Work Text:
You’re filling out some papers with Melissa near the front and you hand her one.
“You have to fill this one out as well.” You tell her and she nods before she starts to fill it out. You both then hear the door open and see Gary walking in with some supplies to stock up the vending machine.
“Hey Gary.” Melissa tells him with a smile.
“Hey.” He tells her and then looks at you and nods. It was your first year last year and you watched the chaos of his failed proposal along with everyone else.
“How you doing? It’s been a minute, huh?” She asks him as she puts down the paper she was writing something on.
“Truth be told, I’ve been avoiding you since, you know, the most embarrassing moment of my life.” He tells her.
“Yeah, I get it.” She tells him with some guilt about it.
“Uh, on a separate but kinda related note, I’m getting married.” She tells him and you whip your head up and look at him, well that was fast.
“What? Wow!” Melissa tells him, completely happy for him.
“Yeah, I was stocking the machine at the hospital and Lucy was a patient.” He explains to her.
“Oh, no.” Melissa says as soon as she heard patient.
“Oh, no, she’s ok now. I mean, who needs tonsils?” He says and you snort.
“Yeah, right?” She agrees with him and you sense a bit of tension, mostly on Gary’s part.
“Anyway, I didn’t know if it’s be weird to tell you.” Gary tells her.
“No, why would it be weird? I wanted this for you.” She tells him genuinely.
“Actually I’d love for you to come to the wedding.” He tells her and you tilt your head.
“Hey, I am there! I mean, as long as your bride doesn’t mind a loud Sicilian who gives one too many hugs when she’s off that Zinfandel.” She jokes with him and he laughs and you snort.
“That’s you.” He says with a chuckle.
“That’s me.” She agrees with him
“All right.” He says.
“Hey, congrats, you big gagootz.” She tells him with a pat on the back.
“Ah, thanks, good seeing you.” He tells her and then takes his supplies and begins walking out.
“Yeah, she’s not cuter than me though, right?” She asks him, half joking.
“I’m legally obligated to say she is, so…” He tells her before he continues going down the hall.
Melissa shrugs before she goes back to desk and continues filling out the paper.
“That totally means you’re cuter.” You tell her and she smiles at you.
“I know, I’m a Philly 11.” She says with total confidence and winks at you.
“You definitely are.” You tell her. “So are you bringing a plus one?” You ask her, kinda hoping she’d ask you.
“I don’t know, probably Captain Robinson.” She tells you.
“I didn’t know you two were exclusive.” You say to her and she looks at you.
“Oh we’re not. It’s still just casual.” She tells you.
“You’ve been casual with him for about a year now, have you done it with anyone else?” You ask her and she shakes her head.
“Just him. But if I wanted to have casual sex with someone else then I could.” She says with a smile and you nod. She then hands you the paper you were filling out and you take it from her.
“I’ll go file these right away.” You tell her and she watches as you walk to your desk, and risks a glance at your ass, something that does not get missed by Jacob as he was passing by.
The next day Melissa and Jacob enter at the same time as you’re writing something at the front desk.
“Hey, who are you going to take to Gary’s wedding?” You hear Jacob ask Melissa. “Not Sweet Cheeks right? I don’t think that little booger likes to dress up.”
“No no, probably Captain Robinson. He’s always a good time.” She says and then sees you. “Morning Y/n.” She tells you and you wave at her.
“Oh, I didn’t know you’d leveled up your relationship with the captain. That’s a big step.” He tells her and casts a glance at you.
“You know Y/n said the same thing to me anyway, but no it’s the opposite. That’s what I love about our situation, it’s like casual, be like bringing a friend to an open bar.” She explains to him.
“What do you mean? You’re…you’re traveling out of town together. Next thing you know, you’ve got a hotel room, then you’re suddenly in brunch territory.” He explains and Melissa glances at you and smiles.
“Jacob, he’s still saved in my phone as fireman number two, I think we’re good.” She says to him and turns the corner out of your earshot.
“Why don’t you invite Y/n?” He asks and she looks at him.
