Hii! If you want a Melissa x reader request where Melissa is actually really insecure in a relationship (things like she has a hard time asking for a hug, and she doesn't like to show off her body) and reader obviously treats her the way she deserves.
Want over need
Melissa Schemmenti X Reader
A/n: I love soft Mel and anybody that steels her confidence can catch these hands.
Warning: Fluff, angst/comfort, soft Mel, mentions of cheating, more fluff, smut
Melissa was a 6th grade teacher from Abbott Elementary. You were a physical therapist and you thank your lucky stars for the day your paths crossed.
You were leaving work after a long day of clients. The last one being your most troublesome.
Constantly hitting on you and you were one remark away from firing him as your patient.
After the day you had, you decided to stop by a local dive bar for a quick drink. You were two minutes away when you saw the most gorgeous red head kicking her tire in anger. “UGH!”
She pops her trunk and you see her pull out her phone before flipping a U on the slow street.
This pisses Melissa off more. She’s not some damsel in distress. She doesn’t know how to change a tire but that is why she has Triple A.
You pull up behind her in your truck and she’s already waving you off. “I’m fine. I got it. I don’t need any help.”
Rolling your window down, you lean out to assess the situation. “You sure? It’s really no trouble!” You’ve got your door open now and you're standing, leaning out the side of the driver door.
She whips her head back up at you and pauses for a second. You can see the shock written as plain as day on her face. She was definitely thinking you were some burly Chad preying on the damsel.
“Dr. Y/l/n. Ortho consult and physical Therapist. Was just leaving work for a quick drink when I saw you here. I know you don’t need help but if you have a spare I can change that for you and have you on your way in less than 10. Or if you want, you can call someone and wait. Whichever you prefer, you won’t hurt my feelings”
You notice her bite the inside of her lip considering her options. “Fine but no funny business. One wrong move and I won’t be afraid to use Edith on you.” She says this while brandishing a bat from the back seat.
“And I support that.”
“I don’t even know if I have a spare.” She ponders looking in the trunk.
“Im sure you do. Have you blown a tire before with this car?”
You grab some of your tools from the bed of your truck before looking at the blown tire. When she shakes her head you notice up close how clear her eyes are now that some of the hostility has dissipated. “Hi.” You smile big once you’re toe to toe with her and get a good look. She looks familiar but you can’t place it. Too distracted by her beauty. You’re sure you would remember meeting someone this beautiful. “Umm may I?
“Go ahead.” She watched as your friendly professional demeanor faltered to smitten in a split second before busying yourself with her car.
“Most cars have this…” you grunt pulling on the hidden handle. “Hidden compartment where the spare is stored.” You pull it out of the trunk and set it next to the car.
She paces behind you texting Jacob and Barb to let them know what happened and sending her location. For safety measures.
She comes up beside you and is ‘supervising’ everything your doing. Definitely checking out your arms now that you’ve rolled your sleeves up. She’s admiring your sleek movable slacks and simple white button up. “How’d you know how to do this? And without a DIY tutorial?” She giggles.
“Dad left, raised by a single mom. I’ve got 2 younger sisters and figured I should learn the basic skills that one might learn from their father in case they need help.”
She just stares at you.
“Oh god, sorry. That was an unintentional overshare.” You lower the Jack and step back to look at your work. “Anyways, you’re all set. Now this is a spare. I would still take it in to get the right size put back on. And don’t go over 50 mph or for longer than 50 miles.”
“Thank you…umm. Mind if I buy you that drink?”
“Is this where you try to kidnap me, now?” You laugh leaning against the car, mirroring her position.
“Actually, I was just headed home but after this week and…this. I could use a drink, too.”
“I wouldn’t mind the company, but one condition. I’m buying.”
“We can argue about it at the bar.”
“Deal.”
You followed her to the bar down the street and fixed your hair in the mirror. Thankful for the napkins you keep in the center console dabbing at the slight sheen of sweat. Reapplied some deodorant and a couple dabs of your favorite David Beckham cologne.
You look in your side mirror and see her smirking at you from behind your truck, waiting.
Blushing at being caught you take a deep breath before exiting your vehicle.
“Hi.” She smiles, tucking her hair behind an ear.
You burst out laughing as you guide her in by the small of her back. “We already did that. Although, I have yet to get a name.”
“I’ll give it, if you let me buy.”
“Then the mystery remains.” You smirk in defiance, finding two empty seats at the rail.
When the bartender comes by you order an old fashion and look to your companion for her order. “And for…” she smirks but doesn’t offer her name, still.
“I’ll have the same, hon.” When she reaches for her wallet you put a hand over hers, stopping her in her tracks. You hand over your card and signal for him to leave it open.
“You’re infuriating.”
“So I’ve been told.”
You sit in comfortable silence until the drinks arrive and she is trying to read you, and you shift only slightly under her gaze but giving her time. And finally,
“Schemmenti.” You raise an eyebrow at that. “Melissa.”
“It’s very nice to meet you Melissa.” And her smile spreads, shining as bright as her eyes with some mirth behind them. “Oh wait! You’re Mrs. Schemmenti?!”
“It’s just Ms. and what do you know? You a cop, too?”
“Relax. Only good things, I think. You’re a teacher, right?”
“Yeaaaah.”
“At Abbott Elementary?”
“That’s the one.”
“I knew you looked familiar, I just couldn’t place it earlier. My nephew was in your class years ago. I wanna say second or third grade, from the class pictures.” You pull out your phone to scroll through your sister's page and finding the picture from about 3 years ago.
“You remembered that?”
“Well yeah, he talked about you all the time. You were his favorite and then when she sent us the school pics I-“
“You what?”
“You’re gorgeous…hard to forget. Plus he recently started talking about you this year. Something about a camping trip.”
“Oh god.” She laughs remembering the kids scattering in the park from Jacob’s stories. “Which one is he?”
You point to your nephew in the picture, an obviously enthusiastic proud aunt. “The one not afraid of the camera.”
“No way! That one’s yours? I love that kid! Got him in my class again for 6th grade. He’s turned out to be a little math wizard. Always knew he was paying attention.”
“You’re an amazing teacher. Now there’s no way I’m letting you pay for anything.”
You guys get to know each other over one more round of drinks before calling it a night. But not before exchanging numbers.
You text often, and some nights you talk on the phone while cooking. She vents about her kids, or Ava. The coffee was worse when they were in the mall. You ordered for coffee to be delivered to her and her friends when she expressed the tougher days adjusting to teaching in a dead mall. And every time she scolded you. “You didn’t need to do that, hon.”
And every time, you responded- “I know, but I wanted to.”
After a month you finally asked her out on a proper date and have been together since then.
You’ve visited a couple times, joining her for lunch. Bringing flowers on occasion.
The fire safety / Fade / story samurai presentation day took a toll on Melissa. You can tell through the text. She didn’t stay to grade after school that day, instead she took it home immediately after the last bell.
On your way home from work, you stopped to get her a mini s’mores flavored cheesecake and a bottle of wine. Stopping by, you intended just to drop it off. If only just to check on her.
Knocking on her door, you hear her shout from somewhere inside. “Y/n…if it’s you just use your key! If it’s not, go away.” You chuckle before digging your keys out of your pocket.
“Hey, babe. I brought you some goodies.” You announce as you enter and your eyes landing on her exhausted form on the couch. “Rough day?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Clearly not. I just wanted to check on you to make sure you were okay. You seemed down today.”
“You’re not staying?”
“That’s up to you. If you want to be alone, I can respect that. If you want me here, then I’m here.”
“It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”
“Hey, don’t do that.” You set the cheesecake and wine on the table and sit next to her holding her hand. “I understand wanting to be alone sometimes when you’re drained but sometimes, I just want to be around someone I trust and I want to be held. So right now, what do You want?”
She looks at you and you’ve never seen her look so small. “I’m okay, really.”
“It’s okay to want things even when you’re okay, too, silly.” And she rolls her eyes and you see a glimpse of a smile. “So should I go, or should I get comfortable?”
“Can you stay? Are you busy?”
“I have plans.” You say as you walk to the front door. She looks up at you hurt for just a second before she shakes her head, catching on as you take your shoes off and hang your coat up. “These plans consist of first, cutlery.” You walk back grabbing the cheesecake to transfer it to a plate. You set that on the table and then grab the bottle of wine. You ask her silently if you want a glass and she pauses. “Then I’m gonna put this away for later, cause my girlfriend doesn’t want wine yet because she wants…?”
She’s smiling now as she’s now tucked her feet back underneath her. “Hot cocoa.”
“So much better than wine! Why didn’t I think of that?” You press a kiss to her lips before disappearing into the kitchen.
She watches you walk away and she can feel the irritation of the day melting off of her shoulders. You simmer some milk on the stove before disappearing into her bedroom. When you reappear you are in a pair of her sleep shorts and an eagles hoodie.
You finish the hot cocoa and pour two steaming mugs. And think what the hell before adding some marshmallows to both.
You pass one to her before sitting next to her. “Do you want to talk about today or watch housewives?”
“There is a new episode.”
“Housewives it is.” You flip the tv on, find the program, and hit play.
The first 5 minutes play out but she’s looking to you instead of the screen. “What is it, do I have cocoa on my face?” And she shakes her head in the negative.
“Can you- can you hold me?”
“Did you expect me to decline an offer like that?”
“I don’t know. It’s stupid.”
“It most definitely is not. It’s the dream.” You scoot back and spread your legs for her to fit perfectly between your thighs. Once she’s situated with her back pressed into your front you turn her head, being careful not to slosh the creamy cocoa. You kiss her lips before looking into her eyes.
“I love holding you. It’s my favorite pastime but I don’t ever want to push you.” She just nods before kissing you again and settling back into your embrace.
“My ex was at school today.”
You just hum giving her room to continue if she wanted, with no judgement.
“Haven’t really seen him since I cut him off. He’s the one that asked to be exclusive. I was hesitant at first but I finally caved. It lasted a month before he started cheating on me with some slut.”
“He cheated on You?! That’s absurd. It doesn’t get any better than you. I’m sorry, babe. He’s a pig.”
“It wasn’t so much about him that hurt. I liked him, sure. But I was good at the casual thing. But he convinced me to let my guard down and when I did he stomped all over it. I didn’t even give him a chance to explain. But maybe I was asking for too much.”
“That’s definitely not the case. And I hate that he hurt you. You can ask me for anything. I would never take your trust for granted. I’m so grateful when you let me see parts of you that lay behind your armor. I think it’s incredibly sexy.”
“You do?”
“God, yes.” She turns back to look at you again, trying to detect the lie. And when she finds none she relaxes and her hand caresses your cheek and kisses you slowly. Like she’s trying to make sure your real.
“I’m not…too needy?”
“Absolutely not. Quite the opposite. You don’t need anything, you’re very capable.” She looks down for a second and you set your mug down on the side table to pull her face back up to yours. “But it’s okay to want things. It’s nice to be wanted.”
She’s back to staring into your eyes. You make it sound too easy. Her breathing is deep and you see the want in her eyes but you wait for her to ask.
“Show me.”
“Tell me what you want.”
“I want…” her eyes dip to your lips as she digs for the right words. “I want to feel you everywhere. I want you to ground me.”
“Good girl.” You smile, taking her mug from her hands to set it aside. “I’m proud of you. Now let me take care of you.” You kiss the side of her neck letting it fall to the side so you can work your way up to her jaw.
She turns around in your arms and you can see the hesitation waver. Her angelic feature flashing between scared, unsure of how to let someone treat her right. Usually, she takes charge preferring to do it herself to protect her. It was easier than waiting for the look of indifference like she was nothing special.
“Trust me. And I won’t take that lightly. You are the best gift I’ve ever received and I will protect you like we are creating the world’s most authentic work of art. Too priceless to ever auction at a gallery but a painting that I get to feast my eyes on when ever I close my eyes.”
“I think I love you.” And you see the unshed tears building in her orbs.
“That’s so crazy.” And she looks back at you in wonder. “I’ve been falling in love with you since you threatened me with Edith on the side of a road.”
The watery laugh that escapes her pout was music to your ears. “Let me show you.”
She nods as she falls against your lips and you push her gently to lay on her back keeping your lips together. Your legs land on either side of hers and you lean back to admire her.
“I don’t understand how anybody’s eyes could wander when you exist.” You start pushing her shirt up and kissing her stomach as each new inch of skin is uncovered. Your hands slide under her shirt, bunching her it up under her breast. “Can I?”
She bites her lip still shy and in her head before nodding. You lean back to pull your own shirt off to make her feel less vulnerable. You help her sit up to pull hers over her head before laying back down. After discarding her shirt, you look back to see her bare breast standing to attention. Of course you see them and you love her them but that’s not what caught your attention in this moment.
Her arms are wound around her waist protectively and her eyes are watching for your reaction. Something inside of you breaks. You’re sad and angry for whoever installed this insecurity in her. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Melissa. I rue the people who ever made you think you were less than perfection.”
You find her hands and unravel them from around herself.placing one in your hair as you lean over to continue kissing and licking her tummy and up her sides to her ribs. Can’t help yourself when leaving small marks but you try to keep them at bay. This isn’t about claiming one another but cherishing her. Body and mind.
Your other hand is still in hers as you hold them together to the side of her head. Pressing your body into hers as you kiss up over her breast and paying attention to both nipples. You’re flush against her body, levitating over her lips while your other hand caresses her sides. “I love you, Mel. So much.”
You see a small tear travel down over her temple and disappear into her hairline and you kiss its tracks. She gasps into your hair and directs your lips back to her own. “I love you.” She says between kisses. Tongues sliding slowly yet teasingly. When you pull back, her smile is starting to mirror your own. “I trust you, amore mio.” And now it’s your turn to feel the salty droplet run down to the tip of your nose.
Her thumb reaches up to wipe it away and you breathe a laugh. “Sorry.” You whisper and she just shakes her head.
“Don’t be.” She says and your hair is cascading over your faces and the ends are contrasting against her fiery tresses fanned out around her shoulders. “You’re beautiful like this.”
You lay against her for a moment, just hugging each other and inhaling her signature scent as you bury your nose in her neck. Once the muscle in your chest slows to match the beating of hers you start again. Kissing her neck and her clavicle.
You sit back on her hips and your hands slide down from her shoulders, over her milky white mounds, her ribs, her tummy until you reach the waist band of her sweats.
You scoot back down the couch allowing her to lift her hips to pull her pants down. She bends her knees then lifts her legs in front of you, allowing you to pull them all the way off. Her feet fall to either side of you and you are overwhelmed.
She’s bared herself to you, unapologetically and you couldn’t be more proud, more thankful for her opening up to you over the months you’ve been together. Leaning back over her you mold against her, kissing her harder than before.
You rub your pelvis into her and her hips lift off the cushions to meet you. She’s now arching against you and you let one of your hands travel down to meet her aching core.
Taking your time you rub your fingers through her slick, working her up slowly and barely giving attention to her clit. “You feel so good.”
Once you find her electric bundle you swirl two fingers around it. She’s moaning into your mouth now, almost whining but letting you take your time. When you speed up and one finger zeros in to strum over her clit, she throws her head back. You take this moment to push up and watch her as you slide your fingers down to penetrate her entrance with two fingers.
You wait til she catches her breath before moving. When her hips start to undulate on your fingers you start pumping in and out at a torturously slow rate. Your thumb finds her clit as you start kissing over her chin and down her neck.
When you pick up your pace she meets you thrust for thrust. You kiss over her peaks, sucking and nibbling on her pink nipples before continuing down your path.
Settling with your stomach along the couch and keeping the rhythm with your fingers you let your tongue glide through her folds.
Her thrusts quiver in shock and you hook her legs over your shoulder. Your free hand wraps around as you latch on to her sensitive nerve endings.
Looking up through your lashes you see her hands fall to her breast and you reach up to lace your fingers through one of her hands to help her massage herself.
When the coil inside her snaps and her hips bend and arch against you. Her pussy pushes your fingers out and you reach up to grab her other hand holding her there, suspended in air against you while she rides out her orgasm. “Oh god, don’t stop! I can’t stop.”
You flatten your tongue to lap up her juices letting her use your mouth as she pleases. She shudders as she comes down. Her hands clawing at your face and hair to pull you up and pin her back down into the sofa. Her thighs wrap around your hips holding you as close as possible.
She kisses you greedily and lazily as her body twitches beneath you. When the need for oxygen is imminent, she burrows into your neck and allows you to just hold her until her breathing evens out. You think she’s fallen asleep.
You untangle yourself from her and retrieve a warm cloth from the kitchen. Coming back you find her curled up in her spot. You urge her to roll onto her stomach and you kiss up the back of her thighs and up her spine. Pulling one leg up to her hip you use the cloth to wipe up the beautiful mess between her thighs and are sensitive when you reach the apex.
She hums as she pushes into the warmth and you smile against her top vertebrae, giggling. Putting that to the side you crawl over her into the back of the couch and pull her into you and hold her close.
You grab the light throw that’s over the couch and drape it over your lower halves. “Thank you, baby. Y’know you can ask me for anything. I was made for you.”
“I’m starting to believe that.”
“Good.”
You hum as her fingers trace patterns over your sides until they slow to a halt. And this time you’re sure she is out, if it isn’t for the soft, barely there snores that tickle your neck. You kiss the top of her head, pulling her in tighter before closing your eyes.
Behind your eyelids memories with her over the past months pass by as you are living the dream. There’s no need for your subconscious to create some delusional fantasy.
Summary: Barbara is always around to keep Melissa grounded when she starts to stress.
Warnings: N/A
A/N: Yeah so it's a Barlissa fic now. Let's see how long they continue pining.
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-~-
When it is time to go back to work on Monday, Melissa doesn’t really have a plan for what she should do with Amari. Any daycare that she could have contacted was closed on the weekend. Plus, it seems like every day since she got Amari has been full of activities. Barbara stayed late on Sunday to help get everything they bought set up, and Melissa had almost asked her to spend the night again. There was something so calming about knowing the other woman was in bed next to her. It made the nights feel full of warmth instead of the coldness that seemed to have invaded her space ever since she had finally called it quits with Captain Robinson.
She didn’t miss the way he stunk in the middle of the night, or the way his rough hands would accidentally brush across her skin. All Melissa missed was the way that when she woke up from her frequent nightmares, there was someone there next to her so she could ground herself back into the real world. Barbara was the best at making her feel safe when the night seemed to creep in around her. It was as if the older woman could sense that she was needed and would move in closer to the redhead. Sometimes Barbar’s arm would even drape across Melissa’s hips and pull her close. In those moments, Melissa would forget how to breathe, and she wondered what life would be like if she got to wake up next to Barbara every day. She tried not to think too long on it, though. They were two different people, and Barbara didn’t seem like the type to change the way she had lived for the majority of her life.
“Melissa, your coffee is spilling all over the place,” Amari says, using her forkful of pancake to point at the counter.
The young voice pulls Melissa from her daydreams about Barbara. She looks at her coffee machine, which is absolutely pouring her favorite roast all over the counter.
“Merda!” She yelps, turning off the coffee pot and trying to wipe the remnants up before it drips onto the floor.
“Are you swearing?” Amari asks with a tilt of her head. “I already know all the bad words.”
Melissa pauses for a moment, staring at the young girl. “How do you know all of them?”
“Kids from my last foster home,” she shrugs. “It made them sound stupid.”
Melissa tries but then fails not to laugh at the comment. “You know what, I agree. There is a time and place for swearing, but in front of your little ears, it is stupid.”
“Do we get to go to your work soon?” Amari says pivoting the conversation so fast that Melissa struggles to keep up. “I want to be with teachers.”
The older woman smiles as she cleans off her traveling mug. Amari had spent ten minutes last night trying to say school before finally giving up and calling it the place where all the teachers are. It had been so adorable that the redhead wished she had recorded it.
“Yes, we are all set to go to school. I packed you a lunch and everything.” She extends a Stitch lunchbox to the girl, who squeals in excitement.
Melissa watches as Amari skips away to the front room to put on her coat and shoes. She wonders how long Amari will be excited about going to school and if she will even get to see that much of Amari’s life. It causes a sudden pit in her stomach that she tries to push away when Amari starts jumping at the front door impatiently waiting.
-~-
Amari hasn’t stopped moving since she got into Melissa’s classroom. She runs around trying to take in everything at once, her hands touching everything she can. The thing she is most excited by is the wall of books that Melissa has at the back of the classroom. Her eyes scan all of them, and the redhead watches as she tries to sound out the letters on the covers. The first bell is about to ring when there is a gentle knock on the door.
Melissa turns to find Barbara standing in the frame with Melissa’s Eagles mug wrapped in her hand. Barbara extends it towards her. “You didn’t come in to get your morning coffee.”
Melissa smiles, taking it and downing a large sip before she speaks. “Thank you. I really needed this. I spilled half of mine all over the counter this morning.”
“Rough night?” The older woman asks, her brows twisting in concern.
“No…it was fine,” the redhead quickly murmurs. “I just feel very unprepared,” Melissa sighs as she runs her hand through her hair. “I wish I had a daycare option set up for Amari before she came.”
Barbara rests a gentle hand on Melissa’s shoulder. “You can’t plan for everything, Mel, but I think I have the perfect solution.” Her hand drops away as she uses it to beckon Amari over. “Sweetie, why don’t you come work with me today. I work with Kindergarteners who are only a little older than you.”
Amari looks nervous for a second before asking, “Do you read books?”
Barbara smiles after giving a reassuring nod. “We read lots of books, and today is my class’s day to go down to the library too.”
Amari doesn’t wait; she just takes Barbara’s hand and starts dragging the older woman to the hallway. Barbara sends a wave over her shoulder as the little child continues her pull out of the classroom. Melissa waves back and then sighs when her classroom fills with momentary silence. At least one of her problems is half solved for the day.
-~-
Melissa’s normal rhythm of teaching eases her worries for a while, but she can't resist checking in on Amari at Kindergarten nap time. She peeks in the classroom, trying to make as little noise as possible. Amari is curled in the corner by Barbara’s chair, sleeping with a stuffed animal tucked against her. She looks so peaceful that it melts Melissa’s heart.
Barbara notices the redhead watching and gets up slowly. She nods her head towards the hallway, and they speak in hushed tones.
“She doin okay?” Melissa asks.
“She is doing excellently,” Barbara reassures her. “She is quiet, respectful, and wants to learn. A dream student honestly.”
“Thanks again for taking her for the day.”
“Anytime,” the older woman smiles, leaning in to hug Melissa.
It takes the redhead by surprise for a moment. It is very rare that the older woman will hug her, but it fixes a piece of Melissa’s soul every time. She wraps her arms around her work wife and lets herself melt into it. There are still a million things that Mel needs to do today, but for right now, this is the most important thing. Barbara doesn’t pull away until Melissa finally does; even then, her fingers linger on the leather jacket like she is hesitant to let go.
“You having Amari eat lunch with the other kids?” Mel asks softly.
“If I didn’t, Tina would be upset; they have already made quite the bond,” Barb explains with a soft smile. “I’ll see you at our normal time and place.”
Melissa confirms and then turns to go back to her room to complete the little bit of planning she can while her kids are at the gym. When she looks back, she finds that Barbara is still staring at her. The older woman almost looks embarrassed before ducking back into her classroom. Melissa shrugs, deciding to ask Babarba about it at their normal lunch time.
However, when the time comes to meet Barb in the teacher’s lounge, Melissa’s phone vibrates with a call from Charlie.
“Hey Charlie, is everything okay?” Melissa asks, her hands already clenching in anxiety.
“I should be asking you that.” Charlie giggles, and for a moment, the redhead relaxes. “How is my little Amari doing?”
“Great, she came to work with me today because I am still working on a daycare,” the older woman murmurs nervously.
“Friday placements can be rough. Let me know when you find a daycare, and we can get all the proper paperwork sent over,” Charlie says so casually that Melissa wonders why she was nervous at all. “I actually called you for a different reason. We have court on Friday; it isn’t a requirement for you to be there, but I wanted to give you an option.”
“I’ll be there,” Melissa says without hesitation.
“Alright,” Charlie replies in a tone that makes Melissa realize she is smiling. “You won’t have to say anything. I will be the only one presenting the case that day with a couple of attorneys to ask questions, but it gives you a good insight into everything that is going on in the case. I will text you the information.”
Melissa thanks the social worker and then sits in the silence of her classroom as she realizes what she has just committed herself to. The last time she was in the courthouse it was for throwing a corn cob at Ben Simmons. This time she was going to potentially see Amari’s birth parents and pretend that she actually wanted them to get their daughter back.
Yeah, maybe she was getting more attached than she wanted to admit.
“Girlfriend, what are you doing?” Barbara calls from the doorway, making Melissa jump.
It was the second time that her work wife had caught her off guard today, and it clearly worried her. Barbara’s shoulders were tense, and she immediately shut the door to Melissa’s room so they could be alone.
“I just told Charlie that I would go to a court hearing for Amari on Friday. I didn’t have to go, but it felt important,” Melissa explains, her hands still in a death grip around her phone. “I can’t go to the courthouse, though. They will take one look at me and think that I’m there for another stupid misunderstanding.”
Barbara puts down her food and moves so that she is standing directly in front of Melissa, who is sitting on the edge of her desk. Without realizing it, Melissa opens her legs to allow the older woman to move closer to her. Barbara wraps her hands gently around the redhead’s waist.
“Sweetheart, you have been stressing ever since little Amari came to your house, but you haven’t done anything wrong. You have treated that girl like your own from the moment you laid eyes on her,” Barbara soothes her thumbs, gently running along Melissa’s hips.
Even over her pants, Melissa feels like her skin is burning with every touch. She has dealt with this for years, though, so she packs it away like she always does. She knows that Barbara is just trying to keep her from jumping off the metaphorical cliff. She takes a moment to breathe as she loosens the grip on her phone.
“That’s part of the problem, Barb. I’m already treating her like she is mine, and she is supposed to go home.”
“A blessing and a curse it is to be a foster parent.” Barbara nods in understanding. “You have to give your heart to a child knowing that one day they might have to walk out the door. Wouldn’t you rather be present at the court hearing on Friday to know if that day is already here?” When Melissa nods, Barb continues. “I’ll come with you.”
“You really think Ava is going to be able to find a sub for both of us?” The redhead asks with a raised eyebrow.
The scoff that Barbara lets out makes Melissa laugh. The sound makes the older woman smile, finally. “It doesn’t matter if Ava can find subs. We are going.”
“Thank you, Barb. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Good thing I am not going anywhere, so you will never have to figure it out.” Barbara smiles, then moves a strand of hair casually back behind Melissa’s ear.
Melissa forgets how to breathe for a second as all of her senses are consumed by Barbara’s perfume. Even after years of practice, there are still some moments Melissa forgets how to push her crush to the side. It takes her a couple of moments, after the older woman has moved to the back table, to eat that Melissa feels like she can stand again. Even then, she wonders what is going to break her heart first: her unrequited love towards Barb or Amari going back to her birth parents.
-~-
At the end of the school day, Amari immediately pulls Melissa by the hand into Barbara’s classroom. The redhead plays along like she hasn’t been in this room a million times before. They are in the reading section when a voice calls out to her.
“Ms. Schemmenti, what are you doing over here?”
Melissa turns to find Tina’s mom walking towards her with Amari’s new friend in tow. She smiles as Amari steps close to her and discreetly clings to the back of her blazer.
“Amari wanted to show me the room she has been hanging out in all day.” Melissa smiles, putting a hand behind her back to reach for Amari. The little girl takes her hand, and Mel squeezes it gently.
“I just came over to ask Amari’s parents if she could come visit Tina sometime,” Tina’s mom says, but there is a soft understanding that comes over her face.
Which is why she doesn’t look surprised when Amari tells her matter-of-factly. “I live with Melissa right now.”
“Who is your caseworker?”
“Charlie,” Melissa murmurs hesitantly, unsure where this line of questioning is going.
“You got a good one,” Tina’s mom confirms. “I’m working with her for a guardianship on my oldest son Jeremiah. You looking for a daycare?”
It is Amari who squeezes Melissa’s hand this time to give her the courage to respond with a small yes.
“I run a daycare at my house. Charlie already has all the paperwork for it,” the woman says so casually while Melissa is still reeling from the way that things seem to be falling perfectly into place. “I’ll pick her up when I drop Tina off and then bring her back at the end of the day.”
“How much is it?” Melissa asks knowing that all of this is too good to be true.
“I do half price for foster kids and seeing how much Tina and Arielle get along I’ll cut it even more if you let her stay late on Fridays,” the woman smiles and Melissa feels like she may be able to breathe again. “Oh and if you promise to come to the foster parent support group on Friday. You gonna need it.”
The last comment hangs in the back of Melissa’s mind but she needs the deal. The money she is getting for Amari will cover next to nothing so daycare was going to come out of pocket. With the prices that she saw at lunch she was going to need all the help that she can get. It helps that Amari is practically vibrating with excitment at the thought that she is going to see Tina every Friday.
When Tina and her mom finally leave it is Barbara who leans in to whisper in Melissa’s ear. “Told you that it would all work out.”
There is a shiver that runs up the redhead’s spine as the hot air rolls over her ears. She ignores it and rolls her eyes before looking at her best friend. “You don’t always have to point out when you are right.”
“Ahh but it is so much fun,” Barbara says and then gives Melissa a soft squeeze on the shoulder. “Text me when you get home girlfriend.”
Melissa does send a text when she gets back to her home accompanied with a picture of Amari slumped over in her car seat fast asleep. The text reads: Barb what did you do to the poor girl? We have been sitting in the driveway for thirty minutes because she looked like she needed the extra sleep.
It’s Friday and you all are in the break room watching the news. All except one.
You’re sat at the table with your back to the window working on some last minute grading. You here some rustling and heavy feet fall on the floors of the hall. Melissa comes in groaning and moaning, muttering something under her breath.
The others turn upon her arrival and you watch from beneath the curtain of hair that’s fallen in your face. You smirk at the pout that’s taken hold of her lips. You know she’s angry but you find it adorable for the normally sexy and threatening mean Italian lady.
The rest of the gang turn back to the tv, too afraid to endure her wrath this early. Except for Barb. “Melissa, dear. What’s going on? The kids haven’t even started arriving yet?”
“Yeah Red, what’s got your panties in a bunch?” You meant to tease but now your mind is wondering what panties she has hugging those hips beneath her trousers.
“Why are you so curious about my panties, huh?”
You were not expecting her to have a comeback amidst her frustration. You bite your tongue realizing your filter hasn’t quite woken up this early in the day. But still she stares, daring you to press further.
“Whatever.”
She scoffs at you for resigning but turns to Barb as she aggressively doctors her coffee. “My water heater is busted and they won’t send someone out til Monday. Didn’t find out til I polar plunged in the shower this morning.”
You’re assuming she realized before getting her hair wet since her curls were still bouncing and pulled back into a pony tail. You loved it when she wore her hair up.
“I’d offer you to come use mine over the weekend, sweetheart. But I do have Taylor and her family staying with us while the painters finish up their new place.”
“Nah, it’s okay. Thanks anyways, Barb. I’ll figure it out.” She throws her bag over her shoulder and leaves for her classroom.
All day you contemplate offering up your guest room and hot water over the weekend. It would be a bold mood. You tease each other on the brink of flirting but that’s just been your repertoire. Not to mention the big lesbian crush you have on her.
You pretty much talk yourself out of it. You’re sure she has plenty of friends that she can stay with. Besides,you doubt she would want to share living quarters with you for the coming days. She probably take the cold showers possibly getting to know you in a different light.
After locking your class up you head for the parking lot. You almost made it but when you pass Melissa’s class she groans out punching the keys of her keyboard. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Any luck?” You pop your head in. At the very you least you’d like to think you are somewhat friends and you do want to make sure she is okay.
“Nope. I was gonna rent a hotel or air bnb for the weekend but everything is either booked or way out of my budget. Especially if I have to pay for a new water heater.”
“Don’t spend money on a hotel room. I have a spare room and hot water.” And it was out before you even realized what you were saying.
She looked at you like you’d grown three heads. It was already out there and it would just be more awkward to take it back now so you just shrug your shoulders like the thought of her in your house barely phased you.
“Don’t worry, I would ask you to do that. You can breathe.”
“I wasn’t worried. And you aren’t asking. I’m offering. C’mon, don’t be stupid and spend money on a hotel room. You don’t even have to talk to me we can stay on different sides of the apartment. I have a nice tub, candles…you could even take a bath to relax the stress of the day away.” You really wish you could just stop talking…like 5 minutes ago.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” You lean over and close her search tabs and slick the sleep button for the screen.
“I can pay you.”
“No need. If you are so inclined you can cook dinner tomorrow.”
“I’ll cook tomorrow. A bubble bath actually sounds pretty good right now. Thanks, hon.”
She follows you to your apartment in her own car and the entire way you are teetering on the edge of full blown panic.
Did you finish putting the laundry away? Are there any dishes in the sink? Pretty sure your makeup was strewn across the bathroom counter.
You pull up to your apartments and point at your designated spot for her to park in while pulling into a visitor space yourself.
Grabbing your things you take a deep breath and meet her at her car. “You didn’t have to give me your spot, hon.”
“I don’t mind. I wasn’t planning on leaving anywhere this weekend and the visitor spaces usually fill up. This way you can still have a decent spot for when you come and go.”
“Thank you.” She says as she follows you up to the third floor. “Jeez, kid. You gotta carry groceries up 3 flights of stairs? Are you a one trip or multiple?”
“One trip if I can.” You laugh. “But usually it’s manageable, it’s just me. Not a lot of groceries and often I just get them delivered. I prefer the top floor. Better view, no footsteps above me and taller ceilings.”
“All valid points.”
You unlock your apartment and allow her to enter first. You wait for judgement but she just hums as she looks around.
“So. This is my humble abode. Go ahead.”
“It’s very…you. And not what I was expecting at the same time.” There are canvases of pictures with your family, your dog. Some artistic silhouettes fixtures line your walls. Nothing too flashy. “I didn’t know you had a dog.”
“Yeah, we fostered a lot of dogs but he adopted me. I visit him during our breaks. Sometimes I bring him back here for a few days.”
“Full of surprises.”
“If you say so. Anyways here the guest room. You’re the first to use it, actually. And the bathroom is right across the hall. Feel free to use the candles and the bubble bath supplies are right here under the sink.”
“Shoot. I wasn’t even thinking when we left the school. I don’t have anything for after. I’ll have to run home to pack a bag.”
“I’ve got plenty. Spare tooth brushes, skin care products... I’ve got some clothes you can borrow tonight if you want.”
She scans your body then arches an eyebrow. “I don’t think this coolie is gonna fit into any of your clothes.”
You roll your eyes before disappearing into your own room. “I don’t only wear tight fitting clothes and I have something of an ass!” You shout from your closet.
She’s leaning against your doorframe as you rummage through your drawers now for a pair of sweats. You hand them over with a band tee and she looks at you unconvinced but the smirk is present.
