Chapter Text
Simon’s Thursday starts with a chair being hurled across the room.
“SHUT THE FUCK UP, MOTHERFUCKER!” One of his students, Nicholas yells after throwing said chair.
“FUCK YOU, YOU PIECE OF SH-“ his other student, Xavier, starts, right before Nicholas runs across the room at superhuman speed and topples Xavier. Soon, fists are being thrown and punches are heard landing, all before Simon even has the chance to react.
It’s cases like this where it makes sense to be jacked as fuck when you’re just a middle school teacher.
With one arm he pulls a still-swinging Nicholas off Xavier, and with his prosthetic hand, he grabs his walkie off his waistband and shouts into it, “Security to room C30, we have a student incident.”
The bystanders in his classroom all have their phones out in the hopes of recording the fight, jeering and laughing at the boys.
“EVERYONE IN THEIR SEATS NOW,” Simon barks.
Every student at Grover Cleveland Middle School knows by now that Mr. Fischer is not a force to be reckoned with. If he so much as cuts you a cold look, you’re probably on his watch list.
With that in mind, every student in the room goes silent and sits back in their seats. Even Xavier, the other boy Simon didn’t get his hands on, goes and stands by the door.
As if on cue, the campus security guards burst in and take a look at the situation. Silent classroom, the boys in question nursing their wounds, and Simon keeping a calm expression.
It was their best case scenario.
——
Nicholas and Xavier are suspended for a week, according to administration, they had fought because Xavier said something about Nicholas’s father the day before. Nicholas thought the best time to strike would be in class the next morning. Thankfully, the boys would be separated in their classes to prevent any fighting in the classroom again.
Simon is on his way to Grace’s room for lunch when he runs into Ava Clears.
Simon and Ms. Clears haven’t interacted at all other than the occasional head nod or wary smile. So when she asks him, “Mr. Fischer, would you mind coming to my office during your lunch hour?” his heart drops to his ass.
“Oh, yes, of course,” he musters.
The two walk in stifling silence to her office. Ms. Clears gestures to the seat in front of her desk for Simon to sit, and takes her own seat across from him. Her face doesn’t show any emotion, which makes Simon more panicked.
“Do you know why you’re here right now, Simon?” Ms. Clears asks.
“I assume it’s about the incident this morning. I’m sorry I didn’t catch onto any rumors about them arguing before, Ms. Clears.”
“Drop the formalities, Ava is fine here,” Ava says, frowning. “And that wasn’t your fault. Teachers hardly ever know about the woes of middle schoolers. I called you in because I appreciated the way you handled it.”
Simon’s eyebrows jump up in surprise.
Ava continues, “You had a very good handle on the situation and were able to stop it almost immediately. Job well done.”
“It feels like there’s another reason why I’m here,” Simon dares to say.
Ava nods. “There is. We know about why you were let go from your last job, Simon.”
Simon freezes. He can practically feel the bile rising up, threatening to projectile vomit on his superior. He swallows thickly and asks, “Then why did you hire me?”
“Well, we know the full story, Simon,” Ava says. Simon’s mouth falls open slightly. Oh. He didn’t know that they knew. “It’s terrible you had to go through that. But now is not the time nor place for talk of that.”
Ava looks Simon deep into his eyes, and he feels like she’s piercing into his soul. “We hired you because it takes a certain person to come back from a situation like that. We like people who persevere at this school. From what I’ve seen with your students so far, their test scores have already gone up significantly from last year. You have a very good influence on this school.”
Simon, still a little shaken, asks, “So I’m not getting fired?”
Ava barks out a laugh, so sudden that Simon flinches. “No, of course not.” Her face suddenly softens, or as much as someone like Ava would allow, and says, “You’re doing great here, Simon. I’m…excited to see where you’ll go in the future.”
Simon is now officially confused and convinced he’s lost it. Maybe he did end up vomiting on Ava and passed out after.
“That’s all. Thank you, Mr. Fischer,” Ava says, standing and holding her hand out, signaling that this conversation is over.
Simon shakes her hand firmly, and manages to say, “Thank you, Ms. Clears.”
He walks back to his room, still in shock, when he finds Ryland in front of his door like he had been knocking.
“Hey, Si!” Grace waves. “Where have you been?”
Simon doesn’t even register the nickname at first. “I think I just got on Ms. Clears’s good side?”
“What?!”
——
Once he gets home after dropping Grace off, Simon ties his hair up and starts deep cleaning his apartment.
He’s a pretty tidy guy, he never lets his place get out of hand, but a good clean to welcome Grace into his home is probably a good idea.
He starts by washing his blankets in the hopes that Grace would want one (to share, perhaps), makes his way to the kitchen and bathroom, and finally his bedroom. Not that he was expecting Grace to be in there…but you never know.
He gives Laika a bath so she’s fresh for Grace too. Simon also takes a good look at himself and trims his beard a little, making sure to look extra nice.
Not that it was a date. Which it definitely was not.
Finally, he starts preparing dinner. He had asked Ryland earlier if he had any allergies or preferences for tomorrow night, and all he got was, “Something warm!” So that was helpful.