“Why would I invite Y/n? Her and I aren’t casual.”
“Ya, but aren’t you two friends?” He asks her.
“Well ya, but just friends, it’d be like if I invited you.”
“Last time I checked, you didn’t have feelings for me.” He simply says to her.
“And what, you think I have feelings for Y/n?” She asks amused.
“Ya, I think you do.” He simply tells her.
“Well I don’t, I don’t have feelings for anyone.” She says, and he doesn’t believe her but drops the subject.
The next day before school you’re reading a book at the table beside Mel and Barb’s table, as Barb is telling Jacob a story from the bible.
“And that’s when Moses split that sea, baby.” Barb finishes telling him enthusiastically.
“What? Oh my god, should I read the Bible? Okay, no more spoilers.” He tells her and then Melissa bursts in all pissy about something.
“Could any more of those hipster college kids move to this town and ruin it?” She says to them angrily. “That’s why my Sixers are blowing it. And the Phillies lost in the playoffs to the Mets. The Mets, Barb, damn it!” And you looked at her with concern.
“Are you ok Melissa?” You ask her and she takes a deep breath and looks at you.
“I don’t know Y/n, it’s just a… I’m having a bad case of whatever the hell day this is.” She tells you.
“Lies.” Jacob accuses her and stands up from the chair. “Liza Minnelli. Something is amiss and you are going to spill sister, ok? Like the oil that is unfortunately always in our oceans.” He tells her and you roll your eyes but then look at Melissa who sighs.
“Ok, fine. Captain Rob can’t go to Gary’s wedding, which is fine.” She tells you all and you furrow your eyebrows.
“Doesn’t seem like it’s fine.” Jacob counters.
“No, it’s…you know what? It’s not fine. But why? Why isn’t it fine?” She says with annoyance. “Why do I care if he goes to the symphony with some slut?!” She says that last word laced with anger as she opens the fridge to put her lunch in there.
“Ooh, Melissa, sit.” Barb tells her sternly and Melissa looks at all of you before she sits down with a sigh. “Ok.” Barb says cautiously as she sits down at the table with Melissa and Jacob. “Now, do you want him to see other people or not?” Barb asks her softly and she thinks about it.
“No, I-I guess I don’t.” She says and you go back to your book with a disappointed sigh.
“Sounds like somebody wants to go steady.” Barb says with a smile and Melissa glances at you and she was hoping a little bit that you’d show that you didn’t want her to be with the captain but it seems like you don’t care.
“Oh, fine.” She says and then you get up and leave the breakroom.
At some point during the day Melissa comes up to you and sits on your desk and you look at her.
“You didn’t come to the break room at lunch and you haven’t responded to my text from an hour ago. Are you avoiding me?” She asks you and you shake your head.
“I’m not, shouldn’t you be doing some grading or whatever you teachers do during your spare.” You tell her and she tilts her head.
“How do you know this is my spare?” She asks.
“Cause you’re not in your classroom teaching your students.” You simply says.
“Good point.” She tells you. “And I wanted to make sure we were good.” She adds.
“Of course we are.” You say and staple some papers together. “Just busy.” You add and she nods. “So have you told that captain that you want to be with him?” You ask her and she shakes her head.
“Not yet, I want to tell him in person instead of over text or video call.” She tells you and you nod then suddenly Ava comes in.
“Y/n, inform the teachers, there’s a PTA meeting after school today.” She tells you and you nod.
“See, extremely busy. Oh by the way, there’s a PTA meeting after school today.” You tell her and she chuckles.
“Thanks for the notice.” She tells you as she gets off your desk.
“I’ll see you at the PTA meeting then.” She says and you nod.
Melissa and Jacob come to stand beside you during the PTA meeting as there’s a discussion about book and what they should and shouldn’t allow in the library. Then all of a sudden the fire alarm goes off and you look at Melissa who’s smiling.
“Fire y’all! Head towards the exits. The plot of Fahrenheit 451 is upon us!” Ava yells as she quickly gets up and runs out of the library. You follow Melissa and Barb out of the library and look to see Mr. Johnson there.