“I didn’t say you didn’t have an ass, hon.” She holds the sweats up appreciatively before folding them back into her arms.
You grab a towel from the hall closet and put it on the toilet seat for her. “Do you need one for your hair?”
“Not today, but tomorrow I will.”
“Okay, well I’ll leave you to it.” You help her start the water and plug the drain before leaving the bathroom. “I was thinking of pizza and wine tonight, do you have any requests?”
“I’m not picky. Just no pineapple.”
“You’re no fun. Red or white?”
“Wine or sauce?”
“Oh…I guess both?”
“Red for both.”
“Coming right up.”
You grab your phone, leaning over the counter top and place an order for pizza. Once you’ve decided on a bottle of wine you're thankful that you finally remembered to buy a corkscrew.
After pouring two glasses, you hesitate with your next steps. Should you save it for when she’s done or the pizza arrives. You know you personally prefer to have a glass of wine, lights off, candles lit, for a perfect relaxing bubble bath.
So you decide to bite the bullet. You can at least ask and she can decide. “Hey Mel, did you want the wine now or when the pizza gets here?”
“Now would be amazing.” That answers that. You grab her glass off of the counter. Knocking on the door you wait for a response not sure what to expect. Maybe she was still dressed or in her towel and hadn’t gotten in the water yet.
“It’s unlocked.” When you opened the door you definitely weren’t prepared for the scene that unfolded.
The lights were off, and the flicker of the candles illuminated her red curls piled on top of her head and her creamy shoulders peaking out above the bubbles she was submerged under. Her eyes were closed and you can see the tops of her knees just beneath the blanket of suds.
Her head was back resting against the water pillow suctioned to the tub and you had to revert your eyes from lingering. “Thanks, Y/n. This is exactly what I needed. I’m gonna make you the best home cooked meal tomorrow night to thank you.” She moans as her muscles melted into the heat and it’s suddenly getting harder to breathe.
Must be from the steam. You need to get out and abandon ship.
“That’s not necessary. A simple grilled cheese would suffice, honestly. Anyways. Here’s the wine.”
“Thank you. Will you let me know when the pizza is here?”
“Of course. I’ll just be in the living room. Holler if you need anything.”
“And what would I be needing?”
Your cheeks flush…again from the heat. As in the temperature and the steam rising from the tub. “I don’t know, it’s just a thing people say. Nevermind.”
You slip out of the bathroom and beeline for your own glass of wine before taking a healthy swig. “I’m so screwed.”
40 minutes felt like hours sitting with your thoughts trying to distract yourself.you started drawing in your sketchbook. You start off drawing a glass of wine and then you start sketching a female sitting on the edge of the rim. Starting with the legs. One toe was dipping into the liquid and the other was stretched bracing the other side of the rim. As your pencil starts the outline of her hips you realize the woman’s figure starts to resemble the woman currently occupying your bathroom.
Saved by the bell, or the knock, you shut the sketchbook and set it aside to answer the door and tip the delivery guy. Holding the box of pizza in one hand you knock on the bathroom door. “Hey Melissa, pizza’s here.”
“I’ll be right out.” You hear the tub start to drain and make your way back into the kitchen to plate a slice for each of you and top off your wine leaving it uncorked to do the same to Melissa’s glass.
Meanwhile in the bathroom Melissa stands from the water that’s now closer to room temp. Grabbing the towel she dries herself off when something catches her eye. She bites her lip as she reaches for a silicone fruit shaped vibrator in the shower caddy that’s shelved in the corner.
She presses the power button and it buzzes to life in her hand. Her thumb traces over the suction spot at the tip and she giggles at the thoughts the little toy provokes in her head. Turning it back off she places it back where she found it.
Once dry, she lifts the shirt to her nose and inhales the scent she’s recognized as your laundry detergent. Foregoing her bra, she pulls it over her head. Then the sweat pants she steps into each leg and shimmies then up her legs. Only a little snug around her ass but other than that they fit nicely. Completely commando underneath.
She comes out with her face void of makeup, in your loungewear, and barefoot and an empty glass in her hand. You have to shake your head to look away. How can this woman look immaculate 24/7? It’s quite unfair.
She makes her way into the open kitchen and peers over the couch. “I didn’t know you liked to draw?” She picks up your sketchbook and you panic for the 1000th time today.
“Oh just mindless sketches. I don’t really show them to anyone.” She looks at you and sees the panic and thankfully respects your privacy. She walks around to set it on a side table running her fingers along the binding.
“Anyways…Dinner is served, would you like a top off?”
Her head whips back at you and her eyebrows are almost meeting her hairline. “What?”
“A top off? On your wine?”
“Right. Yeah. Thank you.”
“What did you think I said?”
“Nothing.” She says laughing to herself.
The two of you take up corners of the couch while eating your pizza and watching a movie. Once full you pull some papers up onto the arm of the couch, curling your knees up underneath you on the L shaped couch. Melissa has her legs stretched out, practically resting her feet against your hip.
Both of you grade in comfortable silence for a little while until she stifles a yawn. You’ve finished grading your last paper before reaching a hand out to her. You know she’s mentioned being dyslexic before and sometimes grading papers takes longer than usual. Especially with some of the kids' penmanship.
“Give me some and we can knock this out and go to bed. That way it’s out of the way for the weekend.”
She looks at you quizzically for a moment before conceding.
“What was the prompt?” She tells you and you get to grading before pushing your glasses into your hair. You look over and she’s fast asleep. You take the last two from her hands, doing your best not to wake her. Once graded you stack them on the coffee table and kneel beside Melissa.
You take a moment to memorize her peaceful features before brushing the hair out of her face. “Psst. Melissa.” You whisper trying to gently wake her. You slide her glasses from her face and set them behind you on the papers. “Hey, you can’t sleep out here or you’re gonna be a bitch tomorrow.”
That ears a smirk and a giggle as she blinks away the sleep from her eyes. “Aren’t I a bitch anyhow?” She says with her eyes closed, stretching out on the couch.
“On occasion.” You agree. “Let’s not make tomorrow an occasion and get your ass to bed.” She smacks your arm before sitting up.
“Your couch is actually really comfortable.”
“I like my naps and I’m kind of a hermit on the weekends. But I’m still not leaving you on the couch when there’s a perfectly good bed 20 feet away.”
“Fine.” She pushes off the couch and holds out her hand to help you off of the ground. “And thanks again for…” she waves her hand around, “letting me crash here this weekend and helping me with the papers. I should probably double back on the ones I graded. Those letters were dancing across the page and I’m not even sure I was awake for the last ones.”
“Don’t mention it. Really. Can’t have anyone thinking we’re friends now.”
“Shut up.” She laughs smacking your shoulder. “We’re friends.” Her hand is still on your upper arm and she squeezes it before heading towards the spare room. “Goodnight, hon.”
“Goodnight, Melissa.”
*****
The next day you wake up early and leave a note for Melissa on the door. “Went for a run to the gym. Back before 9. If you need to leave, you can leave the door unlocked. Help yourself to the keurig.”
You throw on your weighted vest and run a lap around the complex before hitting the gym that’s right across from your building.
Melissa wakes up around 8 and seeing as both of you are used to waking up early for school and your internal clocks refuse to let you sleep in. She spots the note on the front door and smiles at your thoughtfulness.
She makes a cup of coffee and walks around the apartment taking everything in. She stumbles on the sketchbook and fans the pages but stops herself from actually looking. You’d show her if you wanted her to see them.
She makes her way back to the guest room and puts her clothes into her work bag for when she goes home to pack an actual overnight bag for the weekend.
Wrapping her hands around the warm mug of coffee letting the steam warm her face. She peers out the window and finds the gym. It’s a warmer day and the bay windows are open and there’s only a few people this early on a Saturday.
She finds you at one of the squat racks and she leans her hips against the window sill watching you add plates on the bar. You’re in a matching sky blue cross strap sports bra and spandex shorts. You had a long sleeve shirt on for your run because the vest rubs when you run.
She can’t see the weights from this distance but she can’t imagine the big plate and slightly larger plate on each side are an easy feat.
And it wasn’t. You’re on your last set and it was much slower with breaks in between each rep. This was your last set and you were pushing yourself.
Once you finished, you reracked your weights and wiped your face and neck with your towel. After chugging your water you gather your belongings to head back to your apartment. Stepping into the sun, Melissa admires the sheen of sweat clinging to your defined yet feminine muscles.
Once you feel the heat your shield your eyes to look up at the sun now setting high in the sky. You’re still looking up when you turn back around and Melissa averts her eyes, back now turned to the window, and tries to act casually packing her bag in case you saw her in the window.
When you open your door you see Melissa emerge from her guest room. “Oh! Wasn’t sure you be up yet. How’d you sleep?”
She pauses momentarily seeing you this close and sweaty. “Sorry, I probably stink.”
“You’re fine. I slept great. Thank you. Did you have a good workout?”
“Yeah. The sun was a paid actor. I’m drenched and-“ you lean down to smell yourself, chuckling, “yeah that’s definitely me and I need a shower.”
“I’m gonna run home and grab some things for the weekend. I snooped through your pantry and spices so gonna grab some of that and probably stop by the store. Any requests for dinner?”
“Whatever you’re willing to cook I’m sure will be delicious, Mel.”
“Okay, well you have my number. Text me if you think of anything. I’ll be back in closer to 2 hours.”
“Sounds good, I’ll leave the door unlocked.”
As soon as the door shuts behind her you pretty much run to the bathroom. Your gym attire was drenched in sweat and your deodorant was working double time.
Once in the shower you turned to wash the shampoo out of your hair and you were mortified. You see one of your favorite vibrators just behind your loofah. Praying to whoever will listen that Melissa didn’t see it. How embarrassing!
You finish your shower rather quickly but before you shut the water off you figured you had enough time. And now you’re hoping there was enough battery left to get you off just once. You were being reasonable. Thoughtful even. If you can cum now before she comes back you won’t act like a horndog with every little thing she does inside your home.
10 minutes later and you're panting as you wash the toy with soap under the spray of the shower. You decide to rinse off before adjusting the temp for a cold shower before turning it off completely.
After towel drying and fixing your hair into a loose braid you walk to your room naked as the day you were born. With no plans for the day you throw on your favorite baggy grey sweats over your high waisted boxer briefs with a matching black crop tee.
You lay down on the couch with a blanket draped over your legs. You turn the tv on to one of your comfort shows, Grandfathered, and open your sketchbook to the one you started the prior night.
It didn’t take long for you to fall into your midday nap. Your hand is splayed in your sketch book unintentionally keeping it open whilst your pencil has rolled off into the crease of the cushion.
An hour later, Melissa walks in with a single grocery bag and her overnight bag. Well, more like a mini suitcase. “Knock knock….oh.” She sees you curled up on the couch and smiles to herself.
Setting the grocery bag in the kitchen she puts her suitcase in the guest room. When she walks back out she fishes the pencil out of the crease and glances at the open page of the book. Her smile seems permanent within these walls because funny enough the ‘doodle’ was actually quite impressive and, in a way, resembles herself.
She closes the book and sets it, along with the pencil, and places it on the table. Without thinking, she pulls the blanket up over your shoulders and you hum as you pull it tighter around yourself. Your noses scrunched in your sleep and she tries to carefully remove the hair that’s fallen in your face from the movement as it appears to be tickling your nose.
Once she deems you to be as comfortable as possible she moves to the kitchen to start setting up her prep stations for a late lunch.
You wake an hour later and you hear noises coming from behind the couch and you freeze with your eyes wide. Someone was in your house. Your hand searches for your phone and you do you check your phone and see a text from Melissa.
*On my way.*
Right. Melissa. Melissa, who is staying with you for the weekend. Melissa who is cooking in your kitchen without an ounce of makeup. Melissa who is still in your clothes.
You stretch and a groan escapes, drawing her attention. “Look who’s alive.”
“Har har. You’re so funny. I told you, I take my naps very seriously.”
“I don’t get how you can sleep at night. That wasn’t a nap, you were in a coma.”
“It’s a talent.”
“Whatever. There’s some cinnamon rolls but only half cause real food will be ready in 30 minutes.”
“What time is it?!”
“It’s only noon. I figured I’d make lunch today and dinner tomorrow so we can have the left overs for the week.”
“If you keep talking dirty to me, I may not ever let you leave my house.”
She just laughs but you’re pretty sure you caught a slight blush before she turned back to stir the sauce on the stove. “You’re ridiculous.”
Lunch was amazing. She made an Alfredo variation of lasagna and you are already looking forward to having it for dinner.
“Did you have any plans tonight?”
“Nothing planned, no. Already trying to get rid of me? You were just trying to kidnap me.”
“No, no. Want to play cards or watch a movie?”
“What about a trivia game? I brought more wine. Get a question wrong and the other gets it right, you drink. If we both get it right, it goes to whoever says it first.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
“Okay, do I have time for a shower? I need to wash my hair.”
“Of course. I’ll clean up dinner and get the wine ready.”
You both set off to complete your designated tasks and you realize how domesticated this is all starting to feel and it’s barely been 24 hours.
In the other room, Melissa is showering and having similar yet slightly different thoughts. The banter is still there but more comfortable yet flirty now.
Facing away from the spray she notices the little fruit is mysteriously missing now. She’s picturing your panic when you realized you left it out with company over. She covers her mouth to silence her giggles but then bite the tip of her thumb as she now pictures you maybe using it.
Did you use it this morning after your workout? Did you think of her while using it?
She doesn’t know when but her hands had migrated to her breast and she halted her movements. She definitely cannot touch herself with you just on the other side of the door.
She washes the conditioner out of her hair before her fingers dipped between her legs and she felt how turned on she got from thinking about you touching yourself while thinking of her. The ideas weren’t farfetched. She saw the sketch of herself.
Still. You were alone in your apartment, IF you did. She reaches for the shower head to wash away her dirty thoughts and when the spray hits directly on her clit a moan threatens to spill out.
*knock knock* she startles and juggles the shower head a bit before holding it against her chest. “Yeah?” She says hoping she didn’t sound too breathless.
“Red or white?”
“Oh umm, white please. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“No rush.”
She brushes her hair after towel drying it before throwing it up in a clip. She slips out of the bathroom still wearing your sweat pants but with one of her own loose shirts falling languidly off her shoulder.
“How do you look like that straight out of the shower? It’s unfair really, I look like a drenched rat.”
“Oh shut up, you do not. I see you rearranged the shower this morning?”
“Huh?”
“Your fruit is now missing?”
You just stared blankly like you were frozen on FaceTime, glitching. She bursts out into a fit of laughter. “Oh your face is priceless right now!” She snorts trying to catch her breath but she keeps laughing.
You cover your face as your melanin skin is now a deep rosy shade. “Oh my god. I was hoping you didn’t see that.” You grumble into your palms. “This is how I die.”
“Oh hush.” She sits down right next to you and pulls your hands from your face holding them for a moment. “Don’t be embarrassed, hon. It’s perfectly healthy to pleasure yourself. I have plenty of toys.”
“Oh god! Why would you say it like that? It just makes it worse!”
“Oh sorry.” She mimics with her hands up in surrender. “Should I say, flick the bean. Or what is it the kids say these days? Teach sign language to your downstairs neighbor?”
“No! None of that. More like, kill me now!”
“Quit being dramatic. If I don’t masturbate at least twice a week I’d be insufferable.”
You turn to stare at her with so many questions and lust glazed over your eyes, mouth wide open before you burst out in laughter. “You already are, may need to up it to at least 3 or 4 times a week.”
“If you only knew.” She reaches for her glass, folding her legs underneath and hands you your glass. “Start the show, hon.”
After the first episode of Jeopardy your glass was empty while hers still had a quarter left. “I want a rematch. I’m just heatin’ up.”
“I’m game. Fill ‘em up.” You fill yours up with the red liquid before getting up to grab hers out of the fridge. “I just realized you’re drinking red. You didn’t have to open a different bottle, I could have drank either one. Do you not like white wine?”
“Not particularly. I’ll drink it on occasion if it pairs well but it usually gives me headaches.”
“Noted. I’m learning all new things about you.”
“I’m nothing special.”
“Don’t do that. You’re fishing for compliments. But I’m having fun, hangin’ with you. On one hand, when you offered, I accepted cause it beat dropping a pretty penny on a hotel for a hot shower. On the other, you’re bold. Part of me thinks you don’t see me as ‘the mean Italian lady.’ You bite back, you don’t cower. But I’m glad you offered, and I’m glad I stayed. I enjoy your company, hon.”
You walk back in with a straw for your glass, taking in her honesty and you feel the butterflies at the subtle admission. So you do the only thing you can think of. “Careful, one might say you like me and want to be my friend. I might even invite you back over.”
“Would that be so bad?”
“No.” You say really looking at her this time and the eye contact mixes into something more intimate and you need to look away and break the trance. “It wouldn’t be so bad.” You say turning to grab your glass and dropping the straw into it.
“You are not drinking wine through a straw.” She laughs, not at all surprised that you own a reusable crazy straw.
“I am. Red stains teeth and I’m in my own home so you don’t get to judge.” You tease, “Plus, I want to get comfortable so I can beat you this time.” You rotate to lay across the couch on your back, landing your head in her lap and she freezes momentarily with her glass in the air letting you adjust without spilling on you. “Is this okay?”
She clears her throat and stimulates her brain into working again. “Yeah. But it doesn’t matter what position you're in, you’re still losing.”
“Just press play, woman.”
You tilt your head to the side in her lap as they read each categorical question. When you get one right she blames it on luck taking a sip.
She doesn’t notice her fingers are absently running through your hair, splaying it across her thigh. When she gets one right you realized you didn’t even hear the question, too focused on her hand in your hair.
You stick your tongue out to find your straw and now it’s her turn to be distracted when you get the next one right.
You’re pretty much neck and neck at this point. “Let’s make this interesting?” She says pausing it before the next round starts.
“What’s your angle?”
“Winner gets to ask the other, any 1 question.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
“Sounds like you already have a question in mind?”
“What?! No, but nothing’s off limits could be anything.”
“That’s the whole point of a wager. Gotta have some risk to it, hon. That’s what makes it interesting. Are you scared?”
“Fine, deal. But I’m locking in.”
It’s back and forth for the rest of the episode and there’s two questions left of triple jeopardy. You’re not even gonna make it to the final wager question. She has approximately 2 drinks left and you are down to your last sip.
She gets her answer out first and you immediately release the breath you were holding. “Wrong! Who is Rafael!”
“No, it’s definitely Donatello, hon.” You both look to the TV and the contestant who buzzed in guessed the same as Melissa and when she got it wrong they waited for the others to take a guess.
When nobody guesses, the host supplies the answer. “We were looking for ‘who is Rafael’ and-
“Ha! I was a big Ninja Turtles fan when they did the live action. I had to do my research.”
“-the last category, Variables on Both Sides for 400.”
“Shit.” You both had one sip left and this was the final tie breaker. And Melissa was a genius at math.
The equation appears on the screen and she presses pause to give you both time to solve it before a contestant blurts out the answer.
2(5x -1) = 10 (x+11)
You look back into your skull trying to remember when Melissa walked you through the steps after an earlier, similar, question.
While writing out the math in your brain you look up and see her poking her tongue out and her eyes squinting and you are already admitting defeat.
“Wanna give it a shot?” She offers, taking pity on you.
“No, I already lost my train of thought. I got through the first step but the two glasses of wine makes it harder to follow the math.” You laugh as you pull the straw between your teeth and drink your last sip dramatically sucking the drops clinging to the bottom of your glass..
She just laughs, throwing her head back and the few pieces that have fallen from her clip frames her face so effortlessly. “X = 5.” She says before pressing play.
And she was right. Meaning you now have to answer any question. “Ask your question.”
“I’m deciding if I should go easy on you or ask something I really want to know.”
“When have you ever gone easy on me?”
“Fair.” She bites her lip still contemplating then finally a wicked grin spreads. “So we both know your little toy in the shower went missing…did you use it this morning before stashing it?”
“What?!” You start to lift your head from her lap and she pins you down with a hand in the center of your chest. “Nevermind, go easy on me.”
“Just answer the question, hon. No judgement, I swear. I already told you it’s perfectly normal.” She’s still grinning, from ear to ear.
Your face is flushed and you cover your face with a muffled, “maybe.”
“That’s not an answer. Yes or no, y/n?” She gets you to uncover your face just enough for you to look up at her before looking away.
“Fine. Yes, I used it in the shower this morning. Are you happy?”
“Yes.” She laughs slightly teasing but with no judgement behind it.
“You’re evil, yknow that?” Your hands are on your temples trying to erase the last three minutes from both your memories.
“I do…” she’s look down at you and starts to lean over you. “Were you thinking about me?”
You look up through your lashes just now realizing how close she was. Your eyes drop to her lips and there’s so many things running through your mind you almost answered. But instead you whisper, “the deal was one question.”
“Fine.” She leans back up, resuming playing with your hair while flicking through the movies on your tv. “Do you wanna know what I was doing in the shower?”
You tilt your head to look at her again. An eyebrow arched, begging her to continue. “I was thinking about you in the shower…with the toy between your legs. My hands had a mind of their own. I remembered I wasn’t alone so I wrapped up my shower and used the shower head to clean up what was gonna be a really good shower. I didn’t realize how sensitive I was. That is until the person I was thinking about knocked on the door asking if I wanted red or white.”
The entire time she’s telling you all of this she hasn’t looked back at you once. You hear they music play in the background and she must have picked a movie. You recognized it immediately from your recents. Burlesque. But still your eyes are fixed on her far away look.
You reach up pulling her back down to you once more by the front of her shirt. “I was thinking about you, too.”
Her smile splits open wide as she laughs and your hand slides up to the back of her neck and crashes her lips to yours.
Twisting your lower half to push up off of her lap. Her hands hold around your waist helping you adjust to your knees next to her. You’re holding yourself up by the hand on her upper thigh, gripping the taut flesh still hidden by your sweats.
When oxygen becomes mandatory you pull back a hair's width tangling your breath with hers. “Crazy to think, I almost chickened out with inviting you to stay this weekend.” You laugh and she leans in to kiss you again.
Her kisses spread to your jaw and down to your neck and you moan against the top of her head. “Well…” she licks her tongue up the side of your neck to nibble gently on your ear. “You should invite me to your room, baby. I’ve been on edge ever since I was interrupted in the shower.”
Your eyes go dark with pure lust as you pull back. She finishes her last sip and you take the glass, setting it back on the table. Pulling her by her hand you lead her down the hall to your bedroom and pause by the door to let her look around.
“Are you sure? Or are you just humoring me?”
“Hon. C’mon. Stop questioning everything. I almost came in your shower, almost yelled out your name. Now. I’d rather come by your doing, rather than my own.”
“Okay.” You sigh in relief.
“Okay.” She smiles softer this time. Reassuring. She pulls her sleep shirt over her head and you aren’t surprised by her lack of bra. You will your feet to move, your hands to do anything besides standing there gawking at her.
Her confident smirk is the sexiest thing you’ve ever seen as her fingers tease at the waist line of her sweats- your sweats. You finally spring into action, pushing your own sweats down your legs, leaving you in your boxer briefs and crop tee.
You help pull her pants off the rest of the way before crawling up the length of her body. Kissing her passionately, your tongue dives in and she moans into your mouth. Her hands claw at your back pulling you down into her before skating around to the front.
The loose crop gives her easy access to your breast underneath the fabric and you arch into her simultaneously grinding your pelvic bone into her center. “I can’t wait to taste you.”
“Then get on with it.” She tests, throwing her head back and giving you access to her neck as you kiss your way down. Scooting down her body you feel her hips rise to make contact sliding her slick over your lower belly.
You take one of her breasts into your mouth, sucking in as much as possible before flicking your tongue over the peak. You do the same to the other before continuing your descent.
Still clawing at your back she holds onto the hem of your tee and pulls it over your head and throws it across the room.
When you reach your destination you inhale her scent had it’s spread over her neatly trimmed landing strip of dark auburn curls. Nuzzling your nose into her mound you lift her legs over your shoulders and get comfortable on your stomach before looking up at her.
You’re memorized by the rise and fall of her bouncing breasts as you reach your hand around to pull on her curls unmasking her clit for your taking.
You watch as much as possible for every reaction when you stroke your tongue through her pussy and she jolts and shudders from the contact. Using your hands to pin her hips down you dive in hungrily as if she hasn’t fed you all weekend.
Lapping up her juices, you suck what you can to introduce her flavors to your tastebuds. Every note is a delicious myriad of everything that is her. Pistoling your tongue to penetrate her as deep as possible, you pull her closer onto your eager muscle.
You slide back up her sensitive bundle while your fingers circle her entrance. “Please, hon. Don’t tease! I need you inside.”
Pushing inside you marvel at how warm she feels encasing your fingers. Flicking your tongue you create a rhythm to match the pumping of your fingers to.
Scooting your knees up underneath you, your arms lift her to angle her ass up in your lap. Her hips rise more as you lean over her, pounding your fingers in her over and over.
Once close enough, she reaches for your face and kisses you desperately. Sucking your tongue into her mouth before her head falls back to the mattress and her body stiffens and her ass shakes against your thighs. “Oh god!” She holds her breath and you think she’s about to pass out. Her once creamy skin is a deep raspberry shade when her eyes roll back in her head.
“Fuck, yes! I’m cumming! Oh god, I’m cumming.”
“That’s it, baby. You’re so fucking hot like this.”
Your fingers slam into her and she’s sucking you in as deep as possible till you wiggle your fingers against the trigger within her canal. She grabs your head again but doesn’t kiss you. She’s just panting and moaning into your ear and you bite the closest skin you can reach while in her hold.
“Oh shit shit shit.” She pushes your hand away and her legs fall from your shoulders before clamping around your hips. Before even trying to catch her breath she molds her lips to yours again in a short but breathtaking kiss. Like she took the breath from your lungs so she could breathe again. “That was fucking amazing, hon.”
You both go back and forth, orgasm after orgasm before sleep and exhaustion wash over you. You fall asleep with one of her legs thrown over yours and your hand is resting comfortably cupping one of her breasts in your hand.
When you wake the following morning you feel subtle movements rocking against your leg. You flex your leg and her hips stutter. Her lips grace your shoulder, your neck, and then your jaw.
“Mmmhmmm good morning.” Her voice was deep, raw, and raspy. Just dripping sex.
“Morning, Mel.” You kiss the top of her head. “Care to join me in the shower?”
“I would love to.” You spend a few more minutes cuddling before untangling. You enter the bathroom first and step under the spray. You sigh under the warmth as it relaxes your tired muscles.
She finally joins you in the shower and sees the claw marks she decorated your back with last night. She doesn’t say anything but places kisses down over the brighter marks. “I need to rub some vitamin E oil over your back so I don’t scar it.”
You moan pressing back into her even though you don’t hear a single word, you just feel her. Turning around to kiss her. You pump the body wash into a sponge before you run it over the tops of her breast and work the lather all over her front.
You urged her to turn around and do the same over her shoulders and back. While her back is to you, sneakily, you reach out past the curtain and open a drawer. Once you find what you were looking for you step closer to her, flush against her back now.
Your hands circle her hips before turning the little fruit on. One hand massaging her breast distracts her from the sudden contact of the vibrating fruit on her forbidden fruit.
“Ohhhh. Is that?”
“Yeah. Thought I could show you what I did yesterday while you were out.” Her hands are flat against the wall bracing herself as she leans forward to push her ass back into you.
Her hips rock against the toy nestled between her folds and you lift one of her legs to perch on the side of the tub. “Didn’t get enough last night?”
Warnings:insults, cheating, mentions of hospital and hospital details.
Summary:Melissa was a confident woman, a strong one, except when it came to romantic o sexual relationships. She always dobut herself and made herself smaller to make the other person happy, to the point where she stopped remembering who she truly was. Tired of that, she hires your special services on "mostly fans" to regain the confidence and desire that she lost.
Melissa was sitting in her parked car outside her apartment after another painfully mediocre dinner with her boyfriend. The kind of man who says “relax” every time she expresses a feeling. She’s still wearing her school clothes, heels kicked off, forehead against the steering wheel while rain taps the windshield like impatient fingernails. And on her phone she has one of your audios paused halfway through. Not even explicit. Just your voice. Low. Calm. Controlled-“Sit properly for me"- That sentence alone wrecked her harder than any man has in years.
Meanwhile, across the city, you’re recording content in a luxurious apartment. Your makeup looks expensive under ring lights. The blue light from your monitor painted soft shadows across your room while your voice murmured low and calm into the microphone. -“Good girl"- you whispered gently for the recording-“Breathe for me. Slowly"-You clicked stop. Silence flooded the apartment immediately afterward. Your shoulders sagged the second the performance ended. The hospital bills still sat open beside your keyboard. Red numbers glaring back at you beneath the dim glow of your desk lamp. Your little sister’s medication. Another treatment adjustment. Another month of payments to afford. You rubbed your eyes tiredly and pushed your glasses into your hair. The room smelled faintly of cold coffee and vanilla candle wax from your stream setup. Soft LED lights painted everything warm enough to almost hide how exhausted you really were. Almost. Your phone buzzed against the desk. A new notification from your subscription page. Private Session Request. Normally those came with predictable messages. "Make me obey" "Humiliate me" "I want to lose control"
Instead, this one simply read: “I don’t think I know how to want things anymore.” You blinked slowly. Then opened the profile attached to it. Melissa. Red hair spilling over one shoulder in the profile picture. Elegant. Polished. Expensive-looking in the way people became after years of carefully curated adulthood. And deeply unhappy around the eyes. You clicked the message again. Another line appeared beneath it. “Your streams make me feel… calmer.” “Like maybe control doesn’t have to mean becoming cruel.”
Your fingers stilled over the keyboard. That sentence alone told you more about her than most clients revealed in hours. You leaned back in your chair slowly. Outside your apartment, rain tapped softly against the windows while traffic lights painted the wet street below in blurred streaks of red and gold. Then you typed carefully: “What exactly are you looking for from a private session, Melissa?”
The typing bubble appeared almost instantly. Stopped. Started again. You could already tell she overthought every sentence before sending it. Finally: “I think I want to stop disappearing in my own life.” Your chest tightened faintly. Another message arrived. “I have a boyfriend.” “He’s not terrible."" He is Okey” “That almost makes it worse.” You read that twice. Not terrible. The saddest kind of relationship. Not abusive enough to justify leaving. Not loving enough to stay alive inside it.
You typed back slowly. “And what does disappearing look like for you?”
Long pause. Then: “Saying yes when I mean no.” “Pretending things don’t bother me.” “Not knowing what I like sexually because I spent years focusing on being easy for other people.” “Feeling guilty every time I want something.” The apartment went very quiet. You leaned your elbow against the desk, resting your mouth against your knuckles while rereading her words. This wasn’t really about domination. It was about permission. Melissa wanted to learn how to exist without apologizing for it. Your phone buzzed again.“I know your content is more fantasy-based.” “And this probably sounds stupid.”
You answered immediately this time. “It doesn’t.” “Control isn’t really about power over other people.” “It starts with honesty.” “Usually the terrifying kind.”
Three dots appeared instantly. “That sounds difficult.”
A soft laugh escaped you under your breath. “You’re paying me to help.” “Not to make it easy.”
The typing bubble appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again. You waited with your elbows on the desk, absentmindedly spinning a pen between your fingers while the purple LEDs bathed the room in soft artificial intimacy. Then your alarm shattered the silence. Hospital Visit. 7:00 Pm. Your stomach tightened immediately. Right. Reality. You sighed softly and pushed your chair back, standing from the setup that still smelled faintly of vanilla candles and overheated electronics. The performance melted off you in pieces the second the stream ended.
Your phone buzzed again. Melissa. “Did I scare you off?”
A faint smile tugged at your mouth despite yourself. You grabbed your hoodie from the bed and typed back while shrugging it on. “No.” “I have somewhere to be.”
The typing bubble returned instantly. “Everything okay?”
Your eyes flicked automatically toward the pile of hospital paperwork beside your keyboard. Then away just as quickly. No. Absolutely not. That part stayed yours. You typed carefully instead. “You ask a lot of questions for someone supposedly submissive.”
The response came fast. “Deflection detected.”
You snorted softly under your breath while grabbing your keys. “Occupational talent.”
Another message appeared. “So mysterious.” “Very intimidating.”
You rolled your eyes fondly. “That’s the brand.”
The elevator hummed quietly while you locked your apartment behind you, phone glowing in your hand. Melissa replied again before you even reached the lobby. “You know…” “Most people doing this kind of content lean harder into the fantasy.” “But you keep redirecting conversations back to me.”
You slowed slightly at that. Because she was right. Most creators blurred intimacy intentionally. Personal stories sold incredibly well. Vulnerability made subscribers emotionally attached. But you’d learned early that giving strangers pieces of your real life could become dangerous very quickly. Fantasy was safer. Fantasy had exits. You typed back while stepping into the cold evening air. “That’s because this session is about you.” “Not me.”
A pause. Then: “And what if I want to know the person teaching me?”
Your jaw tightened faintly. The city glowed wet around you from recent rain, headlights smearing gold across the pavement while buses roared past in the distance. You answered carefully. “Then you’re paying the wrong kind of professional.”
The typing bubble disappeared for several seconds this time. When Melissa finally replied, the tone had softened. “That sounded rehearsed.”
Your fingers paused briefly over the screen. Because it was. Every boundary. Every redirect. Every flirtatious dodge. You’d built them carefully over years. You typed back lightly before the silence got too honest. “Good.” “I’d hate for my customer service skills to go unappreciated.”
That finally earned the response you wanted. “There she is." “The commanding flirtatious note from the streams.”
You smiled faintly despite yourself and got the key to your car out of your pocket, slipping back into the safer version of you. The composed one. The controlled one. The one Melissa wasn’t allowed to unravel yet. You slid into the driver’s seat and closed the door quietly behind you. For a moment, you just sat there. Hands resting on the steering wheel. City lights reflecting softly across the windshield. You didn’t turn the engine on yet. The inside of the car still carried the faint scent of vanilla perfume and old coffee from too many late nights driving home after streams. Your phone glowed against the dashboard while rain tapped lightly against the roof overhead.
Melissa’s typing bubble appeared again. You stared at it longer this time before finally sending: “What would you like in your session?”
The answer came surprisingly quickly. Like she’d already been rehearsing it in her head. “I would like to learn about control and confidence.” “Like you are in your streams.” “About pleasure too.”
Your eyes lowered slowly to the screen. There it was The real reason beneath all the careful wording. Not sex exactly. Permission. You leaned your head back against the seat, thinking carefully before answering. Because this part mattered. People misunderstood dominance constantly. They imagined cruelty. Perfection. Fearlessness. But confidence wasn’t about becoming cold. And control definitely wasn’t about controlling everyone else.
You typed slowly. “The version of me from the streams is still a performance, Melissa.”
The typing bubble appeared instantly. “I know.” “But there’s still something real underneath it.”