He decides on a simple fettuccini chicken alfredo. He’s noticed how often Grace brings noodles and pasta for lunch, so it made sense to make him some of his comfort food. He makes the sauce from scratch and cooks the chicken. Once he’s finished, the rest will be done tomorrow since he got the harder parts out of the way.
About an hour later, Simon is done getting his apartment ready for Grace. And it’s only 6:30. Maybe he was a little too eager, but sue him! He was having one of the most gorgeous men over for dinner and a movie tomorrow, you can’t blame him.
In the shower, Simon thinks about how tomorrow will go. He’s a tad nervous, nothing out of the ordinary, but he was mostly thrilled at the thought of Grace coming over and getting a glimpse at his personal life. He wasn’t expecting anything to happen, but he wouldn’t complain if something did.
He would just have to wait until tomorrow.
——
The next day came and went quickly, much to Simon and Grace’s pleasure. No bumps in the road, no complaints, and they were off campus at 3:45.
“Do you wanna stop at the store first?” Simon asks. “I thought it’d be fun to get snacks for the movie.”
Grace beams. “Oh gosh, yes! You’ve thought of everything, Si!”
Simon would never admit how that nickname made him blush.
They park and hop off the car and head in. Simon carries a hand basket and lets Grace get his fill. They get candies, chips, and even a tub of ice cream. Simon continues walking when Grace suddenly gasps and pulls him into the next aisle. They end up in an awkward position, Simon way too close to Grace’s neck and Grace looking over Simon’s shoulder.
“What the hell are you doing, Ry?” Simon asks, red-faced and careful to not let his lips brush against Grace’s exposed skin.
Grace, seemingly clueless to Simon’s struggle, whispers, “It’s Stratt and Ava!” He points, and Simon whips around to peek from around the corner.
Sure enough, the two women were shopping side by side with a cart full of groceries. They looked happy, the exact opposite of how they carry themselves at Grover Cleveland. Eva even laughs.
“What the fuck-“ Simon starts before he’s dragged away again by the hand.
The two go all the way to the other side of the store, holding hands the whole way. They finally stop and stare at each other, both in shock at what they just witnessed. “No fucking way,” Simon giggles, and that sets them off into laughing fits.
Simon realizes they’re still holding hands, and caresses Grace’s soft hand before letting it go and running his hands through his hair. “So are they-?”
“I mean, we’d have to assume so,” Grace finishes, flushed over their discovery and definitely not over holding Simon’s hand. “As a man of science, my hypothesis is that those two are definitely together.”
Simon laughs and gives Grace a playful shove. “They’re perfect for each other, though.”
“Do you think they saw us?”
“Nah, we were pretty well hidden.”
They laugh again and recollect themselves. After gathering what they need, Simon and Grace go to checkout and head back to the car.
——
“Was that Mr. Fischer and Dr. Grace?”
“I believe so.”
“Do you think they saw us, Eva?”
“No.”
——
Grace is immediately greeted by a cute, excited dog that he can only assume is Laika. He gets on his knees and uses his baby voice, “Hi Laika! You’re so cute! I’ve heard so much about you! You’re such a good girl!” He pets Laika and she rolls onto her back for belly rubs. “Awww!” Grace is weak with animals, and gives in instantly.
Simon chuckles and hangs his keys up and puts the groceries down on the counter. He puts the ice cream in the freezer and takes out the pasta to start making dinner.
Grace stands back up and takes a look around. The apartment is very Simon-esque. Dim lighting, plants everywhere, prints of art hung up, and candles burning. It’s very cozy and tidy, just like Simon.
“Did you need any help with dinner?”
“No, I did the brunt of the work last night. I just need to boil the pasta and combine everything and then we can eat,” Simon replies. “How about a tour?”
Grace smiles and teases, “Yes, so I can see where the magic happens.”
“Haha, very funny,” Simon says sarcastically. “It’s nothing special, there’s the bathroom here and then my bedroom right here. Laika sleeps either next to me or on her bed here. You already saw my kitchen, and then my living room is right across the way.”
Grace takes his time looking at the rooms. Literally every room has at least one plant, all with dim lighting like the kitchen.
“And then this is my balcony with all my plants,” Simon continues, opening his sliding door that leads outside. His balcony is practically a jungle, a well-contained one at that, and is complete with patio furniture and a bird feeder in the corner.
“Wow,” Grace says finally. “Your house is beautiful, Si. I love it.”
Simon blushes and looks away. “Thanks,” he mutters. He heads back to the kitchen and says, “Make yourself at home. Just take your shoes off please.”
Grace slips his shoes off and leaves them by the door. Laika follows him like a little guard dog, and he’s charmed instantly. He walks back into the kitchen to see if there’s anything he can help Simon with, but he finds that Simon’s already plating their food.
“Go sit, Ryland,” he says, “I’ll bring the food out for us right now.”
Grace nods and makes his way back to the living room. It’s pretty big considering the size of the rest of the apartment. The couch is comfortable, blankets strewn artfully over the arms and back of the couch. There’s a small coffee table in front that already has two glasses of water on coasters. When Simon did that, Grace wasn’t sure. There was also a large bookshelf against the far side of the room, filled to the brim with books. Its twin was in Simon’s bedroom; Grace had caught a glimpse of it during the mini tour.