“Oh, Mr. Johnson, what’s going on?” Barb asks him.
“Sorry folks, false alarm.” He tells everyone and you sigh.
“False alarm?” Jacob questions him.
“Quit badgering me, Jacob. These things are just begging to be pulled.” He tells you and the alarm stops.
“Alright everyone, back inside! False alarm.” You say and everyone goes back inside the library. You then see Melissa go up to Mr. Johnson and secretly hand him something and you furrow your eyebrows. You all head back inside the library while you go to get a few teachers and parents that ran outside. You check to make sure you got the rest of the stragglers before you go back inside and then you hear Melissa talking to the captain and you hide yourself.
“I think, like, I would love for us to be exclusive.” You hear him tell him and you wait a couple seconds before he responds.
“Exclusive sounds good to me.” He says and you feel your heart drop to your stomach. “I don’t even like music.” He says as he gets up.
“Good man.” You hear Melissa say and you chance looking.
“Come here.” He says and he helps her up before pulling her into a kiss and you cover your mouth to hide the gasp. “Next time just call, seriously.” He tells her. “Pulling a fire alarm is a federal offense. I’m gonna have to arrest Mr. Johnson now.” You hear him say.
“Ok.” Melissa tells him with a smile and you see she looks happy.
“And don’t warn him.” He says to her.
“Ok.” She says before he gives her another kiss.
“I have to go as I’m technically still working.” He says to her and she nods before they kiss again and then he leaves. You hide yourself again as he leaves in your direction. You come out of hiding and didn’t realise Melissa was still there and she looks at you before you both lock eyes.
“Y/n? What are you doing?” She asks.
“I- I was getting the parents that went outside and then I didn’t want to interrupt.” You explain and she nods.
“Him and I are exclusive.” She tells you.
“Ya, I heard, congratulations.” You tell her with disappointment. She wants to ask what’s wrong but then a bunch of people leave the library and you’re guessing the PTA meeting is over. Melissa goes to search for you in the crowd but can’t find you, she stays in her spot and waits for everyone to leave but you seem to have left with the crowd.
You get in your car and sigh as you lost any chance with Melissa. You thought you didn’t have any chance to begin with as she’s only talked about being with men but now she’s in a relationship, any small hope was just squished right before your eyes.
The next day you walk in and Melissa was waiting at your desk, feet propped up like she owned the place.
“What are you doing here?” You ask her as you push her feet off your desk.
“You looked upset about something yesterday and I was going to ask you but then you got lost in the crowd.” She tells you and you shrug.
“I’m fine.” You tell her and she stands up.
“What happened?” She asks you and you look at her eyes.
“It’s nothing important, it’s fine.” You tell her and go to your desk but she grabs your arm.
“You know you can tell me, right?” She asks you.
“Melissa, I have to set up for the day.” You snap at her and she looks at you with concern. “Besides, it's not important to you anyway.” You add as you put your things down and then head to the break room with your lunch and she follows you.
“Of course it’s important to me.” She tells you. “We’re friends.”
“Are we? Cause I think the term is more work friends. As we only hang out, at work.” You tell her and you still hear her heels hitting the ground behind you. “Would you stop following me?” You ask as you turn around in annoyance and she bumps right into you and she puts her hands on your waist to stabilise you. “Let me go.” You tell her as she didn’t move her hands off of you.
“Not until you tell me what’s wrong.” She insists.
“Why is it so important to you?” You ask her and she looks at your eyes.
“Because I care about you and I know something is wrong.” She tells you.
“Fine, you really want to know?” You ask with a sigh and she nods. “I-I like this girl but she got into a relationship with someone else.” You tell her and she tilts her head as she thinks about what to say next.
“Does this girl know you like her?” She asks and you shake your head. “Well why didn’t you tell her before she got into a relationship?”
“Because she’s straight.” You say with a sigh and she lets you go.
“How do you know she’s straight?” She asks.
“Because she’s only ever dated men.” You simply say as you look down and she tilts your chin up and gets you to look at her.