Your throat tightened faintly at that. Again. Always reaching for the spaces between the performance. You exhaled quietly and typed back “Confidence isn’t walking into a room believing you’re better than everyone.” “It’s walking in without shrinking yourself first.”
The reply took longer this time. When it came, it felt smaller somehow. More vulnerable. “I think I do that constantly.” You could picture it immediately. A woman saying yes too quickly. Laughing softly when things hurt her. Making herself digestible for everyone around her.
You rubbed your thumb absently against the steering wheel. Then typed: “Pleasure works similarly.”
Three dots appeared. “How?”
You glanced out the rain-speckled windshield before answering. “A lot of people treat pleasure like performance.” “Especially women.” “Like the goal is being desirable instead of actually feeling something.”
A small smile tugged at your mouth. “You paid for insight.”
Melissa sent another message before you could continue. “So how do I stop?” “Shrinking, I mean.”
You stared at the question for a long moment. Then finally: “You start noticing how often you apologize for existing.” “How often you say yes before checking if you even want to.” “How often you abandon yourself to keep the peace.”
The rain softened outside. Inside the car, everything felt strangely still. Melissa answered slowly this time. “And what if changing hurts people?”
Your expression softened faintly. Because there it was. The real fear. Not becoming selfish. Becoming visible. You typed carefully: “People who benefit from your silence usually dislike your boundaries.” “That doesn’t mean the boundaries are wrong.” You stared at Melissa’s last message for a few seconds longer. The words sat heavily in the dim light of the car. Then, before the conversation could drift any deeper into places you didn’t want strangers touching, you locked your phone and tossed it onto the passenger seat. Silence. Real silence this time. No typing bubbles. No soft flirtation wrapped around honesty. Just the low hum of rain against the windshield and the ache settling back into your chest where distraction had briefly numbed it. You exhaled slowly and finally turned the key in the ignition. The engine rumbled awake. Streetlights smeared gold across the wet roads while you drove through the city, one hand loosely on the steering wheel, the other tapping anxiously against your thigh. You hated the drive to the hospital. Hated how the closer you got, the harder reality pressed against your ribs. Bills. Doctors. Machines. Your sister pretending she felt better than she did so you wouldn’t worry more. And maybe that was why Melissa’s messages got under your skin so easily. Because for one hour inside your apartment, you hadn’t been terrified or exhausted or drowning. You’d just been… listened to. The realization irritated you immediately. Dangerous. Very dangerous.
You tightened your grip on the wheel slightly. This was work. A client projecting confidence onto you because that was the service you sold. That’s all.
The glowing hospital sign appeared ahead through the rain. Your jaw tightened automatically. The fantasy dissolved completely the second you pulled into the parking structure. Cold concrete. Fluorescent lights. The sharp sterile smell waiting behind automatic doors. Reality had claws. You grabbed your bag from the passenger seat and glanced once at the phone beside it. Dark screen. Quiet. For some reason, a tiny disappointing feeling curled unexpectedly in your stomach at the absence of another message. You frowned at yourself immediately and stepped out into the cold night air. Absolutely not. You were not getting emotionally attached to a redhead with boundary issues and existential crises through a subscription app. Life was already complicated enough. The familiar sterile smell hit you the second the elevator doors opened onto the floor. Antiseptic. Coffee that had been sitting too long. That strange artificial cold hospitals always carried no matter the season. You adjusted the strap of your bag higher on your shoulder while walking down the quiet hallway, sneakers squeaking faintly against polished floors under the fluorescent lights. Room 417. The door was half open already. You pushed it gently and stepped inside. Your sister looked up immediately from the hospital bed, a grin spreading across her face so quickly it almost made the whole room feel normal for half a second.
-“There she is"- she announced dramatically. Her boyfriend sat beside the bed cross-legged in the uncomfortable visitor chair, halfway through setting up some complicated board game across the rolling hospital tray.
-“Your sister cheats, by the way"-he informed you immediately.
-"Tell me something I don't know" - you replied kissing your sister's forehead and a fistbump with him.
-“I strategize"- your sister corrected with dignity. You snorted softly despite yourself, shutting the door behind you. For a moment, she really did look okay. Hair tied messily back. Oversized hoodie swallowing her frame. Eyes bright with annoyance at being accused of cheating. But then your gaze drifted automatically downward. The IV taped to her arm. The bruising beneath her skin. The monitor beside the bed pulsing steadily in soft green waves. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Reality always hid in the corners. Your chest tightened quietly.
-“You look tired"- your sister said immediately, narrowing her eyes at you with offensive accuracy.
You scoffed lightly while dropping into the second visitor chair-“And hello to you too"-
You looked away instinctively toward the board game pieces spread across the bed-“I’m fine"-The lie came automatically. Effortless.
Your sister exchanged a glance with her boyfriend that irritated you immediately because it carried entirely too much shared understanding. Then she leaned back against her pillows and pointed accusingly at you-“You’re doing that voice"-
Your eyebrows lifted-“What voice?”-
-“The calm customer service voice you use when you’re stressed"-
You froze for half a second. Then rolled your eyes-“I don’t have a customer service voice.”-
Her boyfriend burst out laughing instantly-“You absolutely do"-Traitor. You grabbed one of the game cards just to throw it lightly at him while your sister laughed hard enough to trigger a disapproving beep from one of the monitors. The sound killed the laughter almost instantly. A nurse passed by the open doorway, glancing in briefly before continuing down the hall. Silence settled softer afterward.
Your sister adjusted the blanket over her legs absentmindedly before looking back at you-“So"- she asked carefully-“what’s got your brain buzzing tonight?”-
Your fingers stilled against the edge of the game board-"When my brain is not buzzing?"-And against your own better judgment, green eyes and typing bubbles flashed briefly across your mind. You crossed one leg over the other in the uncomfortable hospital chair just as your phone vibrated softly inside your pocket. A message. You ignored it. For now. Instead, you leaned back slightly and gave your sister a small smile.
-“Work’s going great, actually"- you said lightly- “I got a new client.”-
Her face brightened immediately-“Yeah?”-
You nodded once-“It should cover the last bills. We’ll finally be up to date for a while”-The relief that crossed her face hit you harder than you expected. It always did. Because no matter how sick she felt, some part of her still carried guilt for all of this. The treatments. The medications. Watching you work yourself into exhaustion trying to keep everything afloat. Her shoulders loosened visibly against the pillows.
-“Thank God"- she murmured softly. Her boyfriend reached over instinctively, squeezing her hand once. The monitors continued their steady rhythm around the room. Beep. Beep. Beep. You forced yourself to smile casually, even while exhaustion tugged at every inch of your body.
-“That’s why I keep telling you not to stress”-you added-“I’ve got it handled.”-Your sister gave you a look that clearly said I don’t fully believe you but I appreciate the performance. Unfortunately, she knew you too well. Your phone vibrated again in your pocket. Then once more. Your sister’s eyes narrowed immediately.
-“Oh?”- she said slowly-“The new client?”-
You tried for nonchalance-“Probably"-
-“That smile says it’s definitely the client"-
You blinked-“I’m not smiling"-
Her boyfriend looked up from the board game-“You literally are"-Traitors. Both of them. You rolled your eyes dramatically and finally pulled the phone from your pocket. Melissa. Three unread messages. Your thumb hesitated for the briefest second before opening them.
“I hope your mysterious errand is okay.” “Also I realized halfway through our conversation that I’ve been paying someone to psychologically attack me.” “Rude honestly". A laugh escaped you before you could stop it. Small. Warm. Real enough that your sister’s eyebrows practically disappeared into her hairline
-“What was that?”-she whispered dramatically to her boyfriend.
-“That’s the face"-
You looked up sharply-“What face?”-
-“The one you get when someone’s interesting"-Heat crawled immediately up your neck. You scoffed and locked your phone.
-“Absolutely not.”-
Your sister gasped theatrically-“Oh my God. It is someone interesting”-she whispered
-“It’s literally work"-
-“Mhm"-
You pointed at her warningly-“Don’t start"-But she was already grinning now, settled deeper into her pillows with the dangerous energy of someone hospitalized and therefore deeply committed to creating entertainment wherever possible.
-“Is she hot?”-she asked immediately. You choked. Her boyfriend started laughing so hard he nearly dropped the game cards.
-“You’re impossible"-you muttered, rubbing your face tiredly while your sister looked unbearably pleased with herself. And annoyingly, somewhere deep down beneath the embarrassment and exhaustion, Melissa’s last message was still making you smile a little. Honestly, women clients were usually easier. Softer around the edges. More curious than entitled. Sessions with women felt less like surviving someone’s fantasy and more like building one together. Less ego. Less performance exhaustion. You could breathe more. Meanwhile men often arrived already convinced they knew exactly what dominance looked like, and somehow it always circled back to themselves eventually. Melissa especially felt… different. Complicated in a way you probably shouldn’t find interesting. You ignored her messages for a few minutes anyway, slipping the phone back into your pocket before your sister could keep interrogating you like a hospitalized detective. Then you placed your purse carefully on your lap and unzipped it. Your sister immediately gasped.
-“No way"-You pulled out a container of her favorite pasta with dramatic slowness. Real pasta. Creamy sauce still warm enough that steam escaped faintly when you cracked the lid open. Hospital food could legally qualify as emotional warfare, so you’d stopped trusting it months ago.
-“For the love of God”- your sister whispered emotionally, clutching at her chest-“You brought salvation"-
Her boyfriend looked equally relieved when you handed him the second container-“I could actually cry"-he admitted.
-“Please don’t"- you deadpanned-“This floor has suffered enough"-Your sister was already opening hers with the kind of focus usually reserved for religious experiences. The smell filled the room almost instantly, warm garlic and butter replacing the sterile hospital scent for a few precious minutes. You watched her take the first bite. And there it was.That tiny shift in her face. Comfort. Real comfort. Worth every exhausting hour you worked for.
-“Oh my God"- she groaned dramatically around the pasta-“I forgot food could taste like happiness"-You laughed softly and leaned back in your chair, finally relaxing a little as she and her boyfriend started demolishing the containers. Your phone vibrated again against your thigh. Persistent redhead. You ignored it another moment while stealing one of your sister’s garlic breads before she could protest.
-“Thief"- she accused immediately.
-“You’re literally bedridden"- you replied calmly-“Defend your territory better.”- Her boyfriend snorted into his pasta.
Then your sister narrowed her eyes at you suddenly-“You’re happier tonight"-
Your fingers paused halfway to your mouth-“I brought you carbs"-you answered dryly-“Obviously I’m thriving"-
-“No"- she said, still watching you carefully-“You came in stressed. Now you keep smiling at nothing.”-Your phone vibrated again like it had been summoned by the accusation itself. The timing was so suspicious your sister burst into laughter immediately-“Oh, that’s definitely her"-
You rolled your eyes dramatically and reached into your bag for a piece of gum, unwrapping it with the exhausted patience of someone being bullied by family members they unfortunately loved very much-“It’s just work"- you said around the berry minty sweetness settling onto your tongue - “And it makes me happy because it means we’re getting out of debt"-
Your sister gave you a look so deeply unconvinced it almost deserved applause-“Mhm"-
-“I’m serious"-you made a bubble
-“You’re chewing gum"-
You blinked at her-“What does that have to do with anything?”-
Her boyfriend pointed at you with his fork like he’d cracked a murder case-“You only chew gum when you’re nervous"-Traitor number two.
You stared at both of them in betrayal while they looked unbearably pleased with themselves-“I hate living under surveillance"-you muttered.
Your sister grinned before taking another bite of pasta-“You’re deflecting again"-
You leaned back in the chair with a groan-“Why are both of you suddenly behavioral analysts?”-
-“Because"- she answered smugly-“you spent years analyzing everyone else. Now it’s our turn"-
-"I have a degree in psicology, that's literally my job" - You opened your mouth to argue when your phone buzzed again.
Your sister immediately slapped a hand over her heart dramatically.
-“She’s texting again. Your mysterious woman yearns for you"-
You almost choked on your gum-“She’s not my mysterious woman.”-
-“But she is a woman"-
You pinched the bridge of your nose tiredly while her boyfriend quietly avoided eye contact, clearly trying not to laugh directly in your face.
-“This conversation is becoming a hostile environment"-
Your sister snorted-“Then prove me wrong. Read the message out loud.”-
-“Absolutely not."-you answered quickly-" I have confidentially with my patients"-
-“Aha!”-You grabbed one of the pillows from beside her and threw it gently at her face while she dissolved into laughter against the hospital bed. The monitor beside her beeped faster briefly from the excitement and your expression immediately shifted.
-“Hey"- you said softly. Instantly attentive-“You okay?”-Your sister smiled reassuringly, still catching her breath.
-“I’m fine"-You watched her for another second anyway before relaxing again slightly. That instinct never turned off anymore. Then your phone buzzed once more. Persistent. You sighed dramatically and finally looked down at the screen. Melissa.
“You disappeared.” “Which means either: You’re busy. You died. You’re crafting a devastating psychological response.”
A reluctant laugh escaped you again. And unfortunately your sister caught it immediately-“There! That smile!”-
You groaned loudly and narrowed your eyes at the phone-“Asshole"-you murmured under your breath while blowing a small bubble with your gum.
Your sister immediately pointed at you from the bed-“You’re flirting"-
-“I’m working.”-
-“Same thing with your job.”-You ignored her with the dignity of someone losing an argument catastrophically. Then you looked back down at the screen and typed: “I have a life besides my job, you know.”
Three dots appeared instantly. “Debatable.”
You snorted softly through your nose and continued typing before she could get too smug “Maybe what I need to teach you first is patience. And patient girls get rewards.”
The second the message sent, your sister made the loudest offended noise imaginable -“Oh my God"-she whispered dramatically to her boyfriend-“She pulled out the voice.”-
You looked up sharply-“I did not.”-
-“You absolutely did"- her boyfriend laughed.-"I could hear the lowercase seduction through the text.”-
-“This is slander.”-Your phone buzzed again before you could defend yourself further.
Melissa: “That sounded suspiciously like a threat.”
You smiled despite yourself. “Maybe it was.”
A pause. Then: “See?” “That.” “That confidence.” “How do you do that?”
Your expression softened slightly at the shift in tone. There it was again. The real reason she was here beneath the flirting and teasing.
You leaned back in the chair, one ankle crossing over your knee while your sister and her boyfriend returned to their game beside you. Then you typed carefully. “Most confidence is just deciding not to apologize before you’ve done anything wrong.”
The typing bubble appeared slowly this time. “That sounds impossible.”
You glanced toward your sister laughing softly at something her boyfriend said while hospital machines blinked quietly around her.
Impossible. Yeah. You understood that feeling. Your fingers moved again. “No.” “Just uncomfortable.” “People confuse those two things constantly.”
Melissa didn’t answer immediately. And for some reason, sitting there beneath harsh fluorescent lights with gum in your mouth and exhaustion in your bones, you found yourself waiting for her reply more than you should have. You slipped your glasses off and pinched the bridge of your nose slowly, eyes closing for a brief second. God, you were tired. Not cute sleepy tired. Bone-deep tired. The kind that settled into your muscles after too many double shifts pretending to be calm and confident and desirable while real life quietly gnawed at the edges of you. A long day. A long week. A long life lately. The hospital lights buzzed faintly overhead while your sister argued dramatically over board game rules in the background. Familiar noise. Comforting noise. You looked back down at your phone. Melissa’s last message still glowed softly on the screen. “That sounds impossible.”
You inhaled quietly before typing. “We can have an in-person session.” “I can teach you confidence and how to stop second-guessing your own words.”
The typing bubble appeared instantly. Then paused when your next message arrived. “But I have conditions.” “And a contract you need to sign.”
A long silence followed. Not offended. Careful. Then finally: “What kind of conditions?”
You leaned back deeper into the uncomfortable hospital chair, glasses dangling loosely from your fingers. Professional mode. Safer territory.
You typed methodically now. “Clear boundaries.” “No drugs." “No recording.” “Safe words apply even in non-sexual exercises.” “You follow instructions during sessions.” “And you understand this isn’t therapy or a relationship.”
The last sentence lingered on the screen longer than the others. Because maybe you needed that reminder too. Melissa replied after a pause “That sounds very serious.”
A faint smile touched your mouth. “It is.” “People get hurt when they mistake vulnerability for permission.”
Silence again. Then: “Have people mistaken that with you before?”
Your jaw tightened faintly. There it was again. Melissa always nudging softly toward the person beneath the performance. You slipped your glasses back on before answering. “That question costs extra.”
Your sister immediately looked over from the hospital bed.
-“There’s the flirting again.”-You pointed at her without looking up from your phone.
-“You focus on recovering. Leave my financial decisions alone.”- Her boyfriend laughed quietly while Melissa’s next message appeared. “Fine.” “Then answer as my very expensive professional.”
You stared at the screen for a second. Then typed carefully. “Confidence requires boundaries.” “Otherwise you end up becoming whatever version of yourself keeps everyone else comfortable.”
The typing bubble appeared slowly this time. “I think I already became that person.”
Something in your chest tightened at the honesty of it. Outside the hospital windows, rain continued sliding down the glass in silver rivers while machines beeped steadily around the room. And despite every boundary you kept trying to reinforce, Melissa’s words were beginning to feel less like a client’s curiosity and more like someone quietly asking for directions out of a cage. You adjusted your glasses again, exhaustion still sitting heavy behind your eyes while the hospital room buzzed softly around you. Your sister and her boyfriend had gone back to their board game, arguing over rules with the dramatic intensity of two people avoiding fear by pretending cardboard victory mattered deeply.
You understood the strategy. Your fingers moved across the keyboard slowly. Carefully. “It’s not too late to come back.” “And with my help we can make the process faster.”
The typing bubble appeared immediately. You continued before she could interrupt. “You’ll feel like yourself again.” “And gain confidence in no time."
The words looked smooth on the screen. Professional. Controlled. Exactly the kind of thing clients paid you for. But staring at them now, you realized how strange it felt offering certainty to someone else when your own life felt permanently one bad month away from collapse. Melissa took longer than usual to answer. Then finally: “You make it sound easy.”
You leaned back in the chair slightly. “I didn’t say easy. I said possible.”
A pause. Then: “What if I don’t even know who I am without everyone else’s expectations anymore?”
That one lingered. You watched the blinking cursor for a second while the monitor beside your sister beeped steadily in the background.
Then you typed: “Then we start there.”
The typing bubble flickered again. “How?”
Your gaze drifted absently toward the hospital window. Rainwater traced silver rivers down the glass outside while the city glowed soft and blurry beneath the storm. You answered carefully this time. “By noticing what you want before you check whether it’s acceptable.” “By stopping yourself every time you apologize automatically.” “By learning the difference between kindness and self-erasure.”
Silence. Longer this time. Then:“That sounds terrifying.”
A faint smile touched your mouth despite the exhaustion. “Confidence usually is.” “At first.”
Another pause. Then Melissa sent: “You talk like someone who had to learn all of this the hard way.”
Your fingers stopped moving. For a brief second, the hospital room felt sharper around the edges. The bills. The exhaustion. The constant balancing act between survival and collapse.
You could almost feel Melissa trying again to peek behind the curtain. You inhaled quietly and slipped back into the safer version of yourself. “Careful.” “Curiosity is how people accidentally develop crushes on their instructors.”
Your sister looked up immediately from the bed. -“Oh my God"-she whispered loudly-“You’re flirting hard now"-You grabbed a napkin and threw it directly at her face while Melissa’s reply appeared on your screen.
“Too late.” “I already think your voice could manipulate me into joining a cult.” And against your better judgment, a real laugh escaped you there in the middle of the hospital room, warm enough that your sister immediately pointed at you like she’d just won the board game and the investigation simultaneously. You leaned deeper into the hospital chair, one hand resting against your jaw while the fluorescent lights painted everything in tired shades of pale blue. Your sister was still watching you suspiciously over the top of the board game box like a raccoon guarding stolen treasure. You ignored her and typed instead: “Then you’re very easily manipulated.”
Melissa’s typing bubble appeared instantly, but you kept going before she could answer. “And I can already see the people pleasing appearing again.” “Besides… you only see what I want you to see.” “You have a crush on a smoke mirror that I’m creating.” The words sat there glowing coldly on the screen. Professional distance. Necessary distance. You’d learned how important it was to remind people of the illusion before they started mistaking intimacy for ownership.
Melissa took longer to respond this time. Long enough that you almost regretted how sharp the message sounded. Then finally: “Maybe.” You frowned faintly. Another message appeared. “But I think people accidentally reveal themselves all the time.” “Especially when they’re trying not to.”
Your jaw tightened slightly. Persistent woman. You typed back carefully. “That sounds like projection.”
She replied immediately “Probably.” “But you notice when I apologize too much.” “You notice when I make myself smaller.” “You notice things even when you pretend you don’t care.” Your fingers stilled against the phone. Across the room, your sister laughed at something her boyfriend said while the heart monitor continued its soft rhythmic beeping beside her bed. Real life. Real exhaustion. Real fear. And somehow Melissa kept speaking to the parts of you hidden beneath the performance anyway. You answered slower this time. “Observing people is part of my job.”
The response came immediately. “Avoiding being observed seems to be yours.”
That one landed cleanly. Too cleanly. You removed your glasses again, rubbing tiredly at your eyes while your chest tightened with something dangerously close to feeling understood. You hated it a little. Because Melissa wasn’t supposed to see you. Not really. The entire structure of your work depended on carefully controlled visibility. Fantasy with limits. Intimacy with exits. But she kept noticing the seams in the illusion instead of the illusion itself. Your phone buzzed again. “I know you’re creating an image.” “I just don’t think it’s completely fake.”
You stared at the message in silence. Then finally typed: “Confidence isn’t honesty.” “Sometimes it’s just practiced composure.”
Melissa answered almost immediately. “Then maybe I want to learn both.”
You slipped your glasses back on and straightened slightly in the chair, letting the softer edges of the conversation fold neatly back into professionalism before they could wander somewhere dangerous again. Your fingers moved with practiced calm. “I have an opening tomorrow for your first lesson.” The typing bubble appeared instantly. You continued. “We can start at a restaurant of your choosing.” “You’ll read the contract.” “And we’ll set boundaries and expectations.”
The message looked clean. Structured. Safe. Exactly what this needed to become again. Melissa took a moment before answering. “A lesson.” “That sounds terrifyingly formal.”
A faint smile tugged at your mouth. “That’s because you’re paying for guidance.” “Not a date.”
Your sister looked up immediately from across the room-“Oh, she got corrected"-
You pointed at her without looking away from your phone-“You are medically required to mind your business"-Her boyfriend nearly choked laughing.
Meanwhile Melissa finally replied: “Okay.” “What exactly happens during a confidence lesson?”
You leaned back slightly, ankle crossing over your knee while you considered the answer. Then typed: “Depends on the person.” “For you?” "Choosing what you like" "No doubting yourself" “Probably learning how to stop apologizing before speaking.”
The typing bubble flickered. “Rude.”
You replied “Accurate.”
Another pause. Then: “And the restaurant?”
Your eyes drifted absently toward the hospital food tray abandoned near the window. Cold soup. Sad crackers. Existential despair on a plastic plate. You typed before thinking too hard about it. “Somewhere with good food.” “Confidence training works better when the student isn’t hungry.”
You snorted softly. “Projection again.” “Dangerous habit.”
Her response came with almost no delay now. “You keep warning me about dangerous habits while actively encouraging me to trust you.” “Very confusing teaching style.”
A real laugh escaped you at that. Warm enough that your sister immediately slapped her boyfriend’s arm dramatically. You groaned loudly while Melissa’s next message appeared. “I’ll pick the restaurant.” “You bring the intimidating confidence.”
You stared at the screen for a second before typing back: “Confidence is easy.” “Making you stop shrinking yourself?” “That’s the difficult part.”
You stared at the screen for a second after typing it. Then another. The words sat there glowing beneath the harsh hospital lights. “Pick the restaurant and wear something nice.” “Something that makes you feel hot.” “Confident.” “Something your ‘okay’ boyfriend would hate.” “That’s an order.” You replied and your stomach twisted faintly afterward. Not because the command was unusual. You’d given thousands of commands before. But because this one felt different. Less about seduction. More about rebellion. Across the room, your sister narrowed her eyes immediately.
-“That”- she announced, pointing at you dramatically- “was gay.”-You nearly dropped your phone.
-“For the love of God"- you muttered while her boyfriend burst into helpless laughter beside her.
-“You literally told a woman to dress in a way her boyfriend would hate"- your sister continued-“That wasn’t even subtle.”-
-“It’s psychology"- you defended weakly.
-“It’s lesbians with a syllabus"-You threw another napkin at her face while she cackled into her pasta container.
Your phone buzzed again. Melissa. You looked down immediately despite yourself. “That’s an interesting order.”
You leaned back into the chair slightly, composure sliding back into place. “Why?” The typing bubble appeared slowly this time. “Because I can’t remember the last time someone told me to dress for myself instead of for approval.”
Something in your chest tightened quietly. You answered carefully. “That’s because most people confuse attractiveness with obedience.”
Long pause. Then: “You really believe confidence can be learned?”
Your gaze drifted toward the rain-streaked hospital window. Toward your exhausted reflection in the glass. Toward the version of yourself you performed into existence every night because reality demanded it. Then you typed: “Confidence is mostly practice.” “You repeat honesty until your body stops treating it like danger.”
Melissa took several seconds to respond. “And what if I show up tomorrow and panic?”
A small smile touched your mouth. “Then your first lesson starts immediately.”
Your sister made another scandalized noise from the bed-“You’re smooth against your will.”-
-“I’m literally working"-
-“Mhm"- she said smugly -“Sure you are"-
-“Look"-you said dryly while pointing at your sister with the hand not holding your phone- “I understand being hospitalized is boring, but I don’t work for your amusement"-
Her grin widened immediately-“You literally do.”-Her boyfriend snorted so hard into his drink he almost killed himself.
You rolled your eyes fondly and looked back down at your screen before the tiny gremlin in the hospital bed could escalate further. Your fingers moved slower this time. More deliberate. “If you panic, you can leave.” “There’s no pressure with me.” “You don’t have to please me.” The typing bubble appeared instantly. You continued before Melissa could answer “But you would be missing a good time.” “I’m fun to be around.”
Your sister made the loudest offended sound imaginable-“Oh my God.That was flirting with confidence.”-
-“It was marketing"-
-“It was gay marketing"-
You ignored her with great dignity. Melissa’s response arrived a second later. “Interesting.” “You sound very sure of yourself there.”
A faint smile tugged at your mouth. “I’m excellent company.” “Devastatingly charming, actually.”
She replied “Your humility is inspiring.”
You laughed “Confidence lesson number one.” “Never downplay your strengths.”
A pause. Then: “Okay.” “Then tell me one real thing.” “What makes you fun to be around?”
Your thumb hovered over the keyboard. Because weirdly enough, that question felt harder than the flirting. You could sell fantasy effortlessly. But yourself? That was murkier territory.
Across the room, your sister was watching you again with dangerous detective eyes while hospital machines blinked steadily beside her. You exhaled quietly before typing: “I notice things.” “I remember how people take their coffee.” “I know when someone’s pretending they’re okay.” “And I make people feel safe enough to stop performing for a while.”
Silence followed. Long enough that your stomach tightened faintly afterward. Then Melissa finally answered.“See?” “That’s exactly what I mean.” “That doesn’t sound fake at all.”
Your expression softened before you could stop it. And unfortunately your sister caught it immediately.
-“There’s the face again"- she whispered dramatically to her boyfriend-“Our girl is doomed"-You rolled your eyes softly, leaning deeper into the hospital chair while absently spinning your glasses between your fingers. Your sister was still side-eyeing you from the bed like she’d just discovered live entertainment. You ignored her. Then typed: “Oh, cupcake…” “Just because I’m telling you my strengths doesn’t mean I’m selling you a lie.”
The typing bubble appeared immediately. You could practically feel Melissa leaning closer to the screen already. Your fingers continued moving, smooth and practiced now. “But it also doesn’t mean I’m selling you who I really am.”
Across the room, your sister’s boyfriend looked up slowly from the board game-“…That was kinda intense"- he muttered.
-"Are you fucking hawks, how the fuck can you see what I'm texting?" - you looked at them
-"You are the one that is blind and uses glasses" - he said and your sister nodded
You pointed at him without looking away from your phone again - “You stay out of this too" Then you finished typing: “I’m offering a fun time.” “A learning experience.” “I can be whatever you need me to be.” “That’s what makes me enjoyable to be around.” “I can shapeshift to cover your needs and make your time and money worth it.” The room fell quiet for a second after you sent it. Even your sister stopped joking briefly. Because beneath the flirtation and confidence, there was something almost sad hidden in those words. Shapeshift. Adapt. Become. Whatever keeps people satisfied.
Your phone buzzed a few seconds later.Melissa: “That sounds lonely.”
Your fingers froze. Damn her. Always somehow stepping around the performance instead of admiring it from a distance. You leaned your head back against the chair slowly while the hospital monitors beeped steadily nearby.
Then you typed back carefully: “It’s professionalism.”
Melissa replied almost immediately. “No.” “Professionalism is a skill.” “What you described sounds more like survival.” The message landed directly between your ribs. Sharp. Clean. Your jaw tightened faintly. Across the room, your sister was watching you again now, quieter this time. Observing. You looked back down at the glowing screen.
Then, instead of answering honestly, you slipped smoothly back into safer territory. “Careful, cupcake.” “You’re starting to psychoanalyze the person you hired.” “That’s premium content.”
Melissa’s response came with almost no delay. “Maybe I don’t mind paying extra.” And annoyingly, despite the exhaustion in your bones and the antiseptic smell surrounding you and the constant fear humming quietly beneath your life lately…Your heart skipped once anyway. You laughed softly under your breath and tilted your head side to side until your neck cracked quietly. God. Your entire body felt like it had been carrying concrete for weeks. The hospital chair creaked faintly as you shifted again, one foot hooked under the other while your phone glowed warmly in your hands. Then you typed: “I’m expensive.” “Very.”
Melissa’s typing bubble flickered immediately like she was already smiling at the screen. You continued before she could interrupt. “I can roleplay anything you want.” “Confidence.” “Control.” “Desire.” “Comfort.” Your fingers slowed slightly after that. “But the person behind the illusion?” “That’s not part of the package.”
The room seemed quieter after you sent it. Even the rain outside had softened into a low whisper against the hospital windows. Melissa took longer to answer this time. Long enough that your sister glanced at you suspiciously again over the board game pieces. Then finally: “Do you ever get tired?”
Your eyebrows pulled together faintly. “Of what?”
Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Returned again. “Of constantly becoming what everyone else needs.” Your chest tightened before you could stop it. Annoying. You hated how directly she kept hitting the center of things. You leaned your head back against the chair and stared at the ceiling tiles for a second. Fluorescent lights. Faint buzzing. Hospital air cold enough to settle into your bones. Then you looked back down at your screen and typed carefully: “Sometimes.” “But survival doesn’t leave a lot of room for identity crises.”
Melissa answered almost immediately. “That sounded real.”
Your jaw tightened slightly. Too real. You corrected course instinctively. “Don’t get excited.” “You only unlocked one ounce of emotional depth.” “The rest is behind a paywall.”
That finally earned the laugh reaction you could practically hear through the screen. Then another message appeared. “Tomorrow.” “Restaurant.” “Confidence lessons.” “And one ounce of emotional depth.” A reluctant smile tugged at your mouth despite yourself. Across the room, your sister noticed immediately.
-“There’s the face again"- she whispered triumphantly. You groaned and grabbed another napkin to throw at her while Melissa’s final message arrived: “I think beneath all the shapeshifting…” “You might actually be fun to know.”
And for some reason, sitting there surrounded by machines and exhaustion and fluorescent lights, that sentence scared you far more than flirting ever had. You stared at the screen for a long second before typing again. Slower now. More careful. Because somewhere along the conversation, the edges had started blurring in a way you didn’t entirely trust. And blurred lines were dangerous in your line of work. Your fingers moved deliberately across the keyboard. “This is business.” “And pleasure, if you want.” “But it’s not a romantic date.” You paused briefly before adding: “And I’m not your friend.” “Do you understand that?”
The hospital room felt strangely still after you sent it. Your sister had fallen quieter too, watching you now instead of teasing.
Melissa took longer to answer than usual. The typing bubble appeared. Disappeared. Returned again. Then finally: “Yes.” “I understand.” You exhaled softly through your nose. Good. Necessary. But then another message arrived. “I think you’re trying very hard to make sure I don’t expect softness from you.”
Your jaw tightened faintly. Persistent. Always persistent. You leaned forward in the chair, elbows resting on your knees while the soft beeping of the monitors filled the silence around you. Then typed back: “I’m making sure expectations stay healthy.” “People get hurt when fantasy starts replacing reality.”
Melissa answered almost immediately. “And what about you?” “Do you ever let people close without turning yourself into a performance first?”
Your eyes closed briefly. God. You hated questions like that. Because they weren’t seductive. They weren’t playful. They just… sat there quietly asking to be answered honestly.
Across the room, your sister watched your expression soften for half a second before you hid it again. You looked back down at the screen. Then carefully stepped back behind the curtain where things were safer. “Cupcake.” “You’re paying for confidence lessons.” “Not access to the final boss of my emotional damage.”
That finally earned the reaction you wanted. “So there is emotional damage.” “Premium package.” “Very expensive.” A laugh escaped you softly despite yourself. And Melissa sent one last message afterward. “Okay.” “Then tomorrow I’ll focus on lesson one.” “Learning how not to shrink myself.” “And you can focus on pretending you’re impossible to know.”
Your smile faded slightly at that. Because the annoying thing was… You weren’t entirely sure anymore whether she was wrong. You stared at Melissa’s last message for a few quiet seconds, thumb hovering over the screen while the hospital room hummed softly around you. Your sister had gone back to her game, though you could still feel her occasionally glancing over like she was monitoring a live soap opera. You sighed through your nose and typed again. “By the way…” The typing bubble appeared instantly on her side. “I do let people in without performance.” “I’m still human.” “I have needs like anyone else who breathes and exists.” Your fingers slowed slightly after that. Because even admitting that much felt strangely vulnerable. You continued anyway. “But the people who get that version of me?” “They don’t come through my channel paying for a fantasy.”
Silence settled afterward. Long enough that you almost locked your phone and ended the conversation there. Then Melissa finally answered. “That makes sense.” Simple. No pushing. No trying to squeeze deeper into your boundaries. And weirdly, that softened something in your chest more than curiosity would have. Another message followed a moment later. “Thank you for saying it clearly instead of pretending.”
You frowned faintly at that. “Pretending what?”
“That you’re either completely fake or completely available.” “Most people online become one extreme or the other.” Your expression shifted slightly. Because unfortunately… she was right. You’d met creators who dissolved entirely into performance until they barely remembered themselves outside of it. And others who gave away too much of their real lives until strangers started believing they owned pieces of them. You’d spent years balancing carefully between both cliffs.
