid walk around with that kind of weight on their backs.

So you hung equal signs, and made after school hobby groups, you bought with your tiny paycheck art supplies. And you wouldn’t give up on those little faces that you saw every morning.

So you danced it out as you passed out packets to start the kids off with some fun word puzzles to learn keyterms for this week. On the whiteboard you drew Woody and Buzz jumping together over the math question for the day.

And even went as far as to sing as you swayed and created your own dopamine.

Oblivious to the red headed teacher who was twice your age smirking as she watched you enamored.

Yeah sure you were younger, but Melissa had tried to talk herself out of her feelings.

Seeing you dance like a goofball in your classroom, with your adult buzzlightyear shoes. Those tight jeans hugging that sweet ass, damn you were the kind of snack Melissa couldn’t ignore.

And she loved your humor, your smile, the way you taught kids long division way before the requirement. The way you stayed after school and worked with Malcom with his dyslexia. All of it, Melissa saw you.

Not as the trans hire, or some way for Ava to make new followers on instagram. No, Melissa saw how you put that smile on. How your glass half full attitude wasn’t easy, wasn’t a crusade or special pill. You didn’t have Janine annoying energy.

You were trying to make this school better, without changing the foundations of it. You did it in a million small silent ways.

Melissa Schementi was absolutely sold by your charm.

And as you pushed your nerdy glasses up your nose and squinted at the board, Melissa had to remove herself from the thin window at your door as to not drool in hall.

The morning ran smooth, kids all a little tired but ready for fun. By lunchtime you think if you do a different tactic. Go early to the break room, maybe you can get your lunch out and another cup of coffee before the hoard goes in.

You slink inside, your shoes squeaking again, but your to the fridge with your scooby-doo lunch box out. And you twist to see if anyone’s there yet, still silence except for kids going to the cafeteria. So you try your next move, worlds best teacher mug under the Mr. Coffee you press buttons with fever.

But you’re too late.

Jacob, Gregory, and Barba burst through and they’re arguing about something. You try to ignore it bend back down to open the fridge and fish out the creamer.

Unaware once again of Melissa’s eyes as she walks in and instantly glued her attention to your ass cheeks.

Those acid washed denim with the belt, fuck she could bend you over and eat you like a damn sweet treat in this summer heat. The idea of licking you pussy to ass made her sweat more.

Barb had noticed Melissa’s stare and before she could joke to her friend, the principle came back in and read the room.

”Someone likes the token hire after all, huh?” Ava’s voice rang through and you jumped.

Head colliding with the top of the fridge and you winced.

”FIDDLE STICKS!” You shout, and cup the back of your head.

“What grown ass man says fiddlesticks?” Ava recoiled in disgust as Melissa strode over and opened the freezer as you stumbled a little.

”The kind who teaches second graders!” She shot back, Barbra moved to the sink and got a paper towel to dampen it.

You blinked a few times, the room spinning too fast.

Barbra and Melissa eased you into one of the staff lunch chairs and you felt your stomach flip flop.

“Buzz, baby can you say something? You hit your head kinda hard.” Melissa cooed and Gregory and Jacob both made faces at each other. The redhead wasn’t known for her gentleness.

Yet here she was, cupping the ice to the back of your head. Barbra raised the cool paper towel but in reflex Melissa took it and dabbed it onto your forehead.

Barbra tried hard not to comment; not about to call her friend out here. But she wasn’t used to this version of her best friend.

“Ow,” you finally wheezed, not feeling as tough as you’d like.

“We should get the nurse.” Gregory said unhelpful only for everyone to glare at him.

“We don’t have a nurse on Tuesdays.” Jacob murmured to him, trying to save his friend the wrath.

“Which is illegal.” Barbra reminded Ava who scoffed as if none of this was her fault.

“Buzz baby, I’m going to take your glasses off.” Melissa told you and slipped off your glasses. You kept blinking and trying to breathe through the throbbing pain.

“I have some Tylenol.” Barbra added going to the lounge drawers.

“We took it all last month when everyone got headaches from construction next door.” Gregory added again and Jacob shook his head to stop talking.

“Wowie, can you guys be anymore helpful?” Melissa shot the rest of the room, saved for Barbra who was now going through her purse.

“Hey don’t you even think about going home, I can’t call another sub. Unless you want Mr Johnson to teach math. But last time he told them math was invented by Bezos.” Ava shrugged like that wasn’t the worst thing.

“I can do it,” you say trying to stand only for a sexy red head to push you down.

”See, he’s willing to go to be more than just a toy.” Ava found her own joke funny, but no one was laughing. Certainly not the woman holding your head up while you resembled a bobble head. Your eyes dilating and then turning pin point.