“Only since I’ve known you.” She says and your eyes widen.
“Wait…what?” You ask her and she chuckles.
“I’m not straight hon, I’ve been with men since I’ve known you but I’ve been with women. I mean just look at how I dress. I haven’t met a single straight woman who owns a leather trench coat, a leather jacket and about 5 pairs of leather pants. Have you?” She asks and you shake your head.
“How-what makes you think I was talking about you?” You ask her.
“By looking at your eyes after I got with Robinson.” She says as she cups your cheek and you lean into her touch. “You were hurt by it and your eyes said so.” She adds and you hum before you remember she’s in a relationship.
“But none of this matters, you’re exclusive with the captain now.” You tell her and then enter the break room and she follows you.
“I don’t have to be.” She says as you put your lunch in the fridge and then turn around and look at her.
“What do you mean? You made it official yesterday.” You ask her and she nods.
“I did, but people break up with other people.” She tells you and everyone is looking at you two.
“Melissa, are you thinking of already breaking up with Robinson?” Barb asks her and Melissa looks at her and nods. “Why?”
“I never liked him in that way, I mean sure he’s great at sex but, I freaked out about Gary getting married. He told me he's getting married and I realised, in a moment of weakness, that I don’t have anyone, but I was too afraid to tell the person that I actually liked how I felt.” She says the last part while looking at you.
“You like me?” You ask her and she nods.
“Why do you think I’m at the office everyday? I’m actually starting to run out of ideas for excuses to see you.” She tells you and you smile.
“You don’t need an excuse to come talk to me. Plus you have my number.” You tell her with a shy smile and she walks up to you.
“So, will you be my girlfriend?” She asks you and you quirk your eyebrows.
“What? No, Melissa you’re still with Robinson. Ask me again when you’re single.” You tell her and then walk out with a smile. Melissa watches you walk out with a big smile on her face before she gets her phone and calls Robinson.
The next she walks in with a smile and walks right up to your desk and waits in your seat with a container of food she made yesterday. You walk in a few minutes later and see her in your chair again and you chuckle and shake your head at her antics.
“Is this going to be a regular occurrence?” You ask her with a smile.
“Maybe, if it brings a smile to your face then yes.” She tells you so simply and you roll your eyes before she stands up. “I brought this for you today.” She tells you and hands you the container full of food.
“Bringing me gifts?” You ask her and she nods.
“As well as a question. I broke up with Robinson last night and he knew I liked you, I guess I talked about you a lot.” She says and you smile. “So I wanted to ask the question again, now that I’m single. Y/n, will you be my girlfriend?” She asks and you smile.
“Without a date first?” You ask her and she rolls her eyes.
“You’re impossible.” She says. “But I brought you food so maybe we can have lunch together in my classroom and that can count as a date.” She suggests and you nod.
“I’d love that.” You tell her and she smiles.
“I’ll see you then.” She says and goes to leave but you grab her wrist and pull her in for a kiss. She kisses you back immediately and loves the feel of your lips and cups your cheeks.
“Woah! No making out on school property.” Ava says and you break apart. “Nice going, Schemmenti.” She adds and you try to bury your face in her hair out of embarrassment.
“Oh no, if I can’t hide then neither can you.” She tells you as she pulls you out of her hair.
“Already denying your girl something?”
“If I recall, I’ve already asked you twice to be my girl and you’ve said no.” She tells you.
“Maybe third times the charm?” You say innocently and she shakes her head at your antics.
“If you say no again then I swear our date this afternoon is off.” She tells you and you giggle.
“Will you be my girlfriend?” She asks again.
“That is such a difficult question, I’ll have to think about it.” You say playfully and she goes to walk off but you grab her hand. “I’m just playing with you, of course I’ll be your girlfriend.” You tell her and she leans forward and kisses you again. She then pulls away and gets her phone out. “What are you doing?” You ask her.
“Telling Barb not to expect me at lunch today before I forget.” She tells you with a smile. “I’ve got a date to get too.” She says and then pulls you in for another kiss.