Melissa’s next message appeared more slowly. “I think I like that you protect yourself.” That one landed quietly. Not sharp like her other observations. Gentler. You leaned your head back against the hospital chair and stared briefly at the ceiling before answering. “Good.” “Because tomorrow’s lesson starts with you learning how to do the same.”
The typing bubble bounced instantly. “Homework already?” A small smile tugged at your mouth.
“Absolutely.” “Wear something that makes you feel powerful.” “Notice every time you apologize unnecessarily between now and then.” “And try, just once, to say what you actually want before checking if it’s acceptable.”
Melissa took a second before replying. “That last one sounds horrifying.”
You snorted softly. “That’s because you’re out of practice.” Across the room, your sister stretched carefully against the pillows and looked over at you again.
-“You’re doing the voice.”-
You looked up immediately-“What voice?”-
-“The calm scary mentor voice.”-
Her boyfriend nodded solemnly-“It’s kinda hot. Respectfully.”
You threw a balled-up napkin directly at his forehead while Melissa’s final message arrived: “Tomorrow then.” “No shrinking.”
And somehow, despite everything exhausting and painful surrounding your life lately, you found yourself quietly looking forward to it. You read over the conversation again briefly, eyes catching on Melissa’s line about you protecting yourself. Then, before you could overthink it too much, you typed another message. “And by the way…” The typing bubble appeared immediately like she’d still been holding the phone. “I’m completely available.” “Taking care of my needs doesn’t mean I’m in a commitment or relationship.”
Your sister looked up instantly from the hospital bed like a shark detecting blood in water-“Oh, now we’re clarifying relationship status.”-
You pointed at her warningly without lifting your gaze from the phone-“I am begging you to recover quietly.”-She grinned wickedly and kept eating garlic bread.
Meanwhile Melissa took a few seconds longer to answer this time. Then finally: “Interesting thing to clarify.”
You leaned back slightly in the chair, one eyebrow lifting. “I value transparency.” “Especially before beginning dynamics with people.” A pause. Then: “So the scary confidence instructor is single.”
You rolled your eyes faintly despite the small smile tugging at your mouth. “Don’t sound so excited.” "You are not single" “And I’m still expensive.”
Melissa replied instantly. “That confidence really is relentless.”
Your fingers moved before you thought too hard about it. “Confidence means understanding your value without needing to beg people to see it.”
Silence followed for a second. Then: “Did someone teach you that?” Your jaw tightened faintly. There she went again. Always trying to step around the edges of the performance instead of staying inside the fantasy where things were easier.
You answered smoothly: “Years of experience.” “And very disappointing people.”
That finally earned a laugh reaction. Then Melissa sent: “Okay.” “Tomorrow.” “I’ll wear something powerful.” “You’ll psychologically attack me into self-esteem.” “And neither of us will accidentally fall in love with the other.”
You barked out a real laugh at that one. Sharp enough that both your sister and her boyfriend looked over immediately.
-“There it is,”- your sister whispered triumphantly-“That woman has you giggling in a hospital.”-You rubbed your face tiredly while typing back to Melissa: “Excellent.” “You’re already learning boundaries.”
But annoyingly… Your heartbeat still skipped a little when her final response appeared. “See you tomorrow, teacher.”
You stretched slightly in the chair, exhaustion finally settling heavier into your bones now that the adrenaline of the conversation had started wearing off. The hospital lights suddenly felt harsher again. Your sister was half-curled against her pillows now, sleepiness softening her expression while her boyfriend quietly cleaned up the empty pasta containers beside her bed and all the napkins you were throwing. You looked back down at your phone one more time. Then typed: “Try to rest as much as possible.” “And have nice dreams.” A faint smile tugged at your mouth as you added: “That’s an order.”
Melissa’s typing bubble appeared almost immediately. “Bossy.”
You snorted softly. “You literally hired me for that.”
A pause. Then: “What if I disobey?”
Your eyes lowered to the screen, tiredness making your smile slower now. Softer around the edges. "Then I’ll be deeply disappointed in you.” “Tragic for everyone involved.”
Melissa reacted with a laughing emoji first. Then another message followed more slowly. “Okay.” “I’ll try.” “You should sleep too.”
Your gaze drifted automatically toward the hospital monitors beside your sister. Toward the overnight bag at your feet. Toward the vending machine coffee waiting somewhere in your near future. Sleep. Cute concept. You typed back lightly instead of honestly. “Maybe.” “If the universe behaves.”
The nickname settled unexpectedly warm in your chest. You stared at it for a second longer than necessary before finally replying: “Goodnight, cupcake.” “And remember.” “No shrinking tomorrow.” Then you locked your phone at last and slipped it into your pocket. The room felt quieter afterward. Not empty exactly. Just… still.
Your sister watched you carefully for a moment from the bed before smiling faintly-“You look lighter.”-
You scoffed softly and leaned back in the chair again.-“It’s literally work.”-
-“Mhm,”- she murmured sleepily-“Sure it is.”-
You kept your eyes on the dark hospital window when you said it-“She has a boyfriend"-The words came out casual. Too casual. Like you were reminding your sister. Like you were reminding yourself. Your sister looked at you quietly from the bed, sleepiness softening her face now while the monitors continued their gentle rhythmic beeping beside her.
You rubbed absentmindedly at the edge of your sleeve before continuing-“I’m just helping her remember who she is. Helping her become confident enough to ask for what she deserves.”-
Your sister stayed silent for a second. Then-“And what if what she deserves isn’t the boyfriend?”-
Your stomach tightened faintly. You scoffed immediately, defensive on instinct-“That’s not my business.”-
-“Mhm.”-
-“It’s not.”-You finally looked over at her-“She hired me to help with confidence. Boundaries. Control. Self-esteem. Not to ruin her relationship.”-
Your sister tilted her head slightly.-“But if she becomes more honest with herself… Wouldn’t that naturally affect the relationship anyway?”-You opened your mouth. Then stopped. Because unfortunately, that was the part people rarely admitted out loud. Growth changed dynamics. Confidence disrupted systems built around self-sacrifice. People who learned to stop shrinking often discovered entire relationships had only functioned because they stayed small. And judging by the way Melissa described her boyfriend… You had a feeling she’d been making herself digestible for years.
Your sister watched the realization cross your face slowly. Then she smiled faintly-“You already know that.”-
You leaned back in the chair with a tired groan, rubbing your hands over your face.-“I hate when you’re observant.”-
-“I learned from the best.”-
That softened you despite yourself. A small smile pulled briefly at your mouth before fading again-“This is why boundaries matter"- you murmured quietly-“People project things. Attachment. Fantasy. Hope.”-
Your sister’s expression gentled slightly.-“And what are you projecting?”-The question landed much too cleanly. You looked away immediately toward the rain-streaked window again. Outside, the city glowed silver and gold beneath the storm while somewhere deep in your pocket your phone sat warm and quiet with Melissa’s last messages still inside it. "Goodnight, shapeshifter." You swallowed once before answering carefully-“Nothing. I’m working.”-
Your sister smiled in that deeply annoying way people did when they knew you were lying but loved you enough not to corner you with it-“Okay,”- she said softly-“Just don’t disappear into the performance too much. Someone should know you exist underneath it.”-
You looked down at your hands after that. At the faint marks on your fingers from too many hours typing, editing, holding everything together with stubbornness and caffeine and sheer necessity-“You do"- you whispered softly to your sister-“And your boyfriend does too.”-Your voice lowered slightly after that-“That’s enough for me.”-The room fell quiet. Not uncomfortable. Just honest.
Your sister watched you for a long moment from the bed, her expression softening in that painful sister way that always made you feel simultaneously cared for and completely exposed. Then she sighed-“I just wish you had someone else too.”-
You immediately groaned-“You’re sounding exactly like Nana trying to set me up with random women at family gatherings.”-
Your sister burst into sleepy laughter-“She had excellent taste.”-
-“She once tried to flirt with the pharmacist on my behalf while I was buying cough syrup.”-
-“She was networking.”-
-“She was terrifying.”-
Her boyfriend laughed quietly while tossing away the empty pasta containers-“I’m with Nana on this one,” -he admitted. -“You work too much.”-
You pointed accusingly at him-“You are not allowed to join the intervention.”-
-“Too late.”-
You slumped deeper into the hospital chair dramatically-“Unbelievable betrayal in my own family.”-
Your sister grinned before her expression softened again-“I’m serious though.”-The joking faded slightly from her voice now.-“You spend so much time becoming what everyone else needs. I just don’t want you to forget you deserve care too.”-That one slipped under your defenses much too easily. You looked away instinctively toward the dark hospital window.
Rain still slid slowly down the glass outside while fluorescent lights buzzed overhead like tired little electric insects. Then you shrugged lightly-“I’m okay.”- Your sister gave you a look. The look. The one that said I know exactly how much of yourself you hide. And annoyingly, you couldn’t even deny it around her. She reached her hand toward you from the bed. You took it automatically. Cold fingers. Hospital bracelet pressing softly against your skin.
-“You know,”-she murmured sleepily-“for someone who keeps insisting everything is strictly professional…You smiled at your phone like six times tonight.”-
You groaned immediately.-“Oh my God. Go to sleep.”-
Her boyfriend snorted into his drink while your sister laughed softly against the pillows. But even while denying it, your thumb brushed unconsciously against the phone in your pocket.
And somewhere beneath all the exhaustion and caution and carefully constructed distance…You were already wondering what Melissa would wear tomorrow. You didn´t knew when,but you fell asleep. Your neck hurt. Your back hurt. At one point during the night your leg had gone numb from the hospital chair and you were fairly certain your soul briefly left your body around four in the morning when a machine somewhere down the hallway started beeping continuously.
You woke up stiff and disoriented beneath harsh fluorescent lighting, your hoodie bunched awkwardly beneath your head as a makeshift pillow. Elegant. Truly glamorous living.
Your sister was still asleep when you opened your eyes, curled carefully onto her side while the monitors beside her bed blinked softly in the dim early morning light. Her boyfriend was knocked out too, folded in the visitor chair with his mouth slightly open. You smiled faintly despite yourself. Then you checked the time and groaned quietly. Too early. Which unfortunately meant perfect gym hours. You stretched slowly, joints cracking in protest, before grabbing your bag and slipping quietly from the room. The hospital hallways felt ghostly at that hour. Pale blue dawn creeping through distant windows. Nurses speaking softly behind desks. Coffee machines humming like sacred machinery for the exhausted. The cold morning air outside slapped you awake almost instantly. Good. You needed that. Because your life lately felt like a constant cycle of survival and caretaking and performance, and the gym was one of the few places where your body belonged entirely to you again. No cameras. No seductive voice. No pretending. Just movement. Control. Release. By the time you finished your workout, sweat clung lightly to the back of your neck and some of the heaviness in your chest had loosened enough to breathe properly again. You stopped on the way back and bought breakfast for your sister and her boyfriend. Real breakfast. Not sad vending machine pastries shaped like regret. When you returned to the room, your sister was still asleep. Soft morning light spilled across the blankets while machines beeped steadily beside her. For a second, seeing her peaceful like that almost let you imagine none of this was happening. You placed the breakfast bags quietly on the table beside the bed before brushing a few strands of hair from her forehead. Then you leaned down and kissed her temple gently.
-“Morning"- you whispered. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. You smiled softly and turned to leave before your phone vibrated in your pocket. Melissa. You stopped just outside the room and glanced down at the screen. “Good morning.” “I had a dream that you judged me for apologizing too much.” A laugh escaped you immediately despite the exhaustion. Then another message appeared. “I think your confidence lessons are already infecting my subconscious.”
You leaned against the hallway wall outside your sister’s room, gym bag hanging from one shoulder while the smell of fresh coffee drifted through the hospital corridor. Your body still ached from the awful chair and too little sleep, but Melissa’s message pulled a small smile out of you anyway. Your fingers moved across the screen. “Good morning, cupcake.” The typing bubble appeared almost instantly. You continued. “That’s good.” “I’ll teach you until your own mind starts giving you confidence without my help.”
A nurse passed nearby pushing a cart while you waited for the reply, fluorescent lights reflecting softly against the polished floor. Then your phone buzzed. “That sounded weirdly caring for someone who keeps insisting this isn’t emotional.”
You rolled your eyes automatically, though the corner of your mouth twitched upward. “Don’t get spoiled.” “I’m still charging you.”
Melissa answered immediately. “You know, most people flirt by calling someone pretty.” “You flirt by psychologically reorganizing their self-worth.”
You barked out a tired laugh under your breath, earning a mildly concerned glance from a passing nurse. Fair. You typed back: “And it’s clearly working.” “Look how attached you already are.”
Three dots bounced. “Confident women are dangerous.” “You said it yourself.”
Your gaze drifted briefly toward the hospital room door behind you. Toward the breakfast waiting inside. Toward your sleeping sister. Then back to the screen glowing warmly in your hand. “Good.” “Maybe it’s time you became a little dangerous too.”
The typing bubble paused longer this time. Then: “My boyfriend would probably hate hearing that.”
Your expression shifted slightly. There it was again. That subtle hesitation whenever she mentioned him. Not affection. More like obligation wrapped in politeness. You answered carefully. “Your boyfriend isn’t the one taking the lesson.”
Silence followed for a second. Then Melissa replied: “You really mean that, don’t you?” “That I’m allowed to want things for myself.”
Your chest tightened faintly at the vulnerability tucked into the question. You leaned your head back briefly against the wall before typing. “Cupcake.” “You don’t need permission to exist as a full person.”
The typing bubble appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again slower this time. “That might be the nicest thing anyone’s said to me in a while.”
And annoyingly, despite all your boundaries and warnings and careful distance… You stared at Melissa’s message for a long second after that.
“That might be the nicest thing anyone’s said to me in a while."
Something protective stirred low in your chest before you could stop it. Dangerous. You should’ve redirected. Kept things neutral. Professional. Instead, exhaustion and honesty loosened your tongue just enough to make you type: “And if your boyfriend doesn’t like it…” “Remember only insecure people are scared of powerful women.” The typing bubble appeared immediately. But you continued before she could answer. “And maybe it would be time to find another boyfriend.” “One that actually appreciates the woman you truly are.”
Silence. Longer than usual. So long you almost regretted sending it. Because there it was. The line. The one you’d been carefully circling all night. You’d stepped directly onto it now. Not seduction. Not confidence coaching. Influence. And you were suddenly very aware of that. Melissa finally answered. “That’s a very dangerous thing for someone like you to say to me.”
Your jaw tightened faintly. You pushed yourself off the hallway wall and started walking slowly toward the hospital elevators, sneakers squeaking softly against polished floors. Then you typed carefully: “I’m not telling you to leave your relationship.” “I’m telling you not to abandon yourself to preserve one.”
The typing bubble appeared slower this time. “You really believe I’ve been doing that?”
You exhaled quietly. Because yes. Obviously yes. Every message from her practically dripped with self-minimization. But you answered more gently than before. “I think you’ve spent a long time trying to become easy to love.” “And eventually people forget you’re supposed to love yourself too.”
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding. You stepped inside. Melissa took several seconds to answer. Then:“That sounded painfully personal again.”
A tired smile touched your mouth despite yourself. “Careful, cupcake.” “At this rate you’ll convince yourself I’m secretly wise.”
Her response came instantly. “Too late.” “I already think you’re emotionally dangerous.”
That one made you laugh softly under your breath as the elevator descended. Because honestly? She might not have been entirely wrong. You stepped out of the elevator and into the pale morning lobby, gym bag sliding slightly down your shoulder while exhausted sunlight filtered weakly through the hospital windows. Melissa’s last message still lingered on your screen. A tired laugh escaped you softly.
Then your fingers moved before you could overthink it. “In that, you’re right.” “I am emotionally dangerous…” The typing bubble appeared almost immediately. But you sent another message before she could answer. “I’m going to shower and then stream.” “See you tonight.”
For a second, nothing came back. Then: “You know what?” “That sounded suspiciously close to saying you’re looking forward to seeing me.”
You snorted under your breath while pushing through the hospital doors into the chilly morning air. “Confidence lesson number two.” “Don’t assume things without evidence.”
Melissa answered instantly. “Coward.”
Your eyebrows lifted. “Excuse me?”
“You flirt like a supervillain and then retreat into professionalism whenever things get real.”
You barked out a genuine laugh right there on the sidewalk. Sharp enough that a passing man glanced at you briefly. Fair. You typed back while walking toward your car. “And yet you keep showing up for lessons.” “Interesting behavior.”
A pause. Then: “Maybe I like dangerous women.”
Your steps slowed slightly at that one. Because the thing was… Melissa didn’t flirt like most clients. Most people pushed. Performed. Tested boundaries because they wanted fantasy gratification. Melissa observed. Listened. Reached. And somehow that made her infinitely more dangerous to you. You leaned against your car for a second before replying. “Good.” “Then wear something devastating tonight.” “I expect progress.”
Three dots bounced immediately. “Yes, teacher.”
You locked your phone before you could smile too much at that and tossed it into the passenger seat. The morning air felt cold against your skin. Your body ached. And in a few hours you’d sit in front of a microphone again, becoming confidence and seduction and control for strangers who paid to borrow it.
But for the first time in a while… Tonight didn’t feel like something to survive. By the time night settled over the city, you had rebuilt yourself completely. Not the exhausted hospital version. Not the sleepless caretaker. Not the woman eating vending machine dinners between panic and responsibility. This version of you looked untouchable. You adjusted the cuffs of your dark suit in the mirror one final time, fabric sharp enough to cut through doubt itself. The tailored jacket hugged your body perfectly, elegant without trying too hard, expensive enough to make people instinctively straighten when you walked into a room. Your hair fell in soft waves over one shoulder, glossy beneath the warm bathroom light. Makeup subtle. Intentional. The kind that didn’t scream for attention because it already expected it. Gold rings flashed briefly as you fixed one of your bracelets into place. A soft expensive perfume lingered against your skin afterward, warm amber and smoke and something impossible to fully identify. Underneath all of it, hidden beneath composure and tailored confidence, lace pressed softly against your skin. Armor came in many forms.
You stared at yourself in the mirror for one quiet second longer. Then slipped your phone into your pocket and left.
The drive to the restaurant felt strangely different from your usual client meetings. Normally you prepared mentally. Rules. Code words. Emotional distance. Performance structure. But tonight your mind kept drifting instead toward green eyes you’d never seen in person and messages that had somehow slipped beneath your defenses anyway. Dangerous. Very dangerous. The restaurant glowed warmly against the dark street when you arrived, golden lights spilling across polished windows while low jazz hummed faintly from inside. You’d intentionally arrived early. Control started with never rushing. You handed your keys to valet smoothly before stepping inside. Immediately, heads turned. Not dramatically. Just instinctively. People always noticed confidence before beauty. The hostess straightened slightly the second she saw you approaching.
-“Good evening.”-You smiled politely. Reservation under Melissa’s name. The hostess checked quickly before nodding.-“She hasn’t arrived yet, but your table is ready.”- Of course it was. You followed her deeper into the restaurant, heels clicking softly against dark polished floors while candlelight flickered gold against crystal glasses and quiet conversations drifted through the air. The table sat tucked into a more private corner. Smart choice. You removed your jacket slowly once seated, draping it neatly over the chair beside you before loosening one cuff slightly. Composed. Elegant. Controlled. But beneath all of it, your stomach twisted unexpectedly when the entrance doors opened again behind you.
And for the first time all evening, you caught yourself wondering whether Melissa would recognize you instantly without the microphone between you.
You ordered something strong enough to smooth the sharp edges off your nerves without dulling your instincts. Amber liquid caught the candlelight when the waiter placed the glass in front of you, gold reflecting briefly against your rings as you wrapped elegant fingers around it. Your nails clicked softly against the crystal when you lifted it for the first sip. Slow. Controlled. You’d done this countless times before. Private clients. Hotels. Restaurants. Penthouse apartments that smelled like old money and loneliness. You knew how to read rooms within seconds now. Who was drunk. Who was watching too closely. Which exits stayed unobstructed. Which men carried entitlement in the set of their shoulders. Years of experience had sharpened your instincts into something almost animal. But tonight… Tonight your nerves were awake in a completely different way. Not fear exactly. Anticipation. Which honestly irritated you a little.
You leaned back slightly in your chair and scanned the restaurant calmly through lowered lashes. Couple arguing softly near the bar. Business dinner near the windows. A woman in a black dress laughing too loudly at something a man said. No obvious threats. No one paying unusual attention to you. Good. Your phone vibrated briefly in your hand as you texted your bodyguard stationed discreetly outside. “Everything okay.” “Place seems normal.”
The response came immediately. “Copy.” “I’ll stay nearby.” You locked your phone again and took another sip of your drink. The jazz music hummed low and warm through the restaurant while candlelight flickered softly across white tablecloths and polished silverware. Elegant. Safe. Predictable. And yet your pulse still jumped slightly when the restaurant doors opened again. You looked up automatically. And immediately knew it was her. Not because you recognized her face. Because she paused at the entrance like someone used to making herself smaller in unfamiliar places. Beautiful red hair catching the warm restaurant light like burning copper. Dark dress hugging her body in a way that suggested she’d argued with herself before choosing it. Nervous fingers brushing briefly against the strap of her purse. And eyes. Green. Searching. Until they landed on you. You watched the exact second recognition hit her. Her posture shifted subtly. Breath catching just slightly. Because the woman from the messages and the voice in her headphones was suddenly real. And judging by the way Melissa looked at you now across the restaurant… You had underestimated the effect you would have on her in person. You looked at her calmly from across the restaurant. No rushing. No waving dramatically. Just one eyebrow lifting slightly as if to say there you are. Then you smiled. Small. Controlled. Dangerously confident. You lifted your glass a few inches from the table in silent invitation. Melissa stopped breathing for approximately half a second. You saw it happen. Saw the way her shoulders straightened instinctively before she started walking toward you, green eyes locked onto yours like she’d forgotten the rest of the restaurant existed. Interesting. Very interesting. Because over text she’d been playful. Curious. Sharp enough to challenge you. But in person? In person the effect hit her immediately. Your voice had already lived in her head for weeks. Now it had a body attached to it. The candlelight caught the gold of your jewelry as you lowered the glass again, watching her approach with calm composure while internally cataloging details automatically. Nervous hands. Slight tension in her jaw. And the dress. You noticed the dress immediately. Elegant. Fitted enough to flatter her figure beautifully while still carrying traces of hesitation in the styling choices, like she’d almost chosen something safer before forcing herself not to. Good. She followed instructions.
You stood smoothly the moment she reached the table. Not rushed. Not overly formal. Just controlled confidence wrapped in expensive perfume and sharp tailoring. Melissa finally reached the table and stopped in front of you for one brief awkward second. Then laughed softly at herself.
-“Okay,”- she admitted quietly -“this feels unfair.”-
You tilted your head slightly-“Unfair?”-
-“You look…”- she gestured vaguely toward you, visibly losing the battle against your presence already-“way too much like your voice.”-
A low laugh escaped you at that. Smooth. Warm-“And what exactly were you expecting, cupcake?”-
Melissa swallowed visibly-“That’s the problem,”- she murmured-“I don’t think I expected you to feel real.”-That one landed somewhere low in your chest before you could stop it. You masked it easily behind another small sip of your drink. Professional composure sliding neatly back into place.
-“Well,” -you said smoothly after setting the glass down again -“lesson one here. Stop underestimating women.”-Melissa smiled then. Nervous still. But brighter now. And when her eyes drifted over you again, slow and openly appreciative this time… You realized your nerves hadn’t been misplaced at all. Your hand brushed lightly against the back of her chair as you pulled it out for her, the gold rings on your fingers catching the candlelight briefly. You weren’t the tallest woman in the restaurant. Not even close.But the heels, the posture, the calm certainty in your movements made people unconsciously look up at you anyway. Confidence altered gravity.
Melissa sat down carefully, visibly aware of you standing so close for that brief second. Her perfume mixed subtly with yours when you leaned in slightly to help guide the chair inward.
Warm vanilla. Nervous energy. And something soft beneath it. You returned to your seat across from her, crossing one leg over the other while lifting your drink again. Your eyes stayed on her calmly over the rim of the glass. Watching.
Melissa tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear nervously before speaking.
-“I’m sorry if I’m late,”- she murmured-“I spent way too long trying to convince myself I looked good in this dress.”-The second the apology left her mouth, your expression shifted. Not harsh. Just immediate. One eyebrow lowered slightly. A silent correction.Melissa noticed instantly. Her eyes widened a little-“Sorry for saying sorry,” -she corrected quickly. You crossed your arms slowly. She bit back a nervous laugh.-“...Not sorry?”-
That finally pulled a small approving smile from you-“That’s better.”-
Relief flickered visibly across her face, though she still looked adorably tense sitting across from you under the candlelight. You tilted your head slightly, studying her for another second before asking more softly-“How are you feeling?"-
Melissa exhaled shakily through a laugh-“Like I accidentally signed up for psychological warfare.”-
A low amused sound escaped you-“Interesting. You don’t look miserable.”-
-“No"-she admitted quietly-“Just exposed.”-
That one made your gaze sharpen slightly. Because there it was again. That honesty. The kind most people avoided. You leaned back comfortably in your chair, bracelets glinting softly as your wrist rested against the table.
-“Good. Exposure builds tolerance. The first time you stop shrinking yourself always feels illegal. Besides you look completly amazing, that's is more worth it than being early"-Melissa laughed softly at that, though her fingers still toyed nervously with the edge of the napkin in her lap. Your eyes dropped briefly to the movement. Then back to her face.
-“Tell me something,”- you said calmly-“When you were getting dressed tonight…Who were you trying to convince? Yourself? Or the imaginary audience in your head?”-
Melissa froze slightly. Because unfortunately… You already knew the answer.
-“Both, I guess…”- she admitted quietly-“For you too, if I’m being honest.”-Something warm and dangerous flickered low in your chest at the honesty of that. Before you could answer, the waiter appeared beside the table. And immediately looked at you first. Of course he did. People naturally gravitated toward the person carrying the most certainty.
-“Ready to order?”- he asked politely.
You didn’t even glance at the menu again. Instead, you looked directly at Melissa.
-“The beautifull lady order for both of us"-Melissa nearly choked on air.
-“What? I don’t know what you like.”-
You smiled softly into your glass before setting it down again-“I’m not asking you to order what I like. I want you to trust your own taste. So go ahead.”-The panic crossed her face immediately. Tiny. Subtle. But obvious to you. Her eyes darted briefly toward the menu like it had personally betrayed her.
-“I…”- she laughed nervously-“What if I choose wrong?”-
-“There’s no wrong”-
-“Yes there is. What if you hate it?”-
You leaned forward slightly then, gold bracelets sliding softly against your wrist-“Melissa.”-The way you said her name made her finally look at you again. Steady. Focused.
-“There is a very important difference between consideration and fear. Right now you’re afraid of disappointing someone instead of trusting yourself.”-The waiter stood there politely pretending not to witness a live psychological awakening over appetizers. Melissa swallowed hard. Then looked down at the menu again. You stayed quiet this time. No rescuing. No guiding. Just watching calmly while she fought the instinct to defer. After almost a full minute, she finally inhaled deeply and closed the menu.
-“…Okay"-Your eyebrow lifted slightly. Okay. That was new. The nervousness was still there, but underneath it something else had appeared too. Decision. Melissa looked at the waiter-“We’ll have the grilled salmon,”- she said carefully-“and the mushroom risotto with the roasted carrots."-
The waiter nodded politely-“Excellent choice.”
Melissa still looked uncertain after he left. You, meanwhile, looked completely relaxed. Which somehow made her even more nervous.
-“…What?”-
A slow smile tugged at your mouth-“You survived.”-
She laughed despite herself-“That was ridiculous.”-
-“No,”- you corrected smoothly-“What’s ridiculous is how uncomfortable you are having preferences.”-
That one hit directly. You could see it in her face instantly. Melissa looked down briefly at the tablecloth before murmuring-“I’m used to adapting.”-
-“Yes. I noticed.”-Your voice stayed calm. Not judgmental. Just observant-“You scan for reactions before deciding things. You soften your opinions before saying them. And you apologize automatically anytime you occupy space.”-
Melissa stared at you for a second. Then laughed softly in disbelief-“You really do notice everything.”-
You lifted your drink again-“That’s why I’m expensive, cupcake.”-Your glass was nearly empty by the time the conversation settled into a quieter rhythm. You lifted it briefly, watching the last amber sip catch the candlelight before setting it down again.
-“Another?”- the waiter asked as he passed.
You nodded once-“A Malbec for both of us, rested in French oak please”- Of course. You were not about to waste a dinner drinking mediocre wine. Melissa watched you while the waiter left, still looking slightly dazed every time you made decisions with such effortless certainty. You leaned back comfortably into your chair afterward, one arm resting along the side while your gaze settled on her again. Calm. Direct.
-“And tell me…”-Your voice lowered slightly beneath the hum of the restaurant-“What does your boyfriend think about you being here?”-
Melissa immediately choked on absolutely nothing. Interesting. You watched her reach for her water too quickly.
-“He doesn’t know,”- she admitted after a second. The candlelight flickered softly between you.
You stayed quiet for just long enough to make her squirm slightly before asking-“Why not?”-
Melissa looked down at the table briefly-“I don’t know.”-
-“Hm.”-
-“I mean…”- she sighed softly. -“How exactly was I supposed to explain this? Hey babe, I’m going to dinner with the woman whose voice I listen to while questioning my entire personality?”-
That pulled a low amused laugh from you. Fair enough. But your expression sharpened slightly afterward-“You avoided the question.”-
Melissa noticed immediately-“…I did.”-
-“Yes. You said you didn’t know how to tell him. Not why you chose not to."-
Her fingers curled subtly against the stem of her water glass. Defensive body language. Your eyes dropped to it automatically. Then back to her face. Melissa hesitated before answering more quietly-“Because he would make me feel guilty.”-There it was. Not anger. Not possessiveness. Guilt.
You leaned back slightly again as the waiter returned with the wine bottle. Deep red liquid poured smoothly into your glasses while silence settled briefly over the table. Once the waiter left, you lifted your glass slowly-“Confidence lesson number three"-Melissa looked up at you immediately-“You’re allowed to do things that belong only to you.”-
She stared at you quietly. Then laughed once under her breath-“You make everything sound so simple.”-
-“No,”- you corrected softly.-“I make it sound permitted. That’s different.”-Melissa’s eyes held yours for a second too long after that. Warm candlelight reflected green and gold in them now. And for one brief dangerous moment, the entire restaurant around you seemed to blur softly at the edges. You let your gaze linger on her properly for the first time since she sat down. Not just attractive. Not just nervous. You examined her carefully. The curve of her mouth when she tried not to smile too much. The way tension still lived in her shoulders despite the wine slowly softening her. The intelligence in her eyes that sharpened every time you challenged her. Melissa was older than you. Not by much. But enough that it made the hesitation in her even sadder somehow. Because she was stunning. Truly. Not in the polished effortless way social media sold beauty. In the dangerous way of women who had spent years dimming themselves until all that contained light started pressing painfully against the edges. Waiting to be let out. Waiting to stop apologizing for existing at full volume.
You swirled the wine slowly in your glass before speaking-“You know what your problem is?”-
You tilted your head slightly, studying her face openly enough to make her shift in her seat-“You ask permission with your entire body.”- That hit instantly. You saw it in the way her fingers tightened slightly around the stem of her glass. So you continued calmly-“The way you sit. The way you speak. Even the way you entered the restaurant. Beautiful women usually know when people are looking at them.”-
Melissa blinked slowly-“And I don’t?”-
-“You notice. But instead of owning it, you immediately try to deserve it.”-
Silence. Soft jazz drifted around the restaurant while candlelight flickered gold across her red hair. Melissa looked down briefly before asking quietly-“What’s the difference?”-
You leaned forward slightly then, voice lower now-“One comes from confidence. The other comes from hunger.”-Her eyes lifted back to yours immediately. You held her gaze steadily-“Confident people don’t beg internally every time they take up space. They don’t perform gratitude for basic attention. And they definitely don’t act surprised when someone wants them.”-Melissa swallowed hard after that. Your eyes drifted over her again deliberately. The dress. The flushed cheeks. The nervousness barely holding together beneath the tension between you. Then you smiled faintly-“You’re gorgeous, cupcake. The issue is that you behave like that information belongs to everyone else except you."-
For a second she just stared at you. Completely still. Then a shaky laugh escaped her-“You say things like you’re trying to rewire my brain chemistry.”-
A low amused hum left your throat-“That’s because I am.”-The waiter arrived balancing elegant plates between practiced hands, the rich smell of butter, herbs, roasted vegetables, and wine unfolding warmly between you the second the dishes touched the table. The salmon looked perfect. The risotto creamy and fragrant beneath shaved parmesan. And Melissa immediately looked at you instead of the food. Of course she did. You caught the glance from beneath her eyelashes and nearly smiled into your wine. There it was again. That reflexive search for approval. You leaned back slightly in your chair, completely relaxed.
-“Don’t wait for my permission.”- Melissa blinked-“You were the one who ordered.”-
A faint flush crawled up her neck at being caught again-“I wasn’t…”- You lifted one eyebrow slowly. She sighed-“…Okay maybe a little.”-
You picked up your fork calmly-“Notice how automatic that was? You made a decision confidently two minutes ago and immediately looked to someone else to validate it.”-
Melissa stared down at the plate briefly-“That sounds kind of sad when you say it like that.”-
-“It’s not sad. It’s conditioning.”-Your voice softened slightly afterward-“People teach women very early that being agreeable keeps them safe. Liked. Desired.”-You cut into the salmon neatly while continuing-“But eventually some women get so used to monitoring everyone else’s reactions that they stop hearing themselves entirely.”-Melissa watched you quietly now instead of the food. Completely focused. Dangerously focused. You noticed it immediately. The way she leaned toward you slightly without realizing. The way your voice seemed to settle directly into her nervous system. You took a bite finally, calm and composed.Then nodded once toward her plate-“Eat.”-
Melissa laughed softly-“Yes, teacher.”-That nickname should not have affected you as much as it did. You hid it well behind another sip of wine. But Melissa noticed the tiny shift in your expression anyway. Her smile widened slightly-“Oh my God. You like that.”-
You pointed your fork at her immediately-“Careful. Confidence lessons can absolutely be revoked.”-She laughed again, warmer now. Looser. And for the first time since entering the restaurant, Melissa picked up her fork and started eating without checking your reaction first.
You were halfway through another sip of wine when she asked it-“Can I know your real name?”-Your eyes lifted slowly from the plate back to her face. And annoyingly enough, you’d been distracted. Not by the question. By her mouth. The soft movement of her full lips while she spoke. The way confidence and nervousness kept colliding inside her expression like opposing tides. Dangerous observation. You set your glass down carefully-“I know the one you use online is a pseudonym,”- Melissa added more quietly. Of course she’d figured that out. You leaned back into your chair again, posture elegant and composed despite the tiny tightening in your chest. Then answered smoothly-“I’m sorry, cupcake. But the less you know about the real me, the better it is for both of us.”-Melissa’s expression softened slightly, though disappointment flickered there too. You continued before she could ask again-“Otherwise the lines between work, service, and reality start getting mixed.”-
The candlelight danced softly across the table between you. Melissa looked down briefly at her wine glass-“I think they already are a little.”-Honest. Again.