Grace takes a seat on the couch right as Simon brings their plates and sets them on the table, sitting about a foot away from Grace. “So, what movie did you wanna watch?” Simon asks.
Grace thinks for a moment. “Are we thinking sappy rom-com, action, or drama?”
“Whatever you’d like, angel.”
Curse that nickname.
“Hmm…maybe Pretty in Pink? And then you can pick the next movie.”
“Sounds good.”
Simon gets the movie started as Grace takes a bite of his dinner. “Oh my gosh,” he groans, mouth full.
Simon turns to him, worried, “Is it okay?”
“Simon, it’s perfect. I’m about to pass away.”
Simon blushes, not used to someone complimenting his cooking. “Well, I hope not.”
The two continue eating and watching the movie, talking a little bit in between. But they both know that tonight is just about being in the presence of each other.
——
When they finish, Simon gets up to take their plates and Grace follows to help get their snacks. They’re about halfway through the movie now, so it’s a good time for intermission.
“I love that movie so much,” Grace gushes. “Molly Ringwald is so amazing and I love the fashion in it. Duckie’s so cute, too.”
“I’ve never seen it before,” Simon says as he gets the ice cream and a couple spoons. “I get why you like it, though. It’s entertaining. But the rich guy is pissing me off.”
Grace gasps from behind his armful of snacks. “You’ve never seen it? Jeez, Simon, I gotta culture you.”
They head back to the couch with snacks in tow and play the movie again. It’s started to rain outside now, and the sun started setting, too. Laika lays calmly on the floor by the television, close to falling asleep.
Simon hands Grace a spoon as they dig in. They’re still not sitting directly next to each other, which makes sharing their food awkward.
Grace has had enough of Simon leaning over halfway across the couch. “Simon, just scooch over here. I don’t bite.”
Simon flushes and moves over. “Whatever you say, Ry.” Now, the men are sitting closer, thighs touching sharing warmth. Neither one moves away, basking in the rare moment of being so close to each other.
They finish the movie, as well as their ice cream, and make no effort to move away from each other, either. Grace is now curled up with his feet on the couch, facing Simon. If he leaned forward a couple inches, his head would be on Simon’s shoulder. Not that he was paying attention.
Simon can’t help but scoff at the end of the movie. “What, so she ends up with the rich guy who treated her like shit instead of her literal best friend who loved her? What fucking gives?”
Grace laughs, “Welcome to the club, man. It’s a major disappointment, I know.”
“Ugh, just turn it off before I say some more choice words.”
“Well, other than that, what did you think?” Grace asks eagerly.
Simon looks over and into his shining blue eyes. Lord, could he get mesmerized by them so fast. “It was pretty good. I like the message, and you’re right, the fashion was great back then.”
Grace claps excitedly. “Good! It’s one of my favorite movies ever.”
“So what’s next?”
“I thought you would pick the next one?”
“Well, you said you would culture me, so,” Simon hands him the remote, “culture me.”
Grace ends up putting on You’ve Got Mail. It’s almost that time of year, cozying up with warm drinks and blankets and loved ones. He figures it’s about time. Simon decides not to tell Grace he’s seen this movie before, about a year ago. He thought it was sweet, but he’ll let Grace believe he’s watching it for the first time.
About fifteen minutes into the movie, it really starts coming down outside. The rain patters against the windows, but the men pay no mind.
Grace shivers, and Simon’s quick to grab a blanket from behind him. He covers Grace with it, who so graciously accepts it, and shivers again.
Grace then lifts the blanket up, inviting Simon to join him under.
Simon’s heart goes berserk. If you’re up there and you still love me, he prays, give me the strength to be fucking normal. He slips under the blanket, warmth seeping into his bones.
Simon, having nowhere else to really put his arm, puts it around Grace’s shoulders, so casually it could almost go unnoticed.
Almost.
Grace is this close to losing his mind. He’s so close to Simon already, but having his arm around him? He was as good as dead. He decides to take the final step and take the risk. Grace puts his head on Simon’s shoulder.
They both might as well have exploded right then and there.
Both were watching the movie but weren’t paying attention at all. All Simon could focus on was Grace’s warm breath on his neck, soft puffs to show he was comfortable.
Grace had the perfect view to look up at Simon, not to mention his thick arm was like a cushion for him. Simon also caresses his shoulder a couple of times, subtly, but not so much that Grace doesn’t notice.
It’s driving them both wild.
About three-quarters of the way through the movie, Simon notices Grace’s soft snores. He looks down, only to find that he’s fallen asleep already.
Grace had taken his glasses off at some point, eyes closed and face calm, and he looks comfortable. His blonde hair sticks up, and he continues snoring. Simon takes this opportunity to gently touch his hair and caress the side of his face.
“What am I gonna do about you, angel?”
He pauses the movie and thinks about the best play to make right now. Should he leave Grace here in the night and sleep in his own bed? Carry Grace to his bed and sleep here?
Simon falls asleep right next to Grace trying to decide.