“You ain’t goin nowhere. Hold this,” she grabs at your hand to cup the ice pack to your noggin. Throwing the soaked towel away and spinning to Ava. Enough heat to set off the janky fire alarms.

“You’re going to let him lay down in my classroom or imma tell everyone how you harassed him. Buzz will get a big settlement and this school will be investigated by HR. Yeah Ava, I can do it too. I know a guy. And it that don’t work I know another guy with ten thousand pounds of live rats. So you pick.” Melissa speaks with her hands and a lot of confidence.

Even you were scared. As you squinted up Barbra put a hand on your forehead, trying to decide if she should hand you a trash can for you to puke in.

Melissa was ready to throw down, she might be shorter, but she could take Ava in a fight in two seconds.

“God that’s why she calls him Buzzlightyear isn’t it? Because she loves him from infinity and beyond.” Jacob murmurs a little wrapped up in the love story.

But Gregory doesn’t agree.

“Pretty sure it’s because of his addiction to cartoons and shoes. But yeah, sure.” He added not so quietly.

Ava isn’t dumb, she doesn’t look at Schemmenti for a moment before nodding.

Barba seems pleased even, Melissa doesn’t waste anytime, she’s lifting you up. You stumble a little but the short teacher steadies you and walks/drags you out of the lounge.

Melissa walks you to her classroom and you see a beanbag chair that has to be older than you, with more stains than Barney’s Dinosaur suit.

“Lay down, go on. I Lysol it every day.” Melissa adds and you just about fall down onto if it.

Then let out a big sigh.

Melissa is set to work, closing blinds and making the room nice and dark. Your shoulders sag in relief.

“Kiddo, I j know your a big burley man, but imma get you a blanket.” Melissa grunts as she pulls out a Philly Football blanket and lays it over you.

“You don’t have to-“

“Stop it, I want to. Not everyday I get to manhandle a hunky teacher. Now close your eyes Buzz.” Melissa tells you and you lift your head to see her walking away.

“Where are you going?” Your voice panics, the older teacher likes a needy man.

“Grade papers, make sure no one bothers yous. Why, need someone to play with your hair and tell you a bedtime story? Or all that sugar keep you up?” Melissa asks from her desk as she puts her son glasses on.

“I quit sugar,” you grumble, and put your head back. Finding the idea arousing, if she wanted to play Mommy you wouldn’t be opposed…

“Why’s that?” Melissa asks.

“I’m trying to get more fit,” you wheeze, your head killing you.

The red head devours you from across the room, up and down.

“I think you could stand to add some more sugar in your life.” She whispers hoping you won’t hear it.

“No one’s ever….taken care of me…like this.” You admit, your eyes closed. Only the sounds if distant childrens laughter and the hum if the AC.

“Yeah, well get used to it.” Melissas flirting always sounds like a threat and she wants to kick herself for it.

“You think I’m a hunk?” You question still laying open like a starfish in the bean bag chair. It’s not romantic, it’s probably crazy lookin, but you feel sick and don’t care.

“Who said I said that?” Melissa asks angrily, and a little louder than before.

“You did,” you remind her, just moments ago. You fought the pain running down your skull.

“Lapse in judgement.” Melissa tries to cover it up but now you're smiling. And that’s her kryptonite.

“I didn’t think anyone liked me…just the token hire.” You yawn as you say it.

Melissa rifled through papers on her desk, not sure what she pretending to look for.

“Yeah well, not to me.” The older teacher answered low again. Not sure how to say all that mushy shit.

“I even heard a few teachers say I was to prove the district did Inclusivity. No one cares about me-or my ability to teach…Just the box I tick off.” You finally admit out loud, trying to not sound as heartbroken as you were.

“That’s messed up. No, that’s… Damn it Buzz, ignore em. They say I’m tenure and cranky. What do they know?” Melissa let out a noise of disbelief and tried to lay it on thick. But as she stood at her desk, she lifted her glasses off and squeezed the bridge of her nose.

Her anger for you, is too strong to pretend.

Even if your concussed with your cartoon shoes in the air. You might be the butt of their joke, but you mattered. You mattered to these kids. And damn it, you mattered to Melissa.

“I guess I’ll be the inclusive and you’ll be the cranky.” You tried to joke, but it came out dumb. Melissa chuckled at your attempt at lightening the mood.

Your mouth opened as sleep finally took you. Ice pack falling onto the ground. Melissa would be sure to take you to a doctor. Not wanting your brains to be too close to scrambled eggs. She knew a guy who made hours calls. The older teacher is already planning and scheming. But when her eyes moved back to you, you were gone to the world.

As you slept, drooling, mouth hanging open, deep snores. Completely unsexy, Melissa tried to resist the urge to push the stray hair off your forehead or kiss your cheek.

Melissa schementi had it back, she whispered in the dark classroom to your sleeping form;