You watched her quietly for a second before responding-“That’s exactly why boundaries matter.”-
Her fingers traced lightly against the stem of her glass-“But doesn’t it get lonely?”-The question landed gently this time. Not invasive. Just curious.
You tilted your head slightly-“What?”-
-“Having to divide yourself so carefully all the time."-A soft breath left your nose.
You looked away briefly toward the rest of the restaurant. People laughing. Silverware clinking softly. Warm golden light everywhere. Normal life. Then your gaze returned to her.
-“Lonely isn’t the right word.”-Melissa waited patiently-“It’s… compartmentalized"-
That earned the faintest sad smile from her-“You make emotional repression sound elegant.”-
A real laugh escaped you at that. Low and warm-“Years of practice.”-Melissa smiled too, but her eyes stayed thoughtful while she watched you. Still trying to understand the person beneath the performance. You noticed immediately. Of course you did. So you leaned forward slightly and redirected the conversation with practiced ease.
-“Besides,”- you murmured smoothly-“you’re here to focus on yourself tonight. Not interrogate me like a tiny redheaded detective.”-
Melissa laughed into her wine-“You make that difficult.”-
-“Good. Growth should feel slightly annoying.”-Her eyes sparkled at that. And for a brief second, watching her laugh freely under the candlelight... You almost forgot to keep your distance too. You twirled the stem of your wine glass slowly between your fingers after saying it, watching the deep red liquid catch the candlelight like velvet-“And besides… I prefer separating my life like this. Better than getting tangled in feelings and ending up in a relationship I don’t actually want to be in.”-
Melissa went very still after that. Not offended. Just… thoughtful. You noticed immediately.
Her gaze dropped briefly toward the tablecloth before returning to you slower this time-“That sounded pointed.”-
You lifted one shoulder lightly-“Was it inaccurate?”-Melissa opened her mouth. Then closed it again. Interesting. You leaned back comfortably, crossing one leg over the other beneath the table-“You know what I’ve noticed?” -you continued calmly-"People stay in relationships for very strange reasons.”-
She looked at you carefully now-“Like what?”-
-“Habit. Fear. Convenience. The sunk cost fallacy dressed up as loyalty.”-
A soft laugh escaped her at that phrasing. But her smile faded quickly afterward.-“And what if someone’s just… comfortable?”-
You tilted your head slightly-“Comfortable? Or emotionally asleep?”-
That one hit directly. You saw it in the way her fingers tightened subtly around the fork in her hand. Melissa looked away toward the restaurant briefly-“You make everything sound very clear.”-
-“No,”- you corrected softly-“I just say things most people avoid saying out loud.”-The jazz music drifted lazily through the room while candlelight flickered gold against her red hair. You studied her quietly for another second before continuing more gently-“Cupcake… Wanting more from your life doesn’t automatically make you cruel.”-
Her eyes lifted back to yours immediately. Vulnerable now. Open in a way that made something protective stir low in your chest again. Dangerous. Very dangerous.
Melissa swallowed softly.-“I think I forgot that somewhere along the way.”-
Your expression softened before you could stop it. And this time she noticed. Not the performance. Not the teasing confidence. The real softness underneath. Tiny. Brief. But real.
Her voice lowered slightly afterward-“Has anyone ever said things like this to you?”-
You held her gaze for a second too long. Then smiled faintly and slipped gracefully back behind your defenses-“That question costs extra.”-
Melissa rolled her eyes softly at your deflection, though the warmth lingering in her expression made it clear she wasn’t actually frustrated.
You watched her finish the last bite from her plate, noticeably more relaxed now than when she first arrived. Shoulders lower. Movements freer. Good. The wine probably helped a little too. Then she looked back at you over the candlelight and smiled faintly.-“Your voice is exactly like the streams. Just as commanding and relaxed.”-
A low amused hum left your throat-“That’s because the streams are still me. Just… curated”-
Melissa tilted her head slightly-“Curated how?”-
You leaned back comfortably in your chair, fingers brushing lazily against the stem of your wine glass.-“In the streams I know exactly what I’m giving people. Fantasy. Control. Attention. A version of confidence they can borrow for a while.”-Her eyes stayed fixed on you while you spoke. Focused in a way that made you very aware of how low your voice had gone
-“And in real life?”- she asked quietly. You smiled faintly.
-“In real life I’m less patient before caffeine.”- That earned a laugh from her. Warm. Easy. You liked that sound more than you should.
Melissa rested her chin lightly against her hand afterward, studying you openly now-“But the calm part is real.”-
You held her gaze-“Yes.”-
-“The confidence too?”-
Your rings clicked softly against the wine glass as you turned it slowly-“Mostly.”-
-“Mostly?”-
You exhaled a quiet laugh through your nose-“Confidence isn’t the absence of fear, cupcake. It’s moving like your fear doesn’t get voting rights.”-
Melissa stared at you for a second after that. Then shook her head softly-“See? You just say things like that naturally. Like you swallowed a self-help book written by a very attractive supervillain.”-
You barked out a laugh loud enough that a couple nearby glanced over briefly-“There it is,”- you murmured afterward-“Your sense of humor. You hide that too.”-
Melissa blinked-“What?”-
-“You soften yourself before people can react to you. But every once in a while your real personality slips out anyway.”-A faint blush touched her cheeks immediately. You smiled into your wine.-“Much better. I like this version of you.”-The words left your mouth naturally. Too naturally. Because the second silence settled afterward, you realized how intimate that sounded. Melissa noticed too. You could see it in the way her breath caught slightly while her eyes held yours across the table. And for one dangerous second… Neither of you looked away.
The silence stretched just a second too long after your last words. Too intimate. Too honest.
You cleared your throat softly and leaned back slightly, reclaiming composure like slipping a jacket back onto your shoulders-“So”- you said smoothly, lifting one eyebrow, -“what do we do now?”-Melissa blinked once, clearly still recovering a little from the tension hanging between you.
-“I don’t know,”- she admitted with a small nervous laugh-“What are your plans?”-
You tilted your head slowly-“No, cupcake. You’re the one making decisions tonight, remember?”-Her expression immediately shifted between panic and amusement. You smiled faintly at the reaction-“You can ask me to do anything and I’ll follow. You just have to know what you want.”-
Melissa stared at you across the candlelight. Completely still. And for the first time all evening, you watched her realize the real challenge of confidence. Not rebellion. Not seduction. Choice. The waiter passed nearby while jazz hummed softly through the restaurant, but neither of you looked away from each other. Melissa swallowed once.
-“You’re making this sound terrifying.”-
-“Good. That means it matters.”-
Her fingers tapped nervously once against the table. Then twice.
You waited patiently. No rescuing. No suggestions. Just quiet steady attention. Finally she exhaled through a laugh.
-“Okay. I want…”-The sentence faltered immediately. You noticed the exact second self-consciousness tried to grab her throat again.
Your voice softened slightly-“Don’t edit yourself halfway through the thought.”-
Melissa looked down briefly before trying again.-“I want to keep spending time with you tonight.”- Simple. Honest. And somehow that landed harder than flirting.
You held her gaze steadily-“Good. See how much prettier that sounds without apologizing first?”-A blush warmed her cheeks instantly. You smiled into your wine again before asking calmly-“And what would you enjoy doing?”-
Melissa laughed softly-“You really won’t decide for me.”-
-“No. Because then you’ll leave tonight remembering my confidence instead of discovering your own.”- That quieted her immediately. You watched the thought settle behind her eyes. Then, slowly, something shifted in her posture again. Small. But important. Melissa straightened slightly in her seat before speaking more firmly this time-“There’s a bookstore nearby that stays open late...And… I’d like to go there with you.”-
Your eyebrow lifted faintly. Interesting choice-“Books?” -you asked lightly-"Not exactly the stereotypical post-dinner fantasy.”-
Melissa smiled then. Real smile. Less hesitant now-“That sounds like your problem, not mine.”-
The laugh that escaped you afterward was immediate and genuine. Warm enough that the couple at the next table glanced over again. And sitting there watching Melissa grin proudly at managing to surprise you… You realized lesson one might already be working. You paid the bill before Melissa could even reach for her purse. Of course you did. Then you stood smoothly from the table, sliding your suit jacket back over your shoulders while the waiter thanked you quietly. Melissa followed you outside a second later. The cold night air hit immediately. Sharp. Clean. And the second it touched her bare skin, she shivered. Your eyes dropped instinctively to the thin straps of her dress. Beautiful choice. Terrible insulation strategy. You sighed softly through your nose.
-“Cupcake.”- Before she could ask what, you were already shrugging your jacket off your shoulders. Warmth still lingered inside the expensive fabric when you stepped closer and draped it carefully over her shoulders. Melissa froze slightly. Your perfume wrapped around her immediately. Amber. Smoke. Something rich and warm and distinctly you. The oversized jacket slipped down her arms slightly, swallowing part of her frame while your lingering body heat clung softly to the fabric. When she looked up at you, green eyes wide for half a second, you were already turning toward the car instead of lingering in the moment too long. Safer that way. You opened the passenger door smoothly and extended your hand toward her. Elegant. Steady. Melissa stared at it for one tiny heartbeat before placing her hand in yours. Warm fingers. Softer than you expected. You helped her into the seat carefully, your other hand instinctively resting near the top of the car door so she wouldn’t bump her head getting in. The movement placed you briefly closer than either of you had been all evening. Close enough to notice the tiny catch in her breathing. Close enough to see her eyes flick once toward your mouth before returning upward quickly. Interesting. Very interesting.
You stepped back smoothly before the tension could thicken further and shut the door gently behind her. Then you circled toward the driver’s side, heels clicking softly against the pavement while your bodyguard’s car remained parked discreetly farther down the street.
Still there. Good. You slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine, warm air slowly filling the car. Melissa sat wrapped in your jacket beside you, your sleeves covering part of her hands now. The sight did something annoyingly tender to your chest.
You adjusted the mirrors casually before glancing toward her-“Comfortable?”-
Melissa looked down briefly at the jacket around her shoulders before answering softly-“Dangerously”-
A low laugh escaped you as you pulled away from the curb-“Careful. You’re getting attached to my dry cleaning bill.”-
Soft jazz drifted low from the radio as you turned the volume up just enough to smooth the silence instead of erase it. The city lights slid across the windshield in blurred gold streaks while you drove through the night with one hand resting loosely on the steering wheel. You could feel Melissa looking at you. Not casually. Carefully. Like she was trying to solve something. The inside of the car smelled faintly of your perfume and clean leather, everything immaculate and organized in a way that suggested control wasn’t just a personality trait for you. It was survival architecture. You noticed her gaze lingering on the dashboard, the spotless interior, the quiet precision of everything. Then back to you.
A faint smile touched your mouth-“Careful. You’re observing me again.”-
Melissa startled slightly before laughing under her breath-“You make it difficult not to.”-
You glanced at her briefly at a red light. Still wrapped in your jacket. Still carrying traces of nervousness beneath the growing comfort. Cute. Dangerously cute. You looked back toward the road before speaking again.-“Do you want ice cream?”-
Melissa blinked-“Ice cream?”-
-“Yes. Confidence lessons require proper enrichment activities.”-That earned a laugh from her immediately. You continued, voice softer beneath the music now-“We can go to the bookstore. You pick something you like. Then we’ll get ice cream while you tell me why you chose it.”-
Melissa looked at you quietly after that. Really looked at you. And for a second you wondered if you’d accidentally revealed too much softness again. Because this didn’t feel like seduction anymore. It felt strangely gentle. The red light shifted green. You started driving again. Then Melissa spoke carefully-“You know…You keep saying this is business.”-You hummed lightly-“But you also bought me dinner, gave me your jacket, and now you want to analyze my personality through bookstore choices.”-
A low laugh slipped from your throat-“When you say it like that, I sound deeply manipulative.”-
-“You sound…” she paused, searching for the word- “thoughtful.”-Your fingers tightened ever so slightly around the steering wheel. Dangerous word. You hid it beneath another teasing smile.
-“Don’t get spoiled, cupcake. I’m still emotionally dangerous, remember?”-
Melissa smiled softly beside you-“Yes. I think that’s why I feel safe.”-
At the next red light, you reached into the center console and pulled out a small pack of gum.
Melissa watched the movement quietly. You slipped a piece into your mouth, raspberry sweetness immediately cutting through the lingering taste of wine. The familiar flavor grounded you a little, gave your restless mind something simple to focus on besides the woman sitting beside you wrapped in your jacket.
Streetlights painted gold across your rings as you rested one hand back on the steering wheel.
-“It’s my job,”- you said calmly after a moment-“I become what my clients need.”-Melissa stayed quiet, listening carefully. You glanced toward her briefly-“And I can tell that what you need is care and softness. Even if you don’t ask for it directly.”-The honesty of that settled heavily in the car for a second. Melissa’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly. Like hearing someone say a truth she’d been quietly starving for. You broke the tension before it could deepen too much, lifting the gum pack slightly toward her-“Gum?”-
She smiled softly and took one-“Thank you.”- Your fingers brushed briefly when she grabbed it. Tiny contact. Still noticeable. Melissa unwrapped the gum slowly before putting it in her mouth, then laughed faintly a second later-“Raspberry.”-
-“You sound surprised.”-
-“You just seem like someone who would chew mint. Very intimidating flavor.”-
A low laugh rolled from your throat-“Intimidating flavor?”-
-“Yes. Like your entire personality.”-
You shook your head, amused, while turning the wheel smoothly down another street-“Careful. That almost sounded like flirting again.”-
Melissa leaned back in the seat slightly, your oversized jacket slipping lower on her shoulders-“Maybe I’m practicing confidence.”-
You glanced at her briefly. And there it was again. That spark. Small but growing. Less apologetic now. Less edited.
You smiled slowly-“Good girl. See? Positive reinforcement works beautifully.”-
Melissa immediately choked on her own gum. You laughed so suddenly you nearly missed the turn. You pulled the car smoothly against the curb outside the bookstore, engine settling into a soft idle beneath the quiet music still drifting from the radio. Your driving matched everything else about you. Controlled. Fast when it could be. Careful when it mattered. Never jerky. Never uncertain. Melissa noticed it too. You could feel her watching the way your hands moved on the steering wheel before her gaze drifted toward the bookstore windows glowing warmly against the night. The inside looked cozy from here. Stacks of books. Warm yellow lights. A tiny café corner near the back. The kind of place people hid in during rainy afternoons and heartbreaks.
Melissa stayed curled slightly into your jacket, your sleeves covering part of her hands while traces of your perfume still clung softly to her. Then she looked at you.
-“Can you pick the book?”-
Your eyebrow lifted immediately-“I thought tonight was about your choices.”-
-“It is.”-A small smile tugged at her mouth-“I’m choosing to let you choose.”-
You stared at her for one long second. Then huffed a quiet laugh through your nose-“That’s dangerously clever.”- Melissa grinned proudly at herself. You leaned back against the seat slightly, studying her again. She looked different already from the woman who entered the restaurant. Still nervous. Still thoughtful. But less hidden. Like someone slowly unfolding after being cramped too long inside herself. Interesting. Very interesting.
-“And what exactly is the logic behind this decision?”- you asked.
Melissa shrugged softly beneath your jacket-“You read people too well. So I want to know what kind of book you think I need.”-
Your fingers tapped once lightly against the steering wheel. Because honestly? That was intimate too. Books revealed people in terrifyingly specific ways. You looked toward the bookstore windows thoughtfully. Then back at her-“Careful, cupcake. That sounds suspiciously like trust.”-
Melissa held your gaze this time instead of immediately looking away-“I think that’s already happened.”-The silence that followed felt warmer than the heater running through the car.
You looked at her for a second too long again before finally unbuckling your seatbelt-“Alright,”-you murmured-“But if I pick something emotionally devastating, that’s on you.”-
Melissa laughed and looked at you from beneath her eyelashes again, curled into the passenger seat wrapped in your jacket while warm air hummed softly through the car.
-“Can we stay in here a little longer?”-she asked quietly-“It’s really warm.”-
Your eyes drifted over her instinctively. The oversized jacket around her shoulders. The way the dim dashboard lights softened her features. And the way her gaze lingered openly now on the fitted vest beneath your suit jacket, tracing the shape of your figure like she was trying very hard not to get caught doing it. You noticed anyway. Of course you did. A soft smile tugged at your mouth as you settled back into the driver’s seat instead of getting out-“You can.”-Melissa relaxed immediately at the answer. Then you tilted your head slightly-“But next time…”-Your voice lowered gently beneath the quiet music.-“Say it with confidence. Not like you’re asking permission to exist.”-Her breath caught faintly. You watched the words settle inside her.-“You weren’t bothering me,”- you continued calmly. You wanted something. That’s allowed.”-
Melissa looked down briefly at her hands inside your sleeves-“I don’t always know how to ask for things."-
-I know.”-The honesty of that made her look back up immediately. You leaned one elbow lightly against the center console, studying her quietly.-“Most people around you probably reward the agreeable version of you. The easy version. The version that doesn’t inconvenience anyone.”-Melissa gave a tiny nod before she could stop herself. Your expression softened slightly.-“But wanting warmth isn’t inconvenient. Wanting company isn’t selfish. And wanting to stay a little longer with someone you enjoy…”- you paused faintly-“is very human.”- The silence afterward felt thick and warm inside the car. Outside, the bookstore glowed against the dark street while occasional headlights slid past in blurred ribbons of light.
Melissa swallowed softly-“You make everything sound so simple.”-
You smiled faintly-“No. I just remove the shame people attach to normal needs.”-
Her eyes held yours again after that. Longer this time. Steadier. And for the first time all night, Melissa didn’t look like she wanted to shrink beneath your attention. She looked like she wanted to stay inside it. The warmth inside the car had become dangerous. Not physically. Emotionally. Soft music humming low. Your jacket wrapped around her shoulders. The quiet intimacy of parked cars at night, where conversations always seemed to slip accidentally deeper than intended. And underneath all of it, a growing realization pressed steadily against the back of your mind. You never pulled out the contract. The thought hit suddenly enough to make your jaw tighten slightly. Because you always did. Every client. Every private session. Rules. Boundaries. Expectations. Paperwork created distance. Structure. Safety. You had built those protections carefully after learning the hard way what happened when emotional lines blurred between fantasy and reality. People projected. Attached. Wanted pieces of you they were never actually promised. And somehow tonight you’d ignored every instinct that normally kept you safe. No contract. No formal structure. No emotional distance. Just wine and bookstores and conversations about loneliness while Melissa looked at you like she was trying to memorize the shape of your mind. Stupid. Careless. Your gaze drifted toward her quietly. She was still wrapped in your jacket, relaxed now against the seat while absentmindedly playing with one of the sleeves. Trusting you. That made it worse somehow. Because this wasn’t manipulation. Not intentional. You genuinely liked her. And that was exactly the problem.
You looked away toward the bookstore windows again, fingers tightening slightly around the steering wheel. You knew how this went when you ignored the protections time had carved painfully into you. Someone always got hurt. Usually both people. Melissa noticed the subtle shift in your expression almost immediately-“What happened?”- she asked softly.
You exhaled slowly through your nose. Professional distance tried to rebuild itself inside your chest like muscle memory-“You should know something.”-Her posture straightened slightly. You kept your eyes forward for a second before finally looking back at her.-“I normally have contracts for private sessions.”-
A tiny crease formed between her brows-“And we didn’t do that.”-
-“No.”-Silence settled briefly.
Then Melissa asked carefully-“Why?”-That question landed too directly. Because the truthful answer was deeply inconvenient.
You looked at her for a long moment inside the dim light of the car before finally speaking quieter than before-“I think I stopped treating this like work somewhere around the moment you started looking at me like a person instead of a fantasy."-
Melissa went completely still. And the honesty hanging between you after that felt far more intimate than anything flirtatious either of you had said all night. You sighed quietly and reached for the door handle before the silence inside the car could grow even heavier. The cold night air hit your skin instantly when you stepped outside. Good. You needed that. Needed something sharp enough to cut through the warmth building inside the car and inside your chest. For a second you just stood there beside the vehicle, breathing slowly while city lights reflected across the bookstore windows. Distance helped. Distance always helped. Because sitting beside Melissa had started feeling dangerously easy. And easy was exactly how boundaries dissolved. You dragged one hand back through your hair before turning toward the bookstore.
-“I’ll pick the book,”- you said finally. Melissa looked up at you from inside the car, still wrapped in your jacket. There was something soft in her expression now. Soft enough that you instinctively avoided holding her gaze too long-“You’re staying here?”- you asked and she nodded.
-“My warmth privilege revoked temporarily.”- That earned a small laugh from her, but you could still feel her studying you carefully. Like she noticed the retreat. Of course she noticed. She noticed everything about you more than she should already. You closed the car door gently behind you before walking toward the bookstore alone, heels clicking softly against the pavement. Inside, warm golden light wrapped around you immediately along with the smell of paper and coffee and old wood. Safer territory. Books were easier than feelings. Books followed structure. Stories had rules. You wandered slowly between shelves, fingertips brushing absentmindedly across spines while your mind kept replaying the last thing you’d said to Melissa."You looked at me like a person instead of a fantasy." Too honest. Way too honest.
You stopped in front of a display table and exhaled quietly. This was exactly why the contracts existed. Because without them, you slipped. Started revealing pieces of yourself accidentally. Started craving softness from people who were supposed to remain temporary.
Your eyes drifted across the shelves thoughtfully. Romance. Psychology. Poetry. Self-help. Fantasy. Then finally you spotted it. A novel tucked sideways near the edge of a display. A story about a woman rebuilding herself after years spent becoming smaller for other people. Messy. Beautiful. Angry in quiet ways. Hopeful without being naive. You picked it up slowly. And immediately knew. Of course this was the one. You stared at the cover for another second before laughing softly under your breath-“Jesus Christ,”- you murmured to yourself-“I’m psychoanalyzing clients through literature now.”-But even while mocking yourself, you carried the book carefully toward the register.
And somewhere outside, waiting in your warm car wrapped in your jacket…Melissa was probably smiling just thinking about you coming back. You glanced down at the back cover while waiting near the register, thumb resting against the edge of the pages. Then you paused. And laughed softly to yourself. Because buried beneath all the emotional rebuilding and sharp observations about womanhood and self-worth… The book also had tension. Desire. A few beautifully written erotic scenes charged with exactly the kind of confidence Melissa lacked.
Interesting. Very interesting. You flipped through a few pages absently, catching fragments of dialogue. A woman learning not to apologize for wanting. For taking. For being wanted back. Your smile widened slightly despite yourself. Her boyfriend would absolutely hate this book. Which honestly made it a little better. Not because you wanted to sabotage her relationship. But because Melissa needed to start breaking harmless rules somewhere. Needed proof that disappointing people wasn’t the same thing as becoming cruel.
You bought the book along with two bookmarks near the counter without overthinking it too much. One was elegant and dark. The other had a tiny quote stamped in gold: “There are many kinds of courage.” Yeah. That one was definitely for her. When you stepped back outside, the cold air hit you again immediately. Your car waited beneath the streetlights glowing warm against the dark road. And through the windshield, you could see Melissa still inside wrapped in your jacket, knees tucked slightly toward her chest while she looked out the window absently. Comfortable. Trusting. The sight tugged at something deep in your chest before you could stop it. Dangerous. You opened the passenger door and handed her the bag without speaking immediately. Melissa blinked up at you curiously.
-“You chose already?”-
-“Of course. I’m efficient and emotionally invasive.”-That earned a soft laugh from her as she peeked into the bag. Then her eyes widened slightly when she saw the book.
-“…You picked this for me?”-
You slid back into the driver’s seat calmly-“Yes.”-Melissa flipped it over to read the summary while you started the engine again. You watched the exact moment she noticed the tiny mention of romance and erotic tension hidden in the description. A blush immediately crept up her neck. You smirked without mercy-“Relax, cupcake. Character development and orgasms can coexist peacefully.”-
Melissa’s fingers tightened slightly around the back cover of the book while she looked at you across the dim glow of the dashboard lights.-“You have much of those at your work?”- she asked softly.
You glanced at her briefly before pulling away from the curb again. Then laughed-“Character development or orgasms?”-
Melissa nearly choked laughing-"You know exactly what I meant.”-
-“Mm. Tragic. I was hoping to answer incorrectly on purpose.”- She shook her head smiling, but there was still curiosity lingering beneath it. You tapped your fingers lightly against the steering wheel while considering the question.-“Honestly?”- you said after a moment-“Mostly people just want permission.”-
Melissa looked down at the book in her lap again-“Permission for what?”-
-“To stop pretending. To want things. To be desired. To be taken care of without feeling weak for it.”-Your voice stayed calm and low beneath the soft music drifting through the car.-“Some people come for fantasy. Some come because they’re lonely. Some because they’ve disconnected from themselves so badly they need someone else to guide them back into their own body.”-
Melissa stayed very quiet after that. You could practically see the thoughts moving behind her eyes now. Then she asked more carefully-“And you? Do you ever get tired of being what everyone else needs?”-
That question landed directly under your ribs. You smiled faintly anyway.-“Occupational hazard.”-
-“That’s not really an answer.”-You glanced toward her at the next stoplight.
-“No,”- you admitted quietly-“It’s not.”-The red light painted soft crimson across Melissa’s hair while she studied you again. Not with fantasy now. With concern. Which somehow felt infinitely more dangerous. You looked back toward the road quickly before continuing lighter this time-“But occasionally I get entertaining clients who accidentally become emotionally self-aware. Very dramatic experience for me.”-
Melissa laughed softly, hugging the book closer against her chest-“And what category am I?”-
You smiled slowly-“The terrifyingly observant one.”-That made her grin immediately.
Then after a second, more quietly-“And the orgasms?”-
A low amused sound left your throat-“Those are usually easier than the emotional growth, cupcake.”-Melissa’s eyes stayed on you carefully while the city lights moved across the windshield in soft streaks of gold and white. You kept your attention on the road this time. Safer.-“I just guide my clients,”- you explained calmly-"Like in the streams you watch.”-Your voice settled naturally into that same low controlled cadence she already knew too well from late nights with headphones on-“I don’t actually engage sexually with them. I guide them. Voice. Commands. Sometimes soft touches.”.Melissa swallowed softly beside you. You continued matter-of-factly, almost clinical in your composure now-“It’s one of the main parts of the contract. No sex with clients.”-Her fingers tightened slightly around the book in her lap while she listened-“They get to feel desired. Safe. Wanted. Sometimes they reach pleasure through that.”-You glanced at her briefly at a red light before adding lightly-“I never do. Not with clients.”-Melissa looked at you quietly after that. Not judgmental. Just thoughtful again. Then you smirked faintly, breaking the seriousness before it settled too deep-“But before you start looking concerned…I promise my personal life is perfectly capable of supplying orgasms on other occasions.”-That finally pulled a startled laugh out of her-“There she is,”- you murmured approvingly-“I was worried you drowned in introspection for a second.”-
Melissa shook her head smiling, though there was still emotion lingering in her eyes-“I think I just…”- she hesitated-“I think I’m trying to understand how someone can give so much intimacy without letting people actually have you.”-The question slipped under your ribs before you could brace for it.
You looked ahead at the road quietly for a moment. Then answered honestly-“Because intimacy and access aren’t the same thing.”-Melissa fell silent again. You continued softer now-“People think being desired means being known. It doesn’t.” Most people don’t actually want the complicated human parts. They want the experience.”-Your fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel-“And honestly? Sometimes that’s easier.”-
Melissa looked down at the book again-“Easier than what?”-
You smiled faintly without humor this time-“Easier than needing someone back. And what about you?”- you asked smoothly-“Does your okay boyfriend give you okay orgasms?”-A smile tugged faintly at the corner of your mouth, but your eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead. Melissa immediately made a strangled sound beside you. You laughed softly under your breath-“What? That question suddenly too direct for you?”-
-“No, I just…”- she covered part of her face briefly with one hand, laughing nervously-“Jesus Christ, you say things so calmly.”-
-“That’s because panic is unattractive on me.”-
Melissa shook her head smiling despite herself, but you could see the question still rattling around inside her. Interesting.
You turned down another softly lit street before she finally answered quieter this time-“I don’t know.”-
That pulled your attention briefly toward her-“You don’t know?”-
Melissa stared out the window now-“I mean physically things are… fine. Usually. I guess.”-You hummed lightly. The most uninspired answer imaginable. She noticed immediately-“See? That reaction. That’s exactly why I didn’t want to answer.”-
You smiled faintly-“Cupcake. If someone asks you how your favorite song makes you feel, you don’t answer ‘usually fine.’”-
Melissa barked out a laugh despite herself-“That’s not fair.”-
-“It’s very fair. Pleasure should not sound like a customer service review.”-She laughed harder this time, shoulders finally relaxing again. You smiled too, though your voice softened afterward.-“Do you even know what you like? Outside of making someone else comfortable?”-
The question settled quietly between you. Melissa looked down at the book in her lap-“…I think that’s part of the problem.”-
Your expression softened almost imperceptibly.You reached over then, briefly adjusting the bookmark sticking awkwardly from the top of the bag in her lap. Your fingers brushed hers for only a second-“You’re not broken for that,”- you said quietly-“A lot of women are taught to experience desire like employees. Performance first. Pleasure second.”-
Melissa looked at you carefully after that-“And what do you think pleasure should feel like?"-The city lights reflected briefly across your rings as your hand returned to the wheel.
You were quiet for a moment before answering-“Safe enough to be honest. Free enough to stop performing. And good enough that your brain goes blissfully silent for once.”-
Melissa swallowed softly. Then smiled a little-“…Okay. That one sounded personal.”-
You smirked faintly-“That answer also costs extra. And believe me,”- you continued smoothly, one hand resting loosely against the steering wheel-“if you’d had truly good orgasms, you wouldn’t be questioning whether they were good or not.”-Melissa stared at you beside the soft dashboard glow. You smiled faintly-“You’d know. You’d probably brag about them. Possibly become annoying about them.”-That pulled a startled laugh from her-“I’m serious,” you added, amused.-“Women who are genuinely satisfied carry themselves differently.”-
Her smile softened slightly-“How?”-
You thought about it for a second-“They stop negotiating with themselves so much. There’s less tension. Less hunger for validation. Less pretending.”-Your voice lowered thoughtfully beneath the music-“Being deeply desired in a way that actually centers you changes people. Especially women who spent years treating their own pleasure like an optional side quest"-Melissa laughed quietly at that phrasing, though the blush creeping up her neck betrayed how much the conversation affected her. You glanced at her briefly-“And before you panic,”- you added lightly-“I’m not saying orgasms magically solve emotional problems. Unfortunately therapy still exists."-
-“That’s devastating news,”- she murmured dramatically.
-“I know. Tragic for everyone involved.”-
The car filled briefly with soft laughter again before the conversation settled into something quieter. Then Melissa asked carefully-“And what about confidence? Do you think that changes too?”-
You nodded once-“Yes. Pleasure and confidence are connected more than people realize.”-Her brows lifted slightly-“How?”-
You slowed at another intersection before answering-“Because confidence isn’t just about looking powerful. It’s about feeling safe enough inside yourself to experience joy without apologizing for it.”-Melissa looked out the window thoughtfully while you continued-“A lot of women disconnect from what they want. Sexually. Emotionally. In life. And after a while they start existing almost entirely through obligation.”-The city lights slid softly across her face while she listened-“But real pleasure…”- you murmured-“forces honesty. Your body can’t fake enthusiasm forever. Eventually it tells the truth.”-
Melissa was very quiet after that. Then finally-“You make intimacy sound almost philosophical.”-
A low laugh escaped you-“Occupational side effect. I spend too much time inside people’s heads.”-
She turned toward you slowly then, your jacket still wrapped around her shoulders-“And who gets inside yours?”-The question landed softly. Dangerously softly.
You smiled faintly without looking away from the road.-“That’s advanced level coursework, cupcake. Inside my pants or inside my head?” -you teased lightly. The car rolled smoothly to a stop beneath another wash of streetlights, engine humming softly around the silence that followed. Then you turned your head just enough to look at her fully for the first time since the question-“Are you offering?”-
Melissa’s breath caught immediately. God, she was expressive. You watched the panic and amusement and attraction collide across her face all at once while she clutched the book a little tighter against her chest-“I walked directly into that one,”- she muttered.
-“A little. But points for bravery.”-
A laugh escaped her under her breath before she looked out the windshield again, cheeks pink now beneath the warm glow inside the car-“You flirt like a supervillain.”-
-“And yet,”- you murmured smoothly-“you remain voluntarily inside my vehicle.”-
Melissa rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her instantly. The bookstore lights reflected softly across the windows while the heater continued filling the car with warmth. Then she looked back at you again. More confident this time. More deliberate-“Okay,”- she said quietly-“Inside your head, then.”-
Something in your expression shifted subtly at that. Smaller. Realer. Because somehow that answer felt more intimate than the other possibility. You leaned back slightly against the seat, studying her for a long second before smiling faintly-“Dangerous choice.”-
-“Why?”-
-“Because people usually enjoy the fantasy version of me more.”-
Melissa’s gaze didn’t waver this time-“I don’t think that’s true.”-
You looked at her quietly beneath the dim dashboard light. Then laughed softly through your nose.-“Cupcake…That level of eye contact starts qualifying as a weapon.”-You let your head rest briefly against the seat, eyes closing for just a second while the heater hummed softly around you. The exhaustion of the week tugged at the edges again. Hospital lights. Bills. Long nights performing calmness for strangers. And somehow, beside you, Melissa’s presence had become both comforting and dangerously easy to sink into-“You have beautiful eyes,”- you whispered quietly. So low it almost disappeared beneath the music. You didn’t look at her when you said it. Like maybe it slipped out accidentally while your guard was down. But even with your eyes closed, you could picture them perfectly anyway. Green and attentive and far too honest.
The silence afterward felt warm. Fragile. Then you opened your eyes again and turned toward her before the moment could deepen too much-“What ice cream do you want?”-Melissa was staring at you. Completely still. Like your compliment had reached somewhere she wasn’t prepared to defend. You lifted one eyebrow faintly-“Cupcake.”-
She blinked quickly-“Sorry,”- she laughed softly, visibly flustered now -“You just… caught me off guard.”-
-“That’s because compliments should sound truthful. Otherwise they’re just decoration.”-
Melissa smiled shyly at that before looking down at the book in her lap again, trying to regain composure.-“Chocolate,”- she answered finally-"But the expensive kind. The one that tastes emotionally stable.”-
A low laugh escaped you immediately-“Excellent choice. We love aspirational desserts in this car.”-
That earned another laugh from her. Warmer now. Looser.
You stared at her-“You know…You’re getting better at saying what you want.”-
Melissa looked at you softly from beneath your jacket-“…I think that’s because you make it feel safe.”-
Your fingers tightened subtly around the steering wheel. And for once… You didn’t immediately know how to joke your way out of that one-“And tell me…”- you asked softly, eyes still on the store ahead-“Am I worth how expensive I am? Or do you still feel like you need more from me for tonight to be worth it?”-Melissa looked at you immediately. Not flustered this time. Not panicked. Just honest. The city lights moved slowly across her face while she studied you in the quiet warmth of the car.
-“You know what’s funny?”- she said after a moment. You hummed lightly-“I thought I was paying for confidence lessons. But mostly it feels like someone finally gave me permission to exist without apologizing every five seconds.”-Your expression softened before you could stop it. Melissa continued quietly-“And honestly? That’s probably worth more than the money.”-Something tight pulled unexpectedly in your chest at that. You looked away briefly toward the windshield, jaw shifting subtly like you were recalibrating around the sincerity of her answer. Melissa noticed. Of course she did. A small smile appeared on her mouth-“What?”-
You exhaled softly through your nose-“You say dangerous things sometimes.”-
-“That wasn’t dangerous.”-
-“It was for me.”-The honesty slipped out before you could polish it.
Silence settled warmly around both of you again. Then Melissa leaned slightly toward you, your jacket falling looser around her shoulders now.
-“And no”- she added more softly-“I don’t need more from you tonight. I think…I just like being around you.”-
That landed harder than flirting ever could. Because desire you knew how to handle. This?This quiet tenderness slowly threading itself through the night? Far more complicated.
You smiled faintly anyway, eyes finally meeting hers again-“Careful, cupcake. You’re making the emotionally unavailable girl develop symptoms.”-
You could smell her perfume more clearly now in the enclosed warmth of the car. Soft. Feminine. Something floral underneath the deeper notes. And mixed with yours, it created a scent that lingered thickly in the air between you, almost dizzying. Like two songs accidentally harmonizing. You hated how much you noticed things like that. Melissa looked at you quietly while your fingers loosened from the steering wheel. You needed a second away from her. Just a second. Because every hour tonight had dissolved another careful layer of distance you normally kept intact with clients.
-“I’ll get the ice cream,”- you said softly. Melissa immediately started reaching for the door. You stopped her with a look-“Wait here. So you don’t get cold.”-The command slipped naturally into your voice again. Gentle. Certain.
Melissa settled back into the seat almost automatically, wrapped in your jacket while watching you carefully-“You always do that,”- she murmured.
You paused with your hand on the door handle-“Do what?”-
-“Take care of people like it’s breathing.”-
The words hit low and unexpectedly. You covered it with a faint smirk-“Occupational hazard.”-Then you stepped out into the cold night before she could answer again. The icy air hit your face sharply, helping clear your head for a moment while you walked toward the small ice cream shop. Inside, warm lights and sweet smells wrapped around you instantly. You ordered chocolate for Melissa. The expensive emotionally stable kind. And while waiting, you caught yourself glancing through the window toward your car. Toward her. Melissa sat curled slightly into your seat, your jacket wrapped around her while she absentmindedly traced her fingers over the spine of the book you chose for her. Comfortable. Safe. Like she belonged there. The thought unsettled you more than it should have. You stood waiting for the ice cream while the machine hummed softly behind the counter, but your attention kept drifting back toward the car outside. Toward her. And that was the problem. You had never felt this kind of crack forming inside the walls you built around clients before. Because usually things were simple. Predictable. People came to you wanting confidence, fantasy, release. They projected onto you. Desired you. Pushed for more. Wanted access. Wanted pieces of you they hadn’t earned.
But Melissa… Melissa was different in the most dangerous possible way. She wasn’t pulling at your walls. She wasn’t begging for intimacy or trying to force closeness into existence. She was simply existing beside you gently enough that your defenses kept lowering on their own. No manipulation. No pressure. Just warmth. Curiosity. Soft honesty. And somehow that felt far more intimate than desire ever had.
You watched her through the window again. She was reading the back of the book now, completely absorbed, occasionally smiling faintly to herself while absentmindedly pulling your jacket tighter around her shoulders. Comfortable. Like she trusted you already.
The realization made something twist unexpectedly in your chest. Because trust was not part of the service. Neither was the way you’d almost told her your real name twice tonight. The employee behind the counter called your order ready. You blinked back into the present and grabbed the cups with a quiet thanks before stepping outside again. Cold air wrapped around you immediately. You walked back toward the car slowly, staring at the glow from inside it. At Melissa waiting there.
And for the first time in a very long time… You caught yourself wondering what this night would feel like if it wasn’t work. You sighed softly before opening the car door again, cold air following you briefly inside along with the sweet smell of chocolate and waffle cones. Melissa immediately looked up from the book in her lap. Still wrapped in your jacket. Still sitting like she belonged there. Dangerous sight. You handed her the ice cream carefully before settling back into the driver’s seat with your own.
-“I’m scared of staining your car,”- she whispered after a second, glancing around at the spotless interior-“Or your jacket.”-
A soft laugh escaped you as you peeled the spoon from the lid-“Don’t worry. I won’t punish you if you do.”-Then your mouth curved slightly-“Unless that’s something you’d like.”-Melissa nearly dropped the spoon.
You laughed quietly at the immediate flush climbing her neck while she hid part of her face behind the ice cream cup-“You do that on purpose.”-
-“Obviously.”-
She shook her head smiling helplessly while you took a slow spoonful of your own ice cream. Silence settled warmly afterward. Comfortable this time. The heater hummed softly while outside the bookstore lights glowed against the dark street. Melissa tasted her ice cream and immediately made a tiny sound of approval. You glanced toward her.
-“There it is.”-
-“What?”-
-“The face. That’s a woman having a worthwhile experience.”-
Melissa laughed softly-“It’s really good.”-
-“I have excellent taste. In books, wine, and emotionally overwhelmed redheads.”-
She pointed her spoon at you accusingly-“You flirt and psychoanalyze simultaneously. That feels medically concerning.”-
You smirked faintly, leaning your head back against the seat again-"Multitasking.”-
Melissa smiled into her ice cream after that, quieter now. Then after a moment-“You know… Tonight feels strangely peaceful.”-The words softened something inside you immediately.
You looked at her carefully-“No performance anxiety? No overthinking?”-
Melissa considered that-“Oh, I’m absolutely overthinking. But for once it doesn’t feel like I’m being evaluated. It just feels like…”- she hesitated softly- “someone actually sees me.”-
That one landed directly under your ribs. You looked down briefly at the spoon in your hand before answering quieter than before-“I do see you.”- Melissa went still beside you. And when your eyes lifted back to hers again… The space between you suddenly felt much smaller than the car actually allowed. You filled your mouth with ice cream mostly to give yourself something else to focus on. Because your lips suddenly felt too warm. Your chest too tight.
And Melissa… Melissa looked devastating curled up in your passenger seat wearing your jacket, cheeks pink from cold and laughter and the slow intimacy of the night. Gorgeous. Funny. Soft in ways that kept slipping through your defenses no matter how carefully you tried reinforcing them. And you were too tired lately. Too lonely. Too touch-starved in the dangerous emotional way, not just physical. That combination made people reckless. You knew that better than anyone. Which meant this needed distance before you forgot every professional instinct you had left. You swallowed slowly and leaned your head back against the seat for a moment before speaking lighter than you felt-“I should probably get you home soon. Before the sun starts appearing on the horizon.”-Then your mouth curved faintly-“Or your boyfriend will get mad.”-
Melissa didn’t laugh this time. Instead she looked down at the melting edge of her ice cream-“He gets mad for everything anyway.”-The softness of her voice made your expression shift immediately. Not teasing now. Attentive.
You stayed quiet for a second before asking carefully-“What does that mean?”-
Melissa shrugged one shoulder, trying too hard to make it sound casual-“I don’t know. He just…Everything becomes an issue eventually"- Your jaw tightened subtly. Not because you thought she was in danger. Because you recognized the exhaustion in that tone. The exhaustion of someone constantly adjusting themselves to avoid conflict.
You looked out through the windshield briefly, gathering patience around your irritation before speaking calmly-“Cupcake. Someone being uncomfortable with your autonomy is not the same thing as love.”-
Melissa stared quietly at the spoon in her hand-“And what if I’m the problem?”-
Your head turned toward her immediately-“No.”-The answer came too fast. Too certain. Melissa blinked slightly at the firmness in your voice. You softened it a little afterward-“I’m not saying relationships are simple. But women who constantly question whether they’re secretly asking for too much usually aren’t the ones taking up all the oxygen in the room.”-
Silence settled softly afterward. Melissa looked at you carefully-“You really don’t like him.”-
A quiet breath escaped your nose-“I don’t know him. But I dislike the version of you that sounds smaller every time you mention him.”-
That one stayed hanging between you. Heavy. Honest. And for the first time all night… You realized you were no longer teaching her confidence like a service. You were starting to genuinely want better things for her. You sighed softly, gaze drifting down toward the gold rings decorating your fingers before lifting back to her again. The dashboard lights painted warm reflections across the metal while you studied her quietly.
-“What’s something you love that you stopped doing? Or something you have to hide because of him?”-
Melissa blinked at the question, clearly surprised by it. Then slowly… She smiled. Not polite. Not nervous. A real smile. Small at first, but growing warmer the more she thought about it-“I like betting,”- she admitted in a whisper, like she was confessing something scandalous in church.
Your eyebrow lifted immediately-“Interesting.”-
Melissa laughed softly at your reaction and looked down at her melting ice cream-“I like the thrill. Fantasy football. Casinos. Card games. Honestly anything.”-And there it was again. That spark. Alive and playful and completely different from the hesitant woman who apologized for existing earlier tonight.
You noticed immediately. Of course you did. The way her posture straightened unconsciously while talking about it. The excitement in her eyes. The confidence. God.
You leaned back slightly watching her with open fascination now.
-“Look at you.”-
Melissa blinked-“What?”-
-“You’re glowing"-That made her laugh shyly. But she couldn’t fully hide the smile this time.
Then she added more quietly-“That’s actually how I got the money for tonight. I won a few bets.”-
A low laugh escaped you-“Terrifyingly expensive? I prefer luxuriously unattainable.”-
Melissa rolled her eyes affectionately. Then continued-“I hid the money. So he wouldn’t notice.”-The sentence shifted the atmosphere slightly again. You noticed how her smile dimmed around the edges afterward. Like joy always had to pass through guilt first.
Your voice softened-“And why exactly does your boyfriend hate this?”-
Melissa shrugged lightly-“He thinks gambling is irresponsible. Immature. Pointless.”-
You hummed quietly. But your eyes stayed on her face-“Do you think that?”-
She hesitated. Then smiled again. Smaller this time-“No. I think it makes me feel awake.”-
The honesty of that settled deeply inside you. Because suddenly you could see it perfectly. Melissa chasing tiny moments of adrenaline and unpredictability because so much of her life had become emotionally beige. Controlled. Careful. Safe in the suffocating kind of way. You smiled faintly afterward.
-“Well. Now I desperately want to see you at a casino.”
Melissa laughed immediately-“You would hate it.”-
-"Absolutely not. I think watching you become competitive would heal something inside me.”-
That made her laugh harder than anything else had all night. And listening to it… You realized this was the first time tonight she sounded completely free. Your smile softened without you meaning it to. A real one this time. Not the polished teasing smile you used on streams. Not the carefully curated expression designed to keep people entertained and slightly obsessed. Just honest warmth in response to hers.
-“Let me take you home"- you whispered gently once the ice cream was gone and the quiet between you had turned tender again.
Melissa’s face fell almost immediately-“The lesson is over?”- she asked softly. There was disappointment behind the words now. Not performative. Not manipulative. Just genuine sadness.
Your chest tightened at the sound of it-“You learned a lot tonight,”- you murmured.
Melissa looked down at the book in her lap-“It’s not enough.”-
Your eyes lingered on her for a second. Then you added quietly-“I’m proud of you.”-
That made her look back up immediately. The words clearly hit harder than flirting ever had.
-“But…”- she hesitated, fingers tightening around the edge of the book-“I saw that I can’t hire you a second time.”- There it was. The rule. One session only. No repeats. No attachments. No opportunities for obsession to bloom into something dangerous. A policy carved from experience and mistakes and nights that ended badly. You looked away toward the windshield for a moment, jaw tightening faintly. Because suddenly the rule felt less protective and more like a wall closing between you. Melissa noticed your silence immediately.
-“I get why,”- she said quickly. -“Really. I’m not trying to make things weird.”-
You believed her. That was the problem. You exhaled slowly before speaking.
-“The rule exists because people confuse intimacy with permanence.”-Melissa stayed quiet-“And because sometimes,”- you continued carefully -“people meet a version of me that was designed for them. And they start wanting access to the person underneath"-Your voice lowered softer afterward-“That can become dangerous for both people.”-
Melissa nodded faintly, though the sadness in her expression remained. Then after a second-“But what if I don’t want ownership? What if I just… liked tonight?”-
God. You closed your eyes briefly. Because she kept saying things in the gentlest possible way and somehow those always landed deepest.
When you opened your eyes again, she was watching you carefully from inside your jacket, holding the book you chose for her like it already mattered. And for the first time in years...You genuinely hated one of your own rules.
-“You can still text me, though.”-Your voice was gentle now. Careful. Like you were trying to offer comfort without opening the door too far-“I’m not going to block you. And I’ll help when you need it.”-Melissa looked at you quietly from the passenger seat. Still wrapped in your jacket. Still holding the book against her chest. You swallowed softly before continuing-“You also have my streams. And honestly…”-A faint smile touched your mouth-“I think tonight was the push you needed. You were already walking toward the right direction.”-
-“Yes.”-No hesitation this time. Because you meant it completely. You leaned one elbow lightly against the steering wheel while looking at her-“You’re not weak, cupcake. You’re just used to shrinking yourself so other people stay comfortable.”-
The silence afterward felt full instead of empty. Then Melissa asked quietly-“And what if I forget again?”-
Your expression softened-“Then I remind you.”-
That answer landed visibly inside her. You could almost see it. Like someone who spent years emotionally bracing suddenly discovering what it felt like not to hold all their weight alone for a moment. Melissa smiled faintly after that-“You know…You keep pretending this isn’t personal anymore.”-
A low laugh escaped you-“That’s because I’m committed to denial as an aesthetic.”-
She laughed softly, but her eyes stayed on you. Warm. Affectionate. Dangerously affectionate.
You looked away first this time. Because if you didn’t… You weren’t entirely sure what expression she’d catch on your face. You turned the car back on, the engine humming softly beneath the quiet tension now filling the space between you.
The warmth remained. So did her perfume. So did the dangerous feeling in your chest telling you none of your carefully built rules felt particularly solid anymore.
You handed her your phone silently-“Put your address in the GPS for me.”-
Melissa nodded softly and took it carefully, your fingers brushing for barely a second before she looked down at the screen. The glow illuminated her face while she typed. You tried not to notice how natural she looked beside you. Like she had occupied that seat before. Like she could again.
Dangerous thought. Very dangerous. Once the route appeared on the screen, you pulled away from the curb smoothly, the city quieter now as night drifted slowly toward early morning. Melissa was quieter too. No teasing. No nervous laughter. Just silence. You glanced toward her briefly at a red light. She sat curled slightly toward the window, hugging the book and your jacket closer against herself like she was unconsciously trying to preserve the warmth of the night a little longer. Your chest ached unexpectedly at the sight. Because suddenly she looked sad. Not dramatic. Not manipulative. Just… sad the way people looked when something beautiful was ending before they were ready.
You tightened your grip slightly on the steering wheel-“You got quiet.”-
Melissa smiled faintly without looking away from the window-“I’m thinking.”-
-“That’s usually dangerous.”-
A tiny laugh escaped her. But softer than before. Then after a moment she admitted quietly-“I think I forgot what it felt like to enjoy someone’s company this much.”- The honesty of that settled heavily inside the car. You looked ahead at the road, jaw tightening subtly. Because you knew exactly what she meant. And you hated how much you related to it. The streetlights slid across the windshield in long golden ribbons while silence returned briefly.
Then you spoke softer than before-“Don’t let one good night become proof your life is empty. That’s how loneliness tricks people.”-
Melissa finally looked toward you after that-“And what if it wasn’t just a good night?”-
Your throat tightened unexpectedly. You kept your eyes on the road-“That,”- you murmured carefully -“is exactly the kind of thought my rules exist for.”-
You parked smoothly outside her house, engine settling into silence while dawn threatened faintly at the edge of the horizon. The inside of the car was still warm. Still smelled like both of you. And even now, Melissa hadn’t taken your jacket off. Your eyes lingered on that detail longer than they should have. You reached automatically for the door handle, ready to circle around and open hers for her one last time. Then her hand wrapped gently around your arm. You froze slightly. And turned toward her. Melissa was already looking at you. Closer now in the dim light. Your jacket around her shoulders. Your book against her lap. Eyes softer than anything you had prepared yourself for tonight-“I want something,”- she whispered. Not apologizing this time. Not shrinking. Just asking. Exactly the way you had been trying to teach her all evening.
You stayed very still-“What do you want, cupcake?”-
Melissa swallowed softly-“Before this ends…”- her fingers tightened slightly against your sleeve -“I want a kiss.”-Then quieter-“If that’s okay.”-
The words hit you like a crack running through glass. Because you could say no. You probably should say no. No contract. No emotional distance left. No certainty that this wasn’t already becoming too personal. And yet…
All night you had watched this woman slowly unfold back into herself. Watched her laugh freely. Ask for things. Stop apologizing. Look at you like you were something warm instead of something transactional. You looked down briefly at her hand still resting against your arm. Then back at her eyes. Beautiful eyes. Dangerously beautiful eyes. Your voice came out lower than before-“See? That was confidence.”-Melissa’s breath caught softly. You lifted one hand slowly, brushing your knuckles gently against her cheek first instead of kissing her immediately. Giving her time. Giving yourself time-“You asked for what you wanted,”- you whispered-“I’m very proud of you.”-
The words made her eyes soften instantly. And that was your final mistake. Because the second you leaned closer…You already knew you weren’t going to stop this at one kiss emotionally, no matter what your rules said. Your hand rested against her cheek gently. Warm skin beneath your palm. Soft. Real. Melissa’s eyes followed yours carefully, like she was trying to understand every tiny shift in your expression before it disappeared again behind your usual composure. But there wasn’t much composure left now. Not with her this close. Not with your heart beating this fast. You’d performed in lingerie for strangers without your pulse changing half this much. This felt infinitely more intimate. Melissa’s lips parted slightly as she looked at you, breathing slower but deeper now, chest rising and falling beneath your jacket. Waiting. Not demanding. Just present with you in the moment completely. And somehow that made it worse.
Your thumb brushed softly along her cheekbone-“You’re nervous,”- you whispered.
Melissa smiled faintly-“So are you.”-
A quiet laugh escaped you because she was right. Annoyingly right-“You notice too much.”-
-“You taught me to.”-
God. Your eyes dropped briefly to her mouth before lifting again. You could still stop. You knew that. But the space between wanting and resisting had become dangerously thin hours ago. So instead of rushing it… You leaned your forehead lightly against hers first. A soft pause. Warm breath mixing. Giving both of you one final second to pull away if needed. Melissa didn’t. If anything, she moved closer. Just barely. Enough that your restraint finally cracked and you kissed her. The kiss was gentle at first. Careful. Nothing like performance. Nothing rehearsed or polished. Just warmth and exhaustion and loneliness and attraction quietly colliding in the dark interior of your car. Melissa kissed like someone trying not to ask for too much even now. And that alone almost broke your heart.
Your hand slid slightly deeper into her hair while the other stayed braced beside her seat, grounding yourself before you completely forgot every boundary you’d spent years building.
When you finally pulled back slightly, your lips still hovered dangerously close to hers.
Melissa’s eyes stayed closed for one extra second before opening slowly. And the look on her face afterward… That was the exact reason your rules existed. You licked your lips unconsciously and tasted her lipstick there. Sweet. Faintly warm. Her. The realization sent another sharp pulse through your chest. You closed your eyes tightly for a second, trying to regain some control before your emotions outran your judgment completely. Your hand at the nape of her neck tightened slightly. Not possessive. Grounding. Melissa stayed close enough that you could still feel her breath against your mouth. When your eyes opened again, she was looking at you carefully. Softly. Like she understood this wasn’t simple for you anymore. And somehow that made things infinitely harder.
You exhaled shakily through your nose and laughed once under your breath-“That,”- you murmured quietly, -“was a terrible idea.”-
Melissa smiled faintly-“Didn’t seem like you hated it.”-
A helpless smile tugged briefly at your mouth despite yourself-“You’re getting confident. Very concerning development.”-
Her thumb brushed lightly against your wrist where your hand still rested near her neck. Tiny touch. Still enough to make your pulse jump again.
-“You’re shaking,”- she whispered.
You looked away for half a second before admitting softly-“I haven’t kissed someone because I genuinely wanted to in a very long time.”-
The honesty settled heavily between you. Melissa’s expression changed instantly at that. Softer. More tender. And you could feel yourself slipping further into dangerous emotional territory with every passing second. So you leaned back slightly, forcing a little space between your bodies before you forgot every sensible instinct you had left. Your fingers brushed gently through her hair one last time before falling away.
-“You should go inside,”- you whispered. Melissa’s eyes searched yours quietly. Neither of you moved immediately. Because suddenly leaving felt much harder than either of you expected it to be. A shaky breath left you the second her hand rested against your chest. Right over your heartbeat. Which immediately betrayed you. Fast. Too fast. You closed your eyes briefly again, trying to breathe through the storm building inside you, but when you opened them Melissa was closer now, her lips barely inches from yours.Your hand lifted to her cheek automatically before you could stop yourself.
-“Let me kiss you one more time,”- she whispered against your mouth. The plea was soft. Certain. No apology inside it anymore. And that alone nearly destroyed the last of your restraint. A quiet sigh escaped you. Then she kissed you again before you could answer. This one wasn’t tentative. Still tender, but hungrier now, charged with all the tension both of you had spent hours trying to keep neatly contained beneath teasing and lessons and careful words.
Your hands found her hips instinctively. God. The curve of them beneath your palms made your head spin. You deepened the kiss with a soft sound against her lips before your fingers tightened gently and guided her closer. The seat slid back beneath you. Melissa gasped softly when you pulled her into your lap, dress riding slightly higher along her thighs as she straddled you naturally. Warm skin met your palms. Soft. Bare. Your hands spread in her naked legs before you could think better of it. Melissa whimpered quietly into your mouth the second her hips settled against yours. The sound nearly snapped the fragile thread of control you were still clinging to. You broke the kiss abruptly for air, forehead resting against hers while your breathing turned uneven.
-“Cupcake…”- you whispered hoarsely. Your fingers flexed against her thighs like you were actively fighting yourself. Because this wasn’t fantasy anymore. Wasn’t performance.
It was two lonely women tangled together in the dark after pretending they didn’t want this all night. And that reality felt infinitely more intoxicating than any roleplay ever had. One of your hands went up her thigh, caressing, looking her pale white skin beneath your hand, a bit higher on top of her dress, to her hip, to her stomach, to her waist, Melissa arched her back for you, her cleavage inviting for you, but when you were about to touch her, her body pressed against your wheel and the horn went off, you opened your eyes bigger, snapping out of the bubble and you stopped touching her body
-"Fuck"- you murmured upset not sure at what. If to the interruption or at yourself for letting you go this far. The horn had shattered the moment like glass. Sharp. Embarrassingly loud. Your eyes snapped open immediately and your hands froze against her body before pulling away like you’d touched fire. -“Fuck”- you muttered again under your breath. Melissa blinked, still breathless and flushed in your lap while the reality of the situation crashed back over both of you at once. The street. Her house. The dangerous lack of boundaries. Your pulse was pounding so hard it almost hurt. You dragged one hand down over your face and leaned your head briefly back against the seat, trying to regain control over your breathing. Over yourself. Because another thirty seconds and you knew exactly how badly this could spiral. Melissa shifted slightly like she was about to apologize instinctively. You caught it immediately. -“Don’t”- you said softly before she could speak. She stopped. Your eyes lifted back to hers-“I’m not upset at you.”-That part mattered. A lot. You exhaled slowly, hands settling carefully at her waist now instead of roaming. Grounding both of you back into reality-“I just…”- you laughed once without humor-“I usually have better self-control than this.”-
Melissa looked at you quietly-“You make it sound like I seduced you against your will.”-
A reluctant smile tugged faintly at your mouth-“Cupcake, you climbed into my lap and kissed me until my brain stopped functioning. You are absolutely a contributing factor.”-
That finally made her laugh softly again, though the tension between you still hummed thick and warm inside the car. You looked at her for another long second. Hair messy. Lipstick slightly ruined. Eyes still soft from kissing you. God. You brushed your thumb gently once against her waist before speaking quieter this time-“This is exactly why the rules exist.”-
Melissa’s expression softened immediately-“Do you regret kissing me?”-
The question landed directly in your chest. You answered honestly-“No. That’s what scares me.”- You brushed your thumb softly across her lower lip, carefully fixing the smudged lipstick there. Such a small intimate gesture. Too intimate.
Melissa stayed still while you did it, eyes locked on yours like she was memorizing every expression crossing your face. You sighed quietly afterward and slid your hands carefully beneath her thighs and waist, lifting her with embarrassing ease. Melissa let out a tiny surprised laugh as you guided her gently back into the passenger seat-“Show off"- she murmured softly.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of your mouth despite everything-“Occupational requirement.”-
But the humor faded quickly when you glanced through the windshield. The sky had started changing. Dark blue bleeding slowly into pale gold at the edges. Morning. Reality. Distance.
You swallowed and bit lightly at the inside of your cheek before looking back at her-“The sun’s up. I have to go.”-Your voice came out softer than intended.
Melissa hugged the book against herself again automatically, your jacket still wrapped around her shoulders. Neither of you moved immediately. The car suddenly felt painfully full of things left unsaid. Then Melissa looked down briefly before speaking quietly
-“You’re running away a little.”-
You exhaled slowly through your nose-“Yes.”-
At least you were honest. That seemed to affect her more than denial would have.
You reached over then, brushing a strand of hair gently behind her ear before your fingers lingered briefly against her cheek again-“You should sleep. And drink water. And stop dating men that make you feel guilty for enjoying things.”-
Melissa laughed softly through the emotion in her eyes-“You always end lessons with homework?”-
-“Only for promising students.”-
That earned you one more smile. Small. Warm. Dangerously dear to you already.
You leaned forward then and pressed one final kiss to her forehead. Tender. Almost painfully tender. And when you pulled away, your voice lowered quietly-“Keep the jacket for a few days. You’ll return it eventually.”-An excuse. Both of you knew it immediately.
You stepped out into the cold with her, the sharp early morning air immediately biting against your skin after the warmth of the car and opened the door for her. Melissa kept hold of your hand. Not tightly. Just enough. Like she wasn’t ready to let the night disappear yet. You walked beside her quietly toward the front steps of her house, your free hand buried deep in your pocket while exhaustion and longing tangled heavily inside your chest. The neighborhood was silent. Still half asleep beneath the pale blue light of dawn.
When she stopped at the door, you let go of her hand slowly and stepped back a few feet instinctively. Distance. Necessary distance. Even now.
-“Goodnight, cupcake,”- you said softly. Melissa looked at you immediately at the nickname, eyes tired and warm and still carrying the softness from your kisses-“It was nice meeting you.”-Your voice lowered afterward-“And please…Let this night remind you who you are. And what you truly deserve.”-The words hung gently in the cold air between you. Melissa’s eyes shimmered slightly at that. Not dramatic tears. Just emotion she wasn’t hiding anymore. You stayed a few careful steps away from her, both hands inside your coat pockets now because you already knew if she came close again, your restraint would crumble embarrassingly fast.
Melissa noticed the distance. Of course she did-“You keep looking at me like you want to memorize me, -she whispered.
Your jaw tightened faintly-“Occupational hazard”- you tried lightly. But the joke lacked its usual confidence.
Melissa smiled sadly at that-“No”- she murmured-“I think this one is personal.”-
Silence wrapped around both of you. Cold air. Morning light. The end of something neither of you expected to matter this much. Then Melissa stepped forward suddenly and kissed your cheek softly. Quick. Gentle. Before you could retreat from it. When she pulled back, your eyes closed briefly. God.
-“You should go before I make another bad decision”- you admitted quietly.
Melissa smiled a little-“Maybe some bad decisions are worth it.”-
You looked at her for a long second after that. Really looked at her. The woman who arrived nervous and apologetic now standing in front of you asking for things without shrinking. Brighter already. More herself. And somehow that made leaving both easier and infinitely harder. Your lips curved faintly despite the ache in your chest-“Go inside, cupcake. That’s an order.”-
Mel opened the door slowly, your jacket still wrapped around her shoulders as warm light from inside the house spilled onto the steps.
For one dangerous second, she looked back at you over her shoulder. And your entire body immediately wanted to walk back to her. Bad sign. Very bad sign. So instead, you turned quickly toward your car before your loneliness started making executive decisions for you again. You could hear the soft sound of her entering the house behind you while you walked faster than necessary across the cold pavement.
Your pulse still hadn’t calmed down. Not from the kisses. Not from the way she looked at you. Not from the terrifying realization that tonight had felt more intimate than relationships you’d actually been in. You slid into the driver’s seat and gripped the steering wheel tightly for a second without starting the car yet. The passenger seat still carried traces of her perfume. Her laugh still echoed inside your head. And your jacket was gone. Which somehow made the car feel emptier than it should.-“Jesus Christ”- you muttered quietly to yourself. You leaned your forehead briefly against the steering wheel before finally starting the engine. The sun was beginning to rise properly now, pale gold stretching across the sleeping streets while you drove away from her house. And for the first time in years… You genuinely weren’t sure if keeping your distance from someone was protecting you anymore. Or just keeping you lonely.
Summary:Mel being a perfect partner and a amazing mother earns her the title she deserves ❤️
AN:Probably this would be the last part of this unless someone send me another idea about this! But thanks so much for the support and the sweet comments!
Because her body clock had been trained by years of teaching children who treated sunrise like a personal challenge.
For a few quiet seconds she simply lay there, blinking sleepily at the ceiling while warm morning light slipped through the curtains.
Then she became aware of two things at once.
First:
You were half on top of her again.
One leg tangled with hers, your face buried against her shoulder, one hand lazily curled beneath her shirt like at some point during the night your sleeping brain had decided physical proximity still wasn’t enough.
Second:
Every inch of her body ached.
Not badly.
Just enough to remind her exactly how the previous night had gone.
Melissa closed her eyes briefly, remembering you laughing against her mouth in the kitchen, your hands grabbing at her waist, the sound of her own voice embarrassingly wrecked in her ears.
Her cheeks turned pink instantly.
Then your lips brushed sleepily against the mark at the base of her throat.
And she realized a third thing.
Oh no.
Very carefully, Melissa lifted her phone from the nightstand and switched to the front camera.
The screen illuminated her sleepy face.
Messy red hair.
Swollen lips.
And several very visible marks blooming along her neck and collarbone.
Melissa stared in silent horror.
Behind her, your sleepy voice mumbled against her skin-“Good morning to you too.”-
Melissa turned slowly.
You were awake just enough to look smug.
The sight of you, hair wild from sleep and smiling lazily against her shoulder, should have softened the crisis.
It did not.
-“Look what you did.”-
You blinked at her neck dramatically-“Hm. Terrible. A mystery truly"-
-“People at school are going to see these"-
You smiled without a shred of remorse-“Then maybe they shouldn’t stare at your neck"-
Melissa dropped back onto the pillow with a groan while you laughed softly beside her-“You are impossible"-
-“And you liked it"-Melissa covered her face with one hand. The worst part was that you were absolutely right.
With laziness and sleepy limbs, you moved completely on top of her, your face hiding on her boobs, giving small kisses to her skin
-"How are you feeling?" - you asked softly
-"Like it should be ilegal having to go to work after date night" - she mumbled and you laughed softly against her soft skin. Her hands went to your back to hug you under the covers and you hissed in pain. When the redhead lifted the covers, she saw what she had done to your naked back the previous night, scratches and cuts all over your back
Melissa froze.
You, meanwhile, had the audacity to look only mildly inconvenienced.
The redhead stared at the angry scratches running down your back, some faint, some very much not faint, and her entire face turned scarlet in under three seconds.
-"OH MY GOD"-She yelled. Your shoulders started shaking immediately with laughter against her chest.
-"Good morning to you too, cariño" - you murmured
-"I attacked you" - she said worried
-"You were enthusiastic" - you kissed her chest
-"I drew blood!"-she was shocked of herself
-"Tiny bit" - Melissa looked genuinely horrified now, fingertips hovering carefully over one of the marks like she’d discovered evidence at a crime scene.
-"Why didn’t you say anything?!"-You finally lifted your head enough to grin lazily at her.
-"Because every time I tried to speak, you kissed me again and my survival instincts failed" -That did not help.
Melissa dropped backward onto the pillows with another mortified groan, hiding her burning face behind both hands this time.
-"I cannot be trusted" -
-"Incorrect," - you said immediately, catching one of her wrists to pull her hands away from her face -"I trusted you with my life actually. Look at me. Still alive."
She narrowed her eyes at you.-"Barely" - You laughed softly and leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose.
Melissa’s expression softened despite herself, though concern still lingered in her eyes as she carefully brushed her fingers over your back again, gentler this time.
-"Does it hurt?"-The sincerity in her voice melted you instantly.
-"Only a little," - you admitted -"Mostly when dramatic redheads poke the evidence" - you joked
-"I’m serious" - You hummed thoughtfully before nestling back against her chest, completely comfortable despite the scratches.
-"Honestly? I kind of like it, the soft sting of it makes me revive the night" - Melissa made the most scandalized sound you had ever heard in your life.
-"You are Insane" -
-"And you’re very pretty when you’re concerned about me" - She tried so hard not to smile.
Failed catastrophically.
A few seconds later she was stroking your hair beneath the blankets while you stayed sprawled half on top of her like an oversized affectionate cat, both of you warm, aching, sleepy, and devastatingly happy.
Then Melissa sighed dramatically toward the ceiling.-"We really have to go be responsible adults now, don’t we?"-
You groaned into her chest immediately-"Don’t say horrible things before breakfast"-One of your legs slipped between hers looking for more warmth, not wanting to get up, but the change of position made pressure on both of your crotchs and you moaned at the same time-"Fuck" - you murmured too sensitive-"Did I went too rough yesterday?" - you asked looking at her, Melissa made a strangled sound somewhere between a groan and a laugh, immediately grabbing your shoulder as both of you froze from the sudden oversensitivity.
-"Jesus Christ—" - she whispered, eyes squeezed shut. You buried your face dramatically against her chest in defeat.
-"Okay. Okay. Nobody move ever again" - That only made her laugh harder, though she winced right after. Your question softened the moment instantly.
Melissa opened her eyes and looked down at you, seeing the genuine concern behind your sleepy expression.
-"No" - she said quietly, fingers sliding through your messy hair -"No, baby. I’m okay."-You still looked unconvinced. Her smile turned gentler-"I’m sore because apparently we lost all self-control somewhere around the kitchen counter" - You groaned weakly against her skin.
-"In my defense, you’re extremely distracting" -
Melissa snorted softly, then carefully brushed her thumb along your cheek.
-"And you?" - she asked -"Are you okay?"-You considered it seriously for a second.
Every muscle in your body felt melted. Your back looked like you survived combat. Your legs barely trusted gravity anymore. And somehow you had never felt happier in your life.
-"I feel like I got hit by a truck driven by a very beautiful redhead" -Melissa laughed so suddenly she had to hide her face against the pillow.
Then her expression softened again as she looked at you sprawled sleepily over her body, still instinctively seeking closeness even while both of you ached. Her fingers traced lightly down your spine, much more carefully this time.
-"We should probably shower before work" - she murmured reluctantly. You immediately tightened around her like an offended octopus.
-"Counterproposal: we quit society and stay in bed forever"-
-"Tempting"-
-"We can raise Gaia in the wilderness."-
-"You cried last month because a moth flew into the kitchen"-You lifted your head indignantly.
-"That moth had malicious energy"-Melissa dissolved into helpless laughter beneath you, sunlight spilling across both of your tangled bodies while the quiet joy between you settled deeper and deeper into something permanent.
-"What if we call in sick?" - you offered, you wanted it to sound like a joke but you were truly thinking about it
Melissa looked at you for a long second after that. You could practically see the war happening behind her eyes. Responsible teacher. Responsible mother figure. Responsible adult.
Versus: Warm bed. Girlfriend wrapped around her like a sleepy vine. No pants. No emails.
It was honestly a brutal fight.
Her fingers absentmindedly played with your hair while she pretended to think seriously about it.
-"You realize" - she said slowly -"that as an educator I should encourage responsibility and commitment" -
You nodded solemnly against her chest.-"Very true"-
-"And as your landlord, I should probably discourage reckless behavior"-
-"Excellent point"-
Melissa narrowed her eyes-"You are agreeing suspiciously fast" -
-"Because I’m trying to manipulate you with maturity"-That earned a laugh warm enough to light the entire room.
Then she sighed dramatically toward the ceiling-"God, staying here with you sounds dangerously perfect"-Your heart did an embarrassing little somersault at that.
You tilted your head up just enough to look at her.
-"We could spend the whole day here," - you murmured dreamily -"order food, watch terrible movies, make Gaia deeply uncomfortable with how affectionate we are—"-
-"That child would roast us alive" -
-"True. She’d call us cringe and ask if we need supervision."-Melissa snorted, already imagining it. Then her expression softened while she looked down at you, all sleepy affection and tangled limbs and genuine longing written openly across your face.
And suddenly she understood this wasn’t really about skipping work. It was about not wanting the bubble to burst yet. Not wanting to leave the first morning that truly felt like yours together.
Melissa’s thumb brushed your cheek softly.
-"How about this," - she whispered -"we be responsible adults today..."-You groaned dramatically-"...but tonight" - she continued, smiling now -"we come straight home, order something unhealthy, steal all the blankets, and continue discussing our very serious future as an old married couple" -
Your entire face lit up instantly-"With matching rocking chairs?"
-"Obviously" -
-"And twenty dogs?"-Melissa pretended to think.
-"I’ll allow six before I start fearing for civilization" -You kissed her immediately for that answer alone, smiling so hard against her lips that Melissa couldn’t stop laughing into the kiss.
Then you hid on her chest. Again
-"Final offer, we call in sick, we cuddle all day, we order food, we make a blanket fortress with Gaia, and we pretend like the rest of the world doesn't exists...pleaseeee" - you pouted-"is Friday, we could have a long weekend... Don't you have a guy who can make us false doctors notes? You have a guy for everything..."-
Melissa stared down at you in absolute disbelief. Not because of the cuddling proposal. That part was dangerously tempting. But because you were currently sprawled across her chest with messy hair, sleep-heavy eyes, visible scratch marks on your shoulders, and a full dramatic pout while trying to negotiate like a cartoon villain whose evil plan was “blanket fort with snacks.” Her heart stood absolutely no chance.
-"You are aware," - she said carefully, fighting a smile -"that you’re weaponizing cuteness right now" -
You blinked innocently-"I have no idea what you mean"-
-"Liar" -
You only burrowed deeper against her, arms tightening around her waist.-"Come on, Lisa..." - your voice turned extra pleading now -"We can build a blanket fortress so advanced NASA gets concerned" -
Melissa laughed despite herself.-"And what exactly would Gaia think when both of her parental figures randomly skip responsibilities on the same day?"-
-"That we finally achieved enlightenment" -
-"Mmhm" -
-"Also" - you added thoughtfully -"it would be educational" -
Melissa looked horrified already-"How?" -
-"Structural engineering. Blanket physics. Advanced couch cushion architecture. The important lesson about choosing happiness and the importance of proper rest when you need it"-She was fully laughing now, shoulders shaking beneath you. Then you delivered the final blow-"And imagine Gaia’s face when she realizes we’re girlfriends now and emotionally unstable enough to build indoor civilizations" -
Melissa covered her eyes with one hand, defeated-"We are absolutely corrupting that child" -
-"With whimsy" -
-"With chaos" -
-"With love" - you corrected softly, looking up at her again. That one landed directly in her chest. Melissa’s entire expression melted. God. You always did that.
One second you were begging for forged medical documents like a sleepy raccoon, and the next you said something so sincere it unraveled her completely. She leaned down and kissed you slowly.
-"For the record" - she whispered against your lips -"I absolutely do not have a doctor-note guy."
You gasped dramatically-"Who even are you?"-
-"However..." - she continued, clearly trying not to smile -"I may know a teacher who deserves one irresponsible happy day after falling in love" -
Your eyes widened instantly-"Lisa" -
-"And I may know another idiot who’s going to spend the next eight hours attached to my side like human glitter" - You practically tackled her with affection after that, laughing into her neck while Melissa held you close beneath the blankets, already accepting her fate.
You kissed her smiling like an idiot
-"Beside, we need to have a conversation with Gaia that I'm sure it will take hours with all her questions... I can ask a doctor's note from one of my coworkers..."-you whispered, the wheels turning in your head. Melissa looked at you with increasing concern as you visibly started plotting. Not normal thinking. Not reasonable adult thinking. The very specific kind of thinking that had probably gotten you into trouble since childhood.
-"I know that face"- she said slowly.
You blinked innocently up at her-"What face?"-
-"The face that says your brain just committed to a terrible idea emotionally before consulting logic" -
You gasped dramatically-"Excuse you. This is a beautiful idea" -
-"You’re trying to forge a sick note for cuddle purposes" - her voice was deep with sleep and it was doing dangerous things to your brain
-"For family bonding purposes" - you corrected-"That’s basically therapy"-
Melissa laughed so hard she nearly snorted, immediately hiding her face in your hair out of embarrassment. The sound made your chest warm embarrassingly fast. God, you could get addicted to that laugh.
-"Baby" - she said between giggles -"Gaia is going to interrogate us like a tiny FBI agent the second she realizes we’re home on a school day" -
-"I know." - your grin widened -"That’s part of the fun" - Melissa shook her head fondly, fingers tracing lazy shapes against your shoulder beneath the blankets. Then her expression softened again.
-"She’s really going to be happy, isn’t she?" - she asked quietly.
You didn’t even hesitate-"Yeah" - Something vulnerable flickered across Melissa’s face at that.
Because despite all the jokes, despite how natural this already felt between the three of you, part of her had still been scared. Scared of changing the balance. Scared of stepping too deeply into something precious and accidentally hurting it.
You must have noticed the shift immediately. Carefully, you tilted her chin up so she had to look at you-"Hey" - your voice turned gentler-"she already loves you, Lisa. This isn’t us forcing something new into her life"-Melissa’s eyes softened instantly.-"This is just us finally catching up to what she figured out months ago" - That made her laugh quietly through the emotion threatening her again
-"Honestly? That child’s emotional intelligence is terrifying" - she murmured
-"It’s because she was raised by two disasters with big feelings" - you nodded
-"One disaster" - Melissa corrected softly, poking your side -"I was very composed before meeting you" - You smiled against her lips before kissing her slowly again.
-"Sure you were" - You sat on her hips, the blanket slipping off your body, fully naked and happy on top of her
-"So that's a yes? We stay in today?"-you asked. Her brain stopped working the moment your naked body was on fully display on top of hers
Melissa’s entire train of thought derailed instantly. Completely.
One second she had been trying to maintain the illusion of being the responsible adult in this relationship. The next, you were sitting comfortably on her hips with sleepy hair, flushed skin, and absolutely no concern whatsoever for the devastating effect you had on her nervous system.
The blanket pooled around your thighs while morning light traced along your skin in soft gold.
Melissa stared. Openly. Hopelessly.
Her hands landed automatically on your hips like her body had made a decision before her brain could participate.
-"Lisa?" - you asked again, fighting a smile now -"Your eyes just went completely blank" -
-"I’m thinking"-she said, you could see how she was literally drooling
-"No you’re not" - That earned a weak offended sound from her. Then you shifted slightly on top of her and Melissa’s head fell back against the pillow with a quiet groan.
-"See? This is workplace sabotage."
You burst into laughter immediately-"So that’s a yes to staying home?"-
Melissa looked up at you again, trying very hard to remember how functioning thoughts worked while you sat there smiling down at her like temptation itself. It was a losing battle. Finally she sighed dramatically, sliding her hands slowly up your thighs.
-"You realize" - she murmured -"that if you keep looking at me like this, neither of us is surviving this morning productively" -
Your grin widened.-"That still sounds like a yes."
Melissa tried to hold onto dignity for three more seconds. Failed spectacularly. -"Fine" - she whispered, pulling you back down into her arms -"we stay home" - You celebrated immediately by kissing her like you’d just won the lottery.
Which, honestly, considering the way Melissa laughed into your mouth while holding you close beneath the morning sunlight, maybe you had.
You sucked her swollen lips into your mouth on the middle of the kiss, earning a soft moan that made you shiver. If you two weren't as sore you would have eating her for breakfast, lunch and diner all over again
-"Can we make breakfast together?" - you asked on top of her lips rolling your hips lightly against her, whimpering on her lips, the hands on your hips tightened in warning
-"By together you mean I cook and you sit on the counter asking for kisses?" - she asked with a raspy voice
You laughed softly against her mouth, still dizzy with affection and lingering warmth while her voice scraped low and sleepy beneath you. God. That voice alone could ruin your entire morning.
-"That sounds extremely collaborative to me" - you whispered, stealing another kiss.
Melissa’s fingers dug a little deeper into your hips when you rolled against her again, not enough to hurt, just enough to remind you both that your bodies were still deliciously oversensitive from the night before.
-"Careful" - she warned softly, though her own breath hitched a little -"you’re playing a dangerous game for someone who complained five minutes ago about not being able to feel their legs"-
-"But my mouth still works, that's enough" -That pulled a helpless laugh from her.
You stayed there another moment anyway, foreheads touching, both smiling stupidly into the quiet morning light like two people who still couldn’t fully believe this was real now. Official. Yours.
Melissa brushed a thumb along your cheek.
-"Breakfast together sounds nice" - she admitted softly -"But only if you promise not to distract me every thirty seconds."-
You gasped dramatically.-"You ask impossible things of me."-
-"I’m serious."-
-"And I’m deeply committed to being annoying in the kitchen."-
Melissa rolled her eyes fondly before tugging you down for another slow kiss.
-"Fine" - she murmured against your lips -"but if I burn the pancakes because you’re flirting with me, that becomes your emotional responsibility."-You smiled immediately.
-"Worth it."-
-"We should probably clean the counter deeply after all that happened yesterday in the kitchen" - she murmured thinking. You immediately buried your face against her shoulder laughing.
-"The poor counter went through a lot emotionally" - Melissa snorted softly, fingers absentmindedly combing through your messy hair-"Fuck you looked so delicious yesterday" - you kissed her neck
-"I’m serious. There are probably fingerprints everywhere."-
-"Lisa, we live there. I would hope there are fingerprints."- She pinched your side lightly for that.
-"You know what I mean."
You lifted your head just enough to grin at her-"Honestly? That kitchen deserves a medal" -
Melissa covered her face with one hand, already losing the battle against laughter again-"I cannot believe this is my life now"-
-"Your life now includes a very hot girlfriend and pancakes"-
-"Romance" - That finally broke her completely. Her laugh filled the room warm and bright while she hid her burning face against the pillow.
You watched her with the softest expression imaginable. Because this right here, this ridiculous sleepy conversation tangled in sheets with sunlight spilling across both of you, somehow felt every bit as intimate as the confessions from the night before.
Melissa noticed you staring after a moment.
-"What?" - she asked shyly. Your thumb brushed gently across her cheek.
-"Nothing," - you whispered fondly -"I just really like making you laugh" -you whispered giving baby kisses in her jaw.
Holding you with one hand, she stretched to the nightstand grabbing her phone, sending a text to Ava letting her know that she was "sick". The redhead never asked a day off, not even when she had that nasty fall outside the school, so even if the principal didn't believe her that it was because she was "sick", after all she did said you two would be up all night, she allowed the redhead the day off.
Melissa stared at the screen after sending the message, still looking mildly stunned by her own behavior. You watched her from where you were practically draped across her side, chin resting lazily on her shoulder.
-"Did you just commit academic fraud for me?" - you whispered dramatically.
Melissa laughed under her breath, locking her phone and tossing it back onto the nightstand.
-"Please. If Ava questions it, she’ll just assume I finally caught the plague from one of the kindergarteners."-your hand was doing lazy circles on her thighs
-"Or" - you added thoughtfully -"she’ll remember telling us we’d be up all night and connect the dots immediately"-
The redhead groaned instantly, covering her face-"God. She absolutely will" -You started laughing so hard the mattress shook beneath both of you.
-"Lisa, she’s going to look at your neck on Monday and know everything" -
-"Stop talking" -
-"She’s an educator. She observes patterns" - Melissa grabbed a pillow and smacked you weakly with it while trying not to laugh herself.
-"You’re enjoying my humiliation far too much" -
-"Counterpoint" - you said, catching the pillow and pulling her closer again -"you look adorable when scandalized" - That earned you a fond eye roll before Melissa melted back against you with a sleepy sigh.
For a quiet moment, neither of you spoke. The sunlight had shifted warmer now, painting gold across tangled blankets and rumpled sheets. Somewhere outside, the world was already moving forward with normal responsibilities and schedules and noise.
But here? Here there was only warmth. Shared laughter. The soft weight of your girlfriend in your arms.
Girlfriend. The word still sent ridiculous happiness blooming through your chest. Melissa must have noticed your expression because she smiled softly.
-"What are you thinking about?"
You kissed her temple lazily-"Just that this is the first morning I get to call you mine without pretending it’s a joke" - The redhead’s entire face softened instantly. Then she leaned closer, pressing one lingering kiss to your mouth before whispering:
-"Good. Because I plan on being very annoying about belonging to you now" - You smiled against her lips kissing her again, slowly slowing your kisses down, following the pattern of hickeys with softer kisses.
A phone started ringing with an upcoming call on the bedside table, Melissa stretched her hand and grabbed the phone picking up while you were still sharing kisses on her skin
-"Hello?"-she asked smiling because of you
-"Why are you answering mama's phone?" - the voice of your daughter on the other side made her open her eyes, without paying attention she had grabbed your phone thinking it was hers and she picked up. Melissa went completely still. You, meanwhile, had not yet processed the danger. Still half asleep, you kept pressing lazy kisses along her shoulder and neck while she stared into absolute middle-distance horror with your phone pressed to her ear.
On the other end, Gaia sounded deeply suspicious already-"...Mama?"-Melissa opened and closed her mouth once. Nothing came out.
You finally noticed the abrupt tension in her body and lifted your head slightly.
-"Everything okay, baby?"- Gaia gasped loudly through the speaker. Silence. Absolute catastrophic silence.
Melissa looked at you with the expression of someone watching their own funeral procession approach slowly from the distance.
You blinked. Then your eyes dropped to the phone in her hand. Then realization hit. Your soul briefly left your body.
Gaia recovered first.
-"WAIT" - her voice became increasingly louder and more delighted with every word -"WHY IS MELISSA IN YOUR BED?!"-Melissa made a strangled sound and immediately covered her face with one hand.
-"Correction, I'm in her bed" -You, traitorously, started laughing. Not a graceful laugh either. The kind that shook your entire body while Melissa stared at you in betrayal.
-"This is not funny" - she hissed under her breath while Gaia practically vibrated through the phone speaker.
-"It's a little funny..."-you smiled peaking the redhead's lips
-"MAMA!"-You finally took pity on the situation enough to grab the phone gently.
-"Good morning, tiny FBI agent" -
-"YOU SAID YOU WERE SICK!" - She yelled
-"Technically true. I’m love sick" - Melissa physically collapsed into the pillows behind you with a groan so dramatic Gaia burst into delighted cackling.
-"OH MY GOD YOU’RE GIRLFRIENDS!"-You looked back at Melissa, who was now hiding her entire burning face in a pillow while her red hair exploded everywhere dramatically.
And suddenly you started laughing all over again because honestly? This was exactly how your daughter finding out was always going to happen.
You sat on the bed laughing, your back full of scratches making the redhead feel guilty
-"If you are girlfriends now that means now you will sleep together and I will have the other room only for myself?"-she asked exited
You laughed so hard you nearly dropped the phone.
Melissa, however, looked deeply betrayed.-"THAT is your first question?!" - she exclaimed, still hiding beneath the blankets up to her nose.
Gaia gasped dramatically-"What? This changes the entire room economy" - You wheezed.
Melissa pointed accusingly at the phone.-"She gets this from you."-
-"Incorrect," - you said proudly -"she’s naturally gifted" -
Gaia hummed thoughtfully on the other end.
-"Soooo... does this mean I can decorate the other room however I want?"-
Melissa stared at the ceiling like she was reconsidering every life choice that had led her here.
-"We haven’t even had coffee yet and I’m already negotiating custody of furniture" -You crawled back toward her across the bed, grinning helplessly while wrapping one arm around her waist.
-"Careful, love. She smells weakness" -
-"I HEARD THAT!" - Your daughter yelled on the other side
-"You were meant to" - Gaia giggled loudly, clearly delighted beyond reason by the chaos unfolding.
Then her voice softened a little.-"Wait... are you happy?"-The room quieted instantly.
Melissa looked at you. You looked at Melissa.
And suddenly all the embarrassment and teasing melted into something warm enough to ache. You smiled softly before answering.
-"Yeah, bug. Really happy."
There was a tiny pause. Then Gaia made the most satisfied little sound imaginable.
-"Knew it" - Melissa laughed quietly at that, finally relaxing against your side while you kissed the top of her head-"Can we still build blanket forts if you’re in love now?"-
You and Melissa answered at the exact same time-"Obviously" -That made Gaia cheer loudly through the speaker while Melissa buried her smiling face against your shoulder, your laughter mixing together beneath the soft morning sunlight.
-"If I don't have school because Melissa is 'sick'"-you could hear the sarcasm on her voice-"will you come pick me up?" - she asked. Your hand was drawing lazy patterns on the redhead's back
-"Yes bebe, we will have breakfast and we will go pick you up" - you said softly
-"Can we go to the park after?" - she asked and you looked at Melissa
-"We can go to the park..."-the redhead said softly holding your waist
-"And the arcade?" - your daughter asked and you laughed softly
-"You are milking this... Melissa is sick" - you teased laughing.
Gaia gasped with the pure outrage of a tiny lawyer being denied her constitutional rights-"Exactly. She’s sick. Sick people need joy"-You immediately lost the fight against laughter again. Melissa, traitorously, nodded against your shoulder like Gaia had made a compelling medical argument.
-"She does have a point..."-You looked between the two of them in betrayal.
-"You’re teaming up against me already? We became girlfriends last night..."-
-"Healthy relationships require collaboration" - Melissa replied with suspicious seriousness.
Gaia chimed in proudly-"And arcade games."
You groaned dramatically-"I’ve created monsters."
-"No" - Melissa corrected softly, fingers squeezing your waist beneath the blanket -"you created a family" - That one hit you directly in the chest. Your expression melted instantly while Melissa looked slightly startled by her own wording again, like the thought had slipped out naturally before she could overthink it.
Gaia, however, sounded delighted.
-"WAIT does this mean we can have matching Halloween costumes now?"-You laughed helplessly. You remembered Melissa's Scarlett Witch and you bit your lip remembering that, that was the first time you felt attraction to her, even if you didn't said anything on that moment.
Melissa buried her face against your shoulder trying not to laugh too loudly
-"Yes bebe, we can" - you whispered kissing the redhead briefly. Then Gaia cleared her throat dramatically through the speaker.
-"So the arcade?"-
You sighed like a defeated warrior-"Fine. Park and arcade" - Gaia cheered so loudly you had to pull the phone away from your ear.
Melissa laughed warmly against your skin while your fingers threaded through her red hair, the three of you already slipping so naturally into this strange lovely little shape together that it felt less like something new and more like something finally found.
-"Go brush your teeth and pack your stuff, we will be there in an hour or so" - you said to the phone-"Te amo bebe"
-"I love you both" - she said exited before hanging up
-"We need to get up and shower" - you said lazy.
For a moment after the call ended, neither of you moved. The room stayed quiet except for the faint buzz of the disconnected phone and the soft sound of Melissa breathing against your shoulder.
Then she whispered-"She said both" - You looked down at her immediately.
Melissa’s eyes looked suspiciously glassy again, her fingers still curled loosely against your waist beneath the blankets.
-"Yeah" - you murmured softly -"she did" - The redhead smiled in that fragile overwhelmed way she got whenever happiness arrived too suddenly for her to fully trust it yet.
Then, because the universe refused to let either of you stay emotional for longer than thirty seconds uninterrupted, you shifted slightly and both of you winced at the soreness radiating through your bodies.
-"Right" - you groaned dramatically -"we are unfortunately mortal"-Melissa laughed against your collarbone.
-"And apparently not nineteen anymore" - she murmured
-"Speak for yourself. Spiritually I’m still young and athletic" - You tried to sit up. Your legs immediately threatened mutiny.
Melissa watched you collapse halfway back onto the mattress with the slow satisfaction of someone witnessing karma happen in real time.
-"Athletic," - she repeated.
-"I hate this house" - Melissa dissolved into laughter again while you buried your face into her stomach dramatically.
After another reluctant minute tangled together beneath the blankets, you sighed.
-"We really do need to shower before Gaia gets here" - Melissa hummed sleepily without moving-"Want to shower together?"-
Melissa looked at you knowingly-"That depends. Is this a real shower or one of your suspicious showers?"-
You gasped in mock offense.-"Lisa. I would never" - Her eyebrow lifted immediately.
Both of you remembered the kitchen counter at the exact same time-"...you know what," - you admitted thoughtfully -"that’s fair" -
After the shower, a shower with just kisses, you went downstairs to make breakfast, not without cleaning everything very well before.
You put on some music and Mel cooked for you
The kitchen felt entirely different in daylight.
Softer somehow. Less like the scene of your collective loss of self-control and more like a place already learning the shape of shared mornings.
Though admittedly, every time Melissa walked past the counter both of you avoided eye contact for at least three seconds. Just in case.
After and amazing breakfast and a few more kisses, you went to pick up your daughter, Melissa using a high turtle neck sweater to avoid letting your daughter see the mess of marks you left on her.
The second Melissa stepped out of the car, Gaia ran to her, being picked up by the redhead immediately, trying to play with her necklaces like she always did, but narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the high turtle neck. Not dramatic suspicion. Professional suspicion. The kind detectives in crime shows had right before uncovering government conspiracies.
You watched from the distance, resting against the car on your side to avoid putting stress on your messed up back, already trying not to laugh.
Gaia slowly looked Melissa up and down. Then at the turtleneck. Then at Melissa’s very obvious attempt to avoid eye contact. Then back to the turtleneck.
-"It’s like twenty degrees outside" - she said carefully. Melissa froze mid-step.
-"I..." - the redhead cleared her throat -"I was cold this morning" - Gaia’s eyes narrowed further.
You physically had to bite the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from losing it.
Then your daughter looked at you
-"Mama" - she said with narrowed eyes
-"Hm?"-you smiled, stepping closer to them to kiss her forehead
-"Melissa looks guilty" - Melissa made a wounded sound beside you while you burst out laughing immediately.
-"Traitor" - she muttered under her breath.
Gaia gasped.-"WAIT. How do I have to call you now that you are girlfriends?"-she seemed concerned
You both went quiet for a second. Melissa hugged her a bit tighter. And there it was again, that soft emotional expression she got every time reality caught up with her happiness.
-"You can call me whatever makes you comfortable, sweetheart" - she said gently.
Gaia thought about it with terrifying seriousness.
-"Can I still call you Melissa?"-she nodded.
-"Absolutely princess" - the redhead would never pressure her to do anything she didn't want to.
Then your daughter’s gaze drifted back to the sweater again. A beat passed. Another. And suddenly her eyes widened with horrifying realization. Melissa visibly panicked.
-"You know what?" - you interrupted quickly, open the car door-"who is ready to go to the park and eat ice-cream?!"
-"SHE BIT YOU?!" - Gaia shouted triumphantly from the backseat . Melissa turned more impossible red. You nearly drove into another dimension from laughing.
When you arrived to the park, you expected to at least have 2 min of peace, but as soon as you lay down the blanket and the basket, your daughter sat in front of you looking at both of you
-"I have questions" - she said
You stopped in the middle of taking the things out of the baskets as if someone had announced a hostage negotiation.
Melissa, beside you, whispered-"Why is she sitting like a tiny therapist" - Because Gaia was sitting like a therapist. Legs crossed. Hands folded. Expression devastatingly serious. The park had somehow transformed into an interrogation chamber. You pointed accusingly at your daughter.
-"This feels illegal" - Melissa immediately started laughing into her sleeve while you looked deeply betrayed
-"Question one" - Your daughter said and groaned already.
-"There are numbered questions?!"-you frowned
-"Focus, Mama" - Melissa was fully pink now from trying not to laugh too loudly. Gaia looked between both of you with exaggerated seriousness-"How long have you been in love with each other?" -
Silence. You and Melissa immediately pointed at each other.
-"She first" -
-"Absolutely not" - you denied
Gaia squinted.
-"Cowards" - your daughter murmured.
Melissa covered her face while you wheezed beside her. Then slowly, the redhead lowered her hands and smiled shyly-"I think..." - she glanced at you softly -"probably before either of us admitted it" - You looked at her with such immediate tenderness Gaia made a disgusted sound.
-"Ew. Okay. That answer was cute. I hate this already" - she made a puke sound.
-"You started the interrogation" - you said
-"And I regret nothing" - Then she leaned forward dramatically-"Question two. Were you flirting all those times in the kitchen when you thought I wasn’t noticing?"-Both of you froze. Gaia gasped loudly-"OH MY GOD YOU WERE" - Melissa looked seconds away from evaporating into thin air. You tried dignity. Failed catastrophically.
-"In our defense," - you said weakly -"we thought we were being subtle" - Gaia stared at both of you with the exhausted disappointment of a war veteran.
-"Mama. Melissa literally made you heart-shaped pancakes" - You blinked. Melissa blinked. Gaia spread her hands helplessly-"You two were one slow song away from a romantic movie montage" - she said stating the obvious
-"If I buy you ice cream, can we stop this?" - Melissa asked and your daughter nodded
-"Deal, but one last thing... I want a baby brother" - she said and run away to the ice-cream truck. The silence afterward was so immediate and violent it could have shattered glass. Melissa choked on absolutely nothing. You stared at Gaia.
Gaia stared back with complete confidence, like she’d just requested extra ketchup instead of detonating a conversational grenade in the middle of the park
-"Come on Mel! I want cookie ice-cream!"-she yelled from the distance. Melissa remained completely frozen beside you on the blanket. Absolutely motionless.
Somewhere in the distance, children screamed happily near the swings, birds chirped, and Gaia continued yelling about cookie ice cream like she hadn’t just emotionally flashbanged two adults in broad daylight.
-"Mel!" - she shouted again from beside the truck -"Before the good flavors disappear!"-she jumped up and down.
The redhead slowly turned toward you. Very slowly. Like a haunted Victorian doll gaining consciousness. You were trying so hard not to laugh your entire face hurt.
-"Baby brother?" - Melissa repeated faintly. Then she covered her face with both hands-"Oh my God" - That finally broke you.
You folded forward laughing helplessly while Melissa stared at the sky like she was personally asking the universe for strength.
-"She said it so casually," - Melissa whispered in disbelief -"like she was asking for a goldfish" - she whispered
-"To be fair" - you wheezed -"she probably thinks babies are easier than goldfish" - Melissa looked at you with betrayal in her eyes.
-"Why are you finding this funny?!"-she asked offended.
-"Because your face right now is incredible" - you laughed
-"I’m having a crisis" - she said scared. You reached over, still laughing softly, and squeezed her knee affectionately. Melissa exhaled hard through her nose before finally mumbling
-"I can’t even process being your girlfriend yet and apparently Gaia already has a five-year family development plan" -That only made you laugh again. Then your expression softened. You leaned closer, brushing your shoulder gently against hers.
-"Hey" - you said quietly -"you know she doesn’t mean pressure, right?"-you looked at her, Melissa’s eyes immediately softened too. Because she did know. Gaia wasn’t asking out of expectation. She was dreaming out loud. The way children do when something makes them feel safe enough to imagine a future inside it. Melissa swallowed softly.
Then from the ice cream truck-"MELISSAAA SCHEMMENTI!!!" -The redhead sighed dramatically.
-"I fear I’ve become emotionally attached to a tiny extortionist" - she murmured getting up
-"Too late now" - you teased gently -"she already adopted you" - Melissa smiled despite herself. Then she looked toward Gaia standing impatiently by the truck, sunlight catching the edges of her curls while she waved frantically for her to hurry up. And something impossibly tender unfolded across Melissa’s face. Something warm. Terrified. Hopeful. Like part of her heart had already started building a home there without asking permission first.
You noticed immediately. Of course you did. Your fingers slipped gently through hers.
-"Come on, love" - you whispered softly -"your kid is waiting".
After they bought the biggest ice cream possible, they came back to you.
The park had settled into that golden sleepy hour where everything felt softer around the edges. Children’s laughter drifted through the breeze. Someone nearby was playing music too quietly to recognize. The grass smelled warm beneath the blanket.
Gaia sat a few feet away cross-legged, entirely focused on destroying the largest ice cream cone legally available to a child. Chocolate streaked one cheek, cookie crumbs clung to her shirt, and every few seconds she hummed happily to herself while watching other kids race across the playground.
Melissa looked at her with helpless affection-"She’s wearing more ice cream than she’s eating" - You laughed softly from where your head rested comfortably on Melissa’s thighs.
-"That’s part of the experience" -
Melissa rolled her eyes fondly before scooping another bite from the cup between you both-"Open" - You obeyed immediately, smiling lazily when she fed you the spoonful. The redhead’s fingers brushed your lips accidentally in the process and both of you paused for the tiniest second. Still not used to this. Still a little dazzled by it. Girlfriend.
The word kept echoing quietly through both your heads like a song neither of you wanted to end. Melissa smiled down at you softly.
-"You look very pleased with yourself" - she whispered, her thumb tracing your bottom lip.
-"I am" - you admitted shamelessly -"I’m lying in my beautiful girlfriend’s lap while our daughter commits crimes against ice cream cones" - That made her laugh under her breath.
Your hand drifted lazily along the back of her knee while she kept feeding you little bites between conversations, absentmindedly caring for you in the most natural way imaginable.
-"Mama" - Gaia said without looking away from the playground.
-"Hm?"-you asked
-"You’re smiling at Melissa weird" - she pointed. You burst into laughter instantly. Melissa nearly dropped the spoon.
-"What does that even mean?" - she asked, scandalized. Gaia shrugged casually, still covered in chocolate.
-"Like in movies before people kiss in the rain" - You physically had to sit up because laughing on Melissa’s lap had become impossible-"Can we play baseball?" - your daughter asked exited, hands full of ice-cream.
-"Wash your hands first, I don't want you getting Lisa's bat dirty" - your daughter nodded running exited running to the faucet on the park to get cleaned.
You turned grabbing the redhead's jaw with your hand and kissed her deeply and slowly. Melissa melted instantly into the kiss. Not surprised. Not hesitant. Like she had already learned your gravity and her body simply followed it naturally now. Her hand slid up your wrist to hold it there against her jaw while your mouths moved slowly together beneath the warm afternoon sunlight, sweet with melted ice cream and lazy happiness.
For a few seconds the entire park blurred away. The noise. The children running. The music in the distance.
There was only the soft sigh Melissa made against your lips when you kissed her deeper.
Then-"EWWWWWW" - Both of you broke apart laughing immediately. Gaia stood a few feet away now, hands finally clean, staring at both of you with exaggerated horror-"You guys are kissing in public like teenagers" - Melissa hid her face against your shoulder instantly, laughing helplessly while you grinned shamelessly at your daughter.
-"And yet you interrupted us instead of looking away" - you raised your eyebrow.
-"Because I live here now," - Gaia answered dramatically, pointing between both of you -"This affects me emotionally" - You snorted.
Melissa finally lifted her head enough to smile at Gaia warmly-"I thought you wanted baseball" -
Gaia gasped-"RIGHT! So stop kissing" - she pointed at the both of you. Immediately she grabbed Melissa’s wrist and started dragging the redhead toward the open grass.
-"Mama come too" - she yelled at you and you got up from the blanket
-"Baby I suck at baseball, you know that" - you complained grabbing a ball
-"I can teach you" - the redhead offered immediately. She loved baseball, you knew that, she was an Eagles fan, she had a favorite collection of bats and she played with Gaia in the free time.You looked at Melissa with immediate suspicion.
-"Teach me?" - you repeated slowly -"Last time I tried, I almost hit myself with the bat" -
Gaia nodded gravely-"It was really embarrassing"-
-"Thank you for the support bebe" -you said. Melissa laughed warmly beside your daughter while the two of them dragged you farther across the grass anyway.
The sun painted gold along Melissa’s hair, turning the red into copper fire while she carried the bat easily over one shoulder. Comfortable. Confident. Entirely in her element now. God, she looked beautiful like this. Relaxed enough to shine.
-"Okay" - Melissa said, stopping in an open patch of grass -"first rule: stop looking at the bat like it personally offended you"-she pointed at you
-"It knows what it did" -
Gaia groaned dramatically-"Mama focus"-You stuck your tongue out at her before Melissa stepped behind you gently.
And immediately your brain stopped functioning. Her arms slid around yours to adjust your grip on the bat, chest warm against your back, her voice low near your ear while she repositioned your hands carefully
-"Relax your shoulders," - she murmured softly.
You swallowed-"I was relaxed before you got this close" - your voice came more pleading that what you expect, her front was pressing your scratchs on your back reminding you of last night.
Gaia made the loudest disgusted sound in human history-"NO FLIRTING DURING SPORTS!-
Melissa burst out laughing against your shoulder while you grinned shamelessly.
Then the redhead tapped your stance lightly with her foot-"Feet apart a little more" - You obeyed.
-"Good," - she praised automatically. And for some reason that simple little praise hit you directly in the nervous system.
Melissa noticed instantly.
So did Gaia unfortunately.
Your daughter narrowed her eyes.
-"...Why did mama make that face"-she squinted her eyes
-"No reason" - Melissa answered too quickly.
-"Suspicious..."-
You were still trying to recover while Melissa stepped away, smiling to herself now.
Then Gaia tossed the ball gently toward you. You swung. Missed spectacularly. The momentum spun you halfway around like a cartoon.
Melissa laughed so hard she doubled over immediately.
-"BABY!"-she laughed at you
-"I hate this sport... If we were playing fútbol I would be kicking your butts" - you murmured
-"You don't know how to play football..."-Melisa said and you looked at her squinting
-"Not football! I said fútbol! Like Messi!" - you yelled to her
-"Oh yes, she would be kicking our butts, that's why I don't wanna play with her" - your daughter agreed-"Again!" - Gaia demanded enthusiastically.
Twenty minutes later the three of you were breathless and laughing.
Gaia had grass stains on her knees. You had nearly dropped the bat six separate times. Melissa was glowing with happiness so obvious it almost hurt to witness.
At one point Gaia managed to hit the ball surprisingly far and sprinted after it triumphantly across the grass.
Leaving you and Melissa alone for a moment. The redhead moved beside you, smiling softly while taking the bat from your hands.
-"You’re improving" - she kissed your cheek
-"Liar" - you replied and kiss her briefly
-"A little..."-You laughed quietly before your gaze drifted toward Gaia in the distance. Then back to Melissa. And suddenly the sight of them together hit you all over again.
Melissa teaching Gaia patiently. Cheering for her. Laughing with her. Existing beside both of you like she had always belonged there.
Your chest tightened painfully with affection.
Melissa noticed the change in your expression immediately.
-"What?" - she asked softly. You stepped closer, brushing your fingers against hers around the handle of the bat.
-"Nothing," - you whispered with a helpless smile -"I’m just very in love with you right now" - you smiled kissing her again before your daughter could complain.
After you couldn't run anymore and you were covered on mud and grass, you decided to go home to take a shower before going to the arcade.
While you were showering yourself and your daughter, someone knocked on the door
-"I got it!" - Mel said coming down the stairs. When she opened the door, Barbara and all her friends from Abbott were there outside the door-"Barb?" - the redhead asked, the hand of her friend went immediately to the forehead
-"How are you feeling? Do you have any fever?" - her friend entered the house followed by the rest without waiting for permission.
Melissa froze in the doorway like a deer caught in the world’s most judgmental headlights.
Barbara’s hand was still pressed dramatically to her forehead while the rest of the group poured into the house carrying bags, drinks, and the chaotic energy of people who had absolutely decided this was a medical emergency social event.
Behind Barbara, Ava walked in holding iced coffee and sunglasses indoors like she owned the property already.
Jacob carried what appeared to be three different soups.
Janine had flowers.
Gregory looked deeply concerned but also vaguely resigned, like this exact situation happened to him weekly.
Melissa blinked rapidly.
-"...Why are all of you here?"-she frowned. Barbara looked scandalized by the question.
-"Melissa Schemmenti, you never take sick days" - the older pointed dramatically at her.
-"Exactly. You’re like one emotional breakdown away from becoming a ghost teacher haunting the school forever" - Jacob nodded solemnly.
-"We thought you might be dying" - Ava said smiling knowing the truth behind this.
Melissa opened her mouth. Closed it.
Then from upstairs came your voice-"Gaia stop spraying me with water!"-you laughed
-"YOU STARTED IT" -Followed immediately by shrieking laughter.
The entire group went silent. Slowly. Painfully slowly. Everyone turned toward Melissa. Ava’s sunglasses lowered down her nose with devastating precision. Barbara’s eyes widened just slightly. Gregory looked upward in realization like a man solving advanced calculus. Janine physically gasped. And Jacob? Jacob looked thrilled.
-"Melissa" - Ava said slowly, already smiling like a shark sensing blood in the water -"why does your sick day sound gay" - she smiled
Melissa’s soul left her body instantly-"It’s not what it sounds like" - she said quickly
At that exact moment you came downstairs. Hair damp from the shower. Wearing sweatpants and one of Melissa’s oversized Eagles hoodies. Looking entirely too happy and domestic for the situation. You stopped dead seeing the group in the living room.
The group stared back. Ava made a sound like she’d just won the lottery.
-"OH MY GOD"-Barbara looked between both of you once. Twice. Then her expression softened into immediate understanding so complete it was almost maternal-"Thank you Jesus! FINALLY!"-
Melissa covered her face. You looked at the redhead. Then at the teachers. Then back at Melissa. And slowly your grin spread.
-"...So," - you said carefully -"funny story... We didn't sleep last night" - you said smiling and Ava clapped
Melissa made a sound so offended and embarrassed at the same time that the entire room immediately lost composure.
-"I knew it! I told yall" - the principal smiled. Then she looked at the neck of the redhead covered in hickeys that right now they weren't covered with a piece of fabric because of the recent showered, then back at you-"Daam Melissa, you are living with a wild animal?"- Ava said
-"You should see what she did to my back before calling me wild animal" - you murmured under your breath
-"AVA!" - Ava was already crying laughing.
-"I’m just saying!" - she pointed dramatically at the visible marks along Melissa’s neck -"Girl, were you fighting for your life?!"-she joked.
You physically had to turn away because laughing directly in Melissa’s face felt dangerous for your long-term survival. Barbara, meanwhile, looked deeply entertained despite trying to maintain dignity.
-"Lord have mercy," - she muttered, though the smile pulling at her mouth betrayed her completely.
Janine’s jaw was hanging open-"YOU TWO ARE TOGETHER?"-
From upstairs Gaia yelled proudly-"THEY’RE IN LOVE!" - she said trying to change in her room but also be part of the conversation.
Melissa closed her eyes like she was accepting death at last.
Gregory quietly took a sip of coffee like none of this surprised him anymore.
Jacob looked emotionally invested to a frankly concerning degree.
-"Honestly," - he admitted -"this explains so much"-
-"THANK YOU," - Ava shouted immediately -"I thought I was hallucinating the tension for months" -
Melissa pointed at all of them accusingly-"Why is everyone acting like this was obvious?!"-
Every single person in the room stared at her.
Silence.
-"Melissa, the only two idiots that didn't knew you like each other, were each other" - the principal said.
The redhead looked betrayed beyond words. You finally stepped beside her, still smiling helplessly, and slipped an arm around her waist.
-"In her defense" - you teased softly -"she thought heart-shaped pancakes were subtle" - Ava physically bent over laughing.
Barbara clutched her chest.
Janine looked ready to ascend spiritually.
And Melissa? Melissa buried her burning face into your shoulder while muttering-"I’m moving to another country" -
Your daughter came running down the stairs looking at all the people at your house happily
-"Are you coming to the arcade with us?" - she asked exited, her t-shirt inside out because of her excitement
-"Baby they came to see Mel and her sickness"-you teased
-"It was your idea!" - Melisa said looking at you and you smiled kissing her cheek.
-"Do you want to stay, I can make some pizzas and we can watch something" - you asked watching at rest of professors in your living room, you knew Mel loved to have people at home and you knew that everyone, specially Barbara were dying to ask more details about all that happened after the previous night together.
The entire room went quiet for exactly one second. Then absolute chaos erupted.
-"PIZZA NIGHT!" - Jacob shouted immediately.
-"I knew this sick day was fake" - Gregory muttered into his coffee.
Ava pointed dramatically between both of you.
-"You cannot casually invite us into your lesbian domestic fantasy like this and expect me to leave" - she sat at the couch.
Melissa groaned into her hands.
Barbara, however, looked deeply pleased. The kind of pleased only someone who had spent months watching two idiots orbit each other at work could look-"That sounds lovely, sweetheart," - she said warmly.
Gaia gasped so loudly you thought she might achieve flight-"YES. WE CAN ALL PLAY GAMES!" - Your daughter jumped up and down.
You slid your arm fully around Melissa’s waist while she leaned automatically against your side now, no hesitation left in it anymore. Comfortable. Like she belonged there.
Ava noticed immediately and pointed again.
-"Look at them. They already stand like a married couple at Home Depot arguing about paint samples" -
-"That is weirdly specific" - you said.
-"Because it’s true" - she nodded
Melissa turned pink again while you laughed softly against her temple.
Then Gaia marched into the center of the room with all the confidence of a tiny event coordinator.
-"Okay. Mister Eddie, can you help me bring chairs from the kitchen, please? And cushions!"-Everyone actually looked at her.
Your daughter spread her hands dramatically.
-"Games now. Pizza later with movie. Romance bullying all day!"-she said smiling.
Ava wiped imaginary tears from her eyes-"I never wanted kids, but I like this one"
Barbara smiled fondly toward Gaia before looking back at Melissa. And there it was again. That soft knowing look. The one that said I see how happy you are.
Melissa caught it too. For just a second her expression shifted, something vulnerable and overwhelmed flickering there beneath the embarrassment and teasing. Because this entire thing still felt unreal. The warmth. The ease. You beside her smiling like she hung the moon itself. Gaia already weaving her into the shape of family so naturally.
Barbara noticed immediately. Of course she did. She stepped closer and squeezed Melissa’s hand gently-"I’m very happy for you, baby" - Melissa’s eyes softened instantly.
Then before the emotion could fully settle, Ava clapped loudly-"Okay enough feelings. I need details. Which one of you made the first move?"-
You and Melissa looked at each other. Then simultaneously pointed at the other again. The room exploded.
After answering most of the questions without giving too many private details, you went to the kitchen to make the pizzas, hearing the way they joked about stuff and played with Gaia.
It felt weird they way that you just went from being just you and your daughter to having a whole family and friends at home, so full, so loud, so nice.
The kitchen glowed warm beneath the soft yellow lights while you worked the pizza dough between your hands, the house was alive. Not politely occupied. Alive.
Laughter spilled from the living room in waves. Someone shouted dramatically about boardgame cheating. Gaia’s voice cut through the noise every few seconds at maximum volume, immediately followed by Melissa laughing in that breathless helpless way that had already become one of your favorite sounds in the world.
You paused for a moment, flour dusting your fingers. And listened.
Barbara was telling some story in the living room while Janine interrupted every ten seconds in outrage. Jacob was apparently trying to teach magic to Gaia while Mel explained how the trick worked. Ava had made herself comfortable on your couch like an evil glamorous cat claiming territory.
And Melissa? Melissa sounded happy. Not careful-happy. Not nervous-happy. The real kind. The kind that loosened her voice and made her laugh louder than usual. Your chest tightened unexpectedly.
Because for so long it had only been you and Gaia. Your small routines. Your quiet dinners. The constant low hum of survival mode wrapped so tightly around your life you’d almost forgotten people could simply... stay.
That homes could sound like this. Full.
You looked toward the living room doorway just in time to see Melissa sprawled on the carpet with Gaia beside her, both of them arguing passionately over arcade strategy while Barbara laughed from the couch.
Melissa looked up mid-conversation. Found you watching. And smiled instantly. God. That smile. Not the flirtatious one. Not the teasing one.
The soft one that reached her eyes slowly like sunlight spilling across water. The kind that said there you are. Something warm and enormous bloomed painfully behind your ribs.
Melissa must have noticed the shift in your face because her expression softened too.
-"You okay?" - she called gently over the noise.
You looked around the house again. At the mess. The noise. The people already reaching into the kitchen for drinks without asking. Gaia laughing so hard she nearly fell sideways onto Melissa’s shoulder.
Family.
The word still felt too big to touch directly. But somehow it was already here anyway. You smiled quietly before answering-"Yeah" - your voice softer than before -"I think I am."
Your face was soft, like full of feelings. Mel left Gaia with Barbara and went to the kitchen with you, holding your waist from behind and resting her face on your shoulder
-"What is going on that mind?" - she asked softly.
You exhaled slowly, leaning back into her warmth without even thinking about it.
Melissa’s arms tightened around your waist automatically, her chin resting on your shoulder while the noise from the living room blurred into a soft comforting hum behind both of you.
For a moment you just stayed therna Her heartbeat against your back. Flour on your hands. The smell of pizza dough and tomato sauce filling the kitchen. Home. The thought hit so suddenly it almost hurt. Your fingers stilled over the counter.
-"Nothing bad," - you whispered quickly, already feeling Melissa tense slightly behind you in concern -"Promise."
She relaxed immediately, pressing one soft kiss against the side of your neck, it made you shiver lightly-"Then what is it?"
You swallowed softly. How could you even explain this feeling? The strange ache in your chest from realizing happiness had arrived quietly while you weren’t looking.
You glanced toward the living room again.
Gaia was showing Barbara something dramatically with her hands while Ava argued with Jacob about movies. Gregory was helping Janine untangle something from her purse. And right in the middle of all of it sat Melissa’s sweater and youra tossed carelessly over the couch like you already belonged here. Like if you were meant to stay. Your eyes burned unexpectedly.
-"I think..." - you laughed softly at yourself, embarrassed by the emotion clogging your throat -"I think I got so used to surviving that I forgot life could feel like this" - Melissa went very still behind you. You kept speaking quietly. -"For so long it was just me and Gaia trying to make things work, you know?" - your hand covered one of hers around your waist -"And I loved our life. God, I did. But everything always felt... temporary somehow" - Melissa’s grip tightened. You leaned your head gently against hers-"And now you’re here"-Your voice cracked a little on the last word.
The redhead melted instantly. She turned you carefully in her arms until she could see your face properly, her own expression already full of that overwhelming tenderness she never managed to hide from you anymore.
-"Honey..." - she whispered.
You laughed weakly-"It’s stupid. I'm getting emotional over pizza..."-you joked
-"No" - Her hands slid up to cradle your face gently, thumbs brushing beneath your eyes before tears could fully gather there-"No, don’t do that," - she murmured softly -"Don’t make your heart smaller just because it’s full."-That almost ended you completely.
Your face crumpled into helpless emotional laughter while Melissa smiled through suspiciously shiny eyes herself.
Then she kissed you. Slow. Warm. Certain. The kind of kiss that didn’t ask permission to stay forever because it already had.
When you separated, you hid your face on her chest, hugging her waist and keeping her close to you, enjoying the warmth and smell of her skin
-"You know... I've been thinking about what Gaia said earlier... Do you want to have more babies?" - you asked softly and she tensed a little-"Not right now... I mean in the future, is something you would like?" - you murmured
-"I always wanted babies... But after my divorce I thought I was too old for it and the chances of a successful pregnancy at my age were not good, so I left that dream behind..."-she whispered softly and felt how your hands tightened around her waist
-"I just wanted to know... We already have Gaia..."-you whispered against her chest
-"But I grew up with many siblings... And even though we fight a lot, I really love them... And it would be nice if Gaia has someone else to play with... I mean if you want" - she whispered and kissed your head. Your chest tightened painfully at the softness in her voice.
Not because of the words themselves. Because Melissa sounded like someone carefully unfolding an old dream she had already taught herself not to touch anymore. You lifted your head slowly from her chest just enough to look at her.
The kitchen lights painted gold across her freckles and damp red curls, and suddenly she looked younger somehow. Vulnerable in a way she rarely allowed herself to be.
-"Lisa..." - you whispered softly. She smiled a little, shy now under your gaze.
-"I know it’s complicated" - she admitted quietly-"And expensive and scary and probably something very far away if it ever happened at all. I just..." - her fingers brushed gently through your hair -"I used to imagine a loud house" - You swallowed hard-"And Gaia is loud" - she laughed making you laugh-"but now that you both are here, that fantasy that was buried on the past has resurfaced" - she said softly and you kissed her lips again.
Behind you both, the living room exploded into laughter again. Gaia shouting something about cheating at Mario Kart while Ava defended herself dramatically. A loud house. You looked toward the noise instinctively. And then back at Melissa. At the woman standing in your kitchen, holding you like she had already started building a life around you without realizing it. Your hands tightened gently at her waist.
-"You know" - you murmured softly -"when Gaia was born I was terrified" - Melissa’s expression softened immediately-"I was young and broke and exhausted all the time. And everyone kept talking about how motherhood changes your life forever like it was supposed to sound scary" - You laughed quietly to yourself-"But nobody told me that sometimes the scary part isn’t loving someone too much" - Melissa listened silently, thumbs brushing little comforting circles against your skin-"It’s realizing your heart can keep making room" - That made her eyes shine instantly. You smiled weakly-"So... if one day, far in the future, we decided we wanted another baby?" - you shrugged softly -"I think I’d like that, very much" - you whispered. Melissa’s breath caught. Really caught. Like the answer had slipped past every wall she’d carefully built around that dream.
-"Yeah?" - she whispered.
You nodded-"Yeah."
The redhead stared at you for one fragile overwhelmed second before pulling you into her arms so fast you laughed softly against her shoulder. Then she hid her face in your hair.
And quietly, almost embarrassed by how much hope lived inside the words, she whispered-"I think you’d look very beautiful holding our baby" - she kissed your forehead
-"Poor you when you have to deal with my crazy hormones and weird cravings" - you said smiling
-"Poor me?" - she repeated incredulously -"Baby, you’re already dramatic when you’re hungry"-
You gasped in mock offense.-"I am not dramatic"-
From the living room Ava yelled without hesitation-"YES YOU ARE"-Both of you burst into helpless laughter.
Melissa kissed your forehead fondly before speaking again-"You’d absolutely wake me up at three in the morning crying because we don’t have the right brand of pickles" - she said, her strong Philly accent escaping more thick now that she was relaxed
-"Wrong" - you corrected seriously -"I’d cry because the pickles looked at me with bad energy" - you nodded
-"See? This is exactly what I mean"-she pecked your lips
You grinned shamelessly against her lips-"And you would still go buy me pickles."
Melissa’s entire expression softened instantly-"Without shoes if necessary."
That warmth bloomed in your chest again, huge and impossible to hold quietly. You tucked yourself closer against her, hands sliding beneath the back of her shirt just to feel her there. Real.
Melissa smiled down at you with that same overwhelming tenderness that always made it look like she couldn’t quite believe you existed either.
-"Honestly," - she murmured softly -"I think you’d be adorable pregnant"-
You immediately buried your burning face against her shoulder-"I regret bringing this up."
She laughed quietly, hugging you tighter.
-"No you don't" -
-"...Maybe a little"-Melissa tilted your chin up gently until you looked at her again.
-"Can I tell you something awful?"-she asked
You narrowed your eyes suspiciously-"That introduction is concerning"-
The redhead looked entirely too pleased with herself now-"The second Gaia asked for a sibling, part of my brain immediately imagined a tiny baby with your hair" - Your soul left your body. Completely. Gone. You stared at her in stunned silence while Melissa dissolved into laughter at your expression.
-"Lisa..." - you whispered weakly.
-"I know"-she laughed softly
-"You can’t just say things like that" - you murmured
-"Why not?" - she teased softly, brushing her nose against yours -"You started the future family conversation" -
You looked at her for another long emotional second before muttering-"You’re evil" -
Melissa smiled against your lips-"And yet you’re still going to marry me someday" - she said it without thinking, without remembering why that seemed a bad idea in the past.
You froze. She froze. Both of you blinked at each other.
Then simultaneously-"Well now we have to discuss that too..."-you laughed on her lips nervously
-"But another day... We have guests that are waiting for the pizza"-she said nervously too. You let her go but you didn't step away
-"And by the way... I think this future hypothetical baby will be easier than Gaia..."-you said smiling and she lifted an eyebrow-"...I mean, with those milkers any baby will be happy" - you said joking looking at her breast and she hit your arm. Melissa stared at you in absolute disbelief for half a second before smacking your arm again harder-"Ow!" - you laughed immediately, nearly folding in half.
-"You are unbelievable" - she narrowed her eyes shyly
You looked deeply pleased with yourself anyway-"I’m just thinking practically" - you smiled
-"You are objectifying me in my own kitchen" -
-"Incorrect" - you corrected shamelessly -"I am appreciating you respectfully" - you nodded
Melissa tried to stay offended. She really did. But the smile fighting at her mouth ruined the whole performance.
-"Respectfully?" - she repeated.
-"Very respectfully" - The redhead rolled her eyes while your gaze drifted teasingly downward again, you let out a sing, she was delicious.
Melissa immediately grabbed your jaw and forced your face back up-"Eyes up here, menace" - You burst out laughing. Her hold was tight, but loving at the same time, you pecked her lips
-"WHY ARE YOU TWO SO QUIET?" - Gaia shouted suspiciously.
Melissa answered instantly-"WE’RE HAVING A NORMAL CONVERSATION"-
Ava yelled right after-"That sounded guilty as hell" - she was right.
You laughed into Melissa’s shoulder while she groaned dramatically toward the ceiling. She looked back at you then, still smiling despite herself, cheeks pink from laughing and embarrassment. And God. You adored her. Not just the beautiful parts. Not just the flirting and kissing and soft moments in bed. This too.
Melissa in your kitchen arguing with you about hypothetical babies while your friends destroyed your living room in the background.
Messy. Warm. Ridiculous. Real.
Your expression must have softened again because Melissa’s eyes gentled instantly.
-"What?" - she asked quietly.
You wrapped your arms around her waist again and kissed her softly.
-"Nothing," - you murmured against her lips -"I’m just really happy you exist... I love you Lisa" - you kissed her again
-"I love you my menace" - she whispered on your lips, you would never get tired of hearing her say that.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Melissa started to see herself more as in Gaias mom than in her teacher.
Gaia stopped introducing her as Miss Melissa entirely.
It became:
"Mel, where are my shoes?"
"Mel, mama burned the garlic bread again."
"Mel, do you think raccoons have feelings?"
As if loving Melissa had become stitched naturally into the structure of everyday life.
The dinosaur ballerina room had been the beginning of the end. Melissa had tried, initially, to convince Gaia toward “something more cohesive.” That lasted approximately seven minutes. Now bright pink dinosaurs in tutus covered one entire wall of the carefully designed Italian-style house like a glittery act of rebellion.
You still remembered standing in the doorway watching them paint together. Gaia completely covered in green paint. Melissa with a pink handprint accidentally smeared across her cheek. Both of them arguing passionately about whether a T-Rex could realistically perform ballet.
-"Balance is important" - Gaia had insisted seriously.
-"Baby, its arms are six centimeters long."
-"Dreams are bigger than arms, Mel" -
Melissa had looked at you after that with such helpless love in her expression that you nearly proposed on the spot.
Then came the tiny mouse door. You had come downstairs one evening expecting peace and instead found Melissa crouched beside the staircase with paintbrushes scattered around her while Gaia supervised like a tiny construction manager.
-"...What is that?" - you had asked carefully.
Melissa looked up proudly.
-"A door for Ratón Pérez" - There, painted perfectly into the wall near the stairs, sat a tiny arched green door no taller than your hand, complete with miniature flowers and absurdly detailed gold hinges.
You blinked slowly.
-"You painted a fully functional mouse entrance into your house."
-"Our house" - Gaia corrected immediately from the floor.
Melissa smiled shyly at that while touching up tiny stars around the frame.
-"Well," - she murmured softly -"I didn’t want him struggling to get inside" - Your heart had almost burst open right there beside the stairs.
Because that was the thing about Melissa. She loved with infrastructure. Not loudly. Not performatively.She loved through details.
Packed lunches cut into little shapes. Extra sweaters waiting by the door. Nightlights replaced before they burned out. Tiny magical mouse doors painted into walls because someday Gaia would lose another tooth and Melissa wanted wonder to have somewhere to enter from.
And the strangest part?
It all became so normal so quickly.
Like she had always belonged there.
Like the house itself had been waiting for her laugh to echo through it before it could finally sound complete.
And then it came how comfortable Melissa felt on her rol as new mom when Gaia needed her the most. Helping even when you didn't knew how to.
One day Gaia came home devastated after a rough day at school. Nothing catastrophic. Just one of those childhood days where emotions felt too big for a little body to carry properly.
You found her curled on the couch refusing to speak. Before you could even figure out what to say, Melissa quietly disappeared upstairs.
She came back wearing one of Gaia’s dinosaur blankets like a cape.
-"Attention" - she announced seriously -"I have been informed this house is suffering from a severe sadness emergency" - Gaia blinked despite herself. Melissa climbed onto the couch dramatically-"Luckily I am a licensed feelings detective."
You watched from the kitchen trying not to smile while Gaia fought visibly against laughing-"That’s not a real job" - she crossed her arms
-"Wrong. I studied at emotional university."
-"That sounds fake" - she pouted trying to fight a smile
-"It was very expensive" -
By the end of the night Gaia was giggling so hard she hiccuped while Melissa performed increasingly ridiculous “investigations” into the case of the missing happiness.
And then there were the small things.
The quiet things.
The ones that mattered most.
Melissa brushing Gaia’s hair gently before school while listening with complete seriousness to long stories about playground drama.
Gaia automatically reaching for Melissa’s hand in crowded places.
Movie nights where somehow the two of them always ended up asleep against each other before the credits rolled.
The way Melissa never forgot things.
Favorite snacks. Spelling test days. The exact stuffed dinosaur required during thunderstorms.
One evening you came home late from work to find the living room lights dimmed low.
Melissa sat on the couch grading papers with reading glasses slipping down her nose while Gaia slept across her lap completely sprawled out, one tiny hand still tangled in Melissa’s sweater.
The television played softly in the background.
Neither of them had noticed you yet.
And for one fragile second you simply stood there in the doorway looking at them.
Your girls. The thought arrived so naturally now it no longer startled you.
Melissa looked up eventually and smiled immediately when she saw you. Soft. Sleepy. Home. Then she carefully mouthed-"She waited up for you." - Your chest ached so hard it nearly became unbearable.
Because all your life love had felt like something people threatened to leave with. But this? This stayed.
This painted mouse doors into walls and burned pancakes on rainy mornings and held your daughter through bad days like she had been born for it.
This built a home around you gently enough that one day you looked up and realized you were no longer surviving inside your life. You were living in it.
Melissa never had kids until now, she was happy to see how your daughter trusted her, how she was Gaia's mother even if your daughter called her Mel and no mama. She was happy to give her all the love your daughter deserved without asking for anything in return.
The redhead said to herself she didn't needed to be called mama, until the day it happened and she realized how much she was needing that
-"Lisa love, I'm going to put the car on the garage because it's about to rain, Gaia is watching Bluey, be right back" - you let the redhead know while she took a shower.
After a few minutes she heard the door of the bathroom open and she assumed it was you, but a tiny voice came instead
-"Mom can I speak to you?" - Gaia asked sitting on the closed toilet behind the shower curtain. Melissa frowned not being able to see your daughter
-"Baby your mama is parking the car, she will be right back" - she let your daughter know
-"I wasn't looking for mama, I was looking for you, that's why I said Mom, and not mama"-she said simply.
Everything inside Melissa stopped. The shower still ran softly around her. Rain tapped faintly against the windows outside. Somewhere downstairs, the muffled theme song from Bluey floated through the house.
But for one suspended heartbeat, the world narrowed entirely to that tiny voice outside the shower curtain.
Mom.
Melissa’s throat tightened instantly. She sat there frozen beneath the warm water, staring blindly at the tile while her heart beat so hard it almost hurt.
Outside the curtain Gaia shifted slightly on the closed toilet seat-"Mel?" - she asked softly now, suddenly nervous from the silence -"Did I say something bad?"-
That snapped Melissa back immediately.-"No, baby" - her voice came out rougher than expected, making her clear her throat quickly-"No, sweetheart. You didn’t say anything bad" -Her hands were shaking. God. She had spent months telling herself she didn’t need it. Didn’t need the title. Didn’t need the word. Because love was already there. Because Gaia already felt like hers in every way that mattered. But now that it had arrived anyway, so small and casual and sincere through a bathroom door, Melissa realized the truth immediately:
Part of her had been quietly aching for it all along.
She reached over blindly to shut off the water.
-"Can I open the curtain?" - Gaia asked carefully.
Melissa laughed weakly through the sudden burn behind her eyes.
-"Give me one second, bebé" - Gaia has seen Melissa like that before, with kids you have no privacy, but the redhead didn't wanted to look sad in front of her. She wrapped herself quickly in a towel before pulling the curtain open slightly.
Gaia sat there in dinosaur pajamas swinging her legs anxiously. The second Melissa looked at her properly, her entire face softened. Because Gaia looked worried now. Like maybe she’d crossed a line without meaning to.
Melissa crouched immediately in front of her despite still dripping water everywhere.
-"Hey," - she whispered gently.
Gaia looked at her carefully-"You’re not mad?"
Melissa made the tiniest broken sound of disbelief. Then she pulled your daughter into her arms so fast Gaia squeaked softly in surprise-"Baby" - Melissa whispered against her hair, voice trembling now -"I could never be mad about that" - Gaia hugged her back instantly. Small warm arms around her neck. Complete trust.
And that was what finally shattered Melissa completely. Tears slipped free before she could stop them. Quiet ones. Overwhelmed ones.
Gaia pulled back immediately-"Why are you crying?!"-she grabbed the redhead's face with her tiny hands.
Melissa laughed through it helplessly, wiping quickly at her face-"Because I’m emotional and dramatic apparently" -
-"Mama says that too" - That made Melissa laugh harder.
Then Gaia tilted her head thoughtfully-"You really liked it?"-Melissa looked at her for a long moment.
At this little girl who had wandered into her life carrying dinosaur backpacks and glitter and loud opinions about pancakes. The little girl she loved so fiercely now it scared her sometimes.
And softly, honestly, Melissa answered-"I think it might’ve been one of the happiest moments of my whole life" -
Gaia’s face lit up instantly. Then, with the devastating confidence only children possess, she smiled and said-"Well yeah. You’re my mom" - Gaia hugged her mom tightly again. Getting wet with the water on the redhead's head-"You won't leave us, right Mom?" - she asked hidden in the redhead's neck
-"What do you mean baby? I could never" - the redhead asked worried
-"My dad left us when I was a baby... And mom says we didn't need him to be happy... And sometimes I dobut that when I saw other kids having a dad, but then you arrived and you made us happy, you showed me that I didn't need a dad... But I do need you to be happy, so I need you to stay with us... Forever"-Gaia whispered with teary eyes.
Melissa felt her heart break and heal at the exact same time. The tiny wet arms around her neck tightened with every word, like Gaia was trying to hold onto her before she could disappear too. And God. Children carried fear so quietly sometimes. Not loudly. Not dramatically. They tucked it into little corners of themselves and kept growing around it until one day it slipped out in soft trembling whispers in the middle of ordinary moments.
Melissa held her closer immediately. Water from her damp hair soaked into Gaia’s pajamas, but neither of them cared.
-"Hey" - Melissa whispered shakily, pulling back just enough to look at her properly -"Look at me for one second, bebé" - Gaia did reluctantly, eyes glossy and scared in a way no child should have to be.
Melissa’s chest ached. She cupped Gaia’s cheeks gently in both hands-"Your dad leaving had nothing to do with you. Nothing." - her voice was steady now despite the tears burning behind it -"And it doesn’t mean everybody leaves" -
Gaia swallowed hard.-"But people say forever and then go away anyway" - That one nearly destroyed her.
Melissa inhaled slowly before resting her forehead carefully against Gaia’s-"Then I won’t just say it" - she whispered softly -"I’ll show you" -Gaia’s lip trembled immediately. Melissa smiled through tears now-"I’m going to stay for all the important things, okay?" - she murmured -"For bad school pictures and birthday cakes and fevers and dinosaur rooms and heartbreaks and embarrassing teenage phases."-That earned the tiniest watery laugh. Melissa brushed damp curls gently away from Gaia’s face-"I’m staying for movie nights and graduations and every lost tooth Ratón Pérez needs to collect" -
Gaia clung tighter instantly-"Promise?"
Melissa didn’t hesitate even for a second-"I promise" - The little girl broke completely then, burying her face into Melissa’s neck while quiet crying finally escaped her. Melissa held her through it without a second thought, rocking slightly where they sat on the bathroom floor together.
And somewhere between one heartbeat and the next, Melissa realized something enormous:
This wasn’t just loving Gaia. This was motherhood. Not biology. Not titles. Not paperwork. This. Holding a frightened child and making them feel safe enough to believe in permanence again.
After a long moment Gaia whispered shakily against her skin-"I love you, Mom" - Melissa closed her eyes.
And for the second time that night, her heart completely gave out inside her chest-"I love you my baby daughter... And I will be here every step, forever" - she whispered into her daughter's hair.
Gaia made the smallest sound against her neck. Not quite a sob anymore. Something softer. Relief.
The kind children release only when they finally believe they’re safe. Melissa kept holding her there on the bathroom floor long after the tears slowed, fingers moving gently through tangled curls while the rain tapped steadily outside the windows.
Downstairs, the television still played quietly to an empty living room. Upstairs, wrapped in towels and warmth and promises, a family was stitching itself together thread by thread. Gaia eventually pulled back just enough to look at Melissa again, cheeks pink and damp.
-"Even when I’m annoying?"-she asked softly
Melissa smiled immediately-"Especially then" -
-"Even when I become a teenager?"-Melissa pretended to think about it very seriously.
-"...That one might require prayer" - Gaia laughed watery little hiccup-laughs that made Melissa’s chest ache all over again.
Then your daughter reached up and touched Melissa’s face carefully, wiping away the tears still stuck there with tiny fingers-"You cry a lot for a grown-up" -
Melissa snorted softly-"You and your mama did this to me" -
-"Good" - The answer came so quickly and confidently that Melissa burst into helpless laughter again.
Then Gaia tilted her head thoughtfully-"Can I ask something else?"-
-"Always" -
-"If you marry mama someday..." - she hesitated shyly -"Can I be Schemmenti too?"-Melissa’s breath caught so sharply it physically hurt. Because children really did say life-changing things with the same tone they used to ask for cereal. Gaia hurried to continue when Melissa froze again-"You don’t have to! I just thought maybe because there would be two moms and..."-
-"Baby" - Melissa interrupted softly. Her voice broke completely this time. She pulled Gaia close again immediately, kissing the top of her head over and over while tears slipped free despite her best efforts-"You can have all the names you want, whatever makes your heart happy," - she whispered shakily -"I will answer every single time to all of them"-Gaia hugged her tighter with a relieved little sigh.
And downstairs, the front door finally opened.
Your voice echoed through the house-"Why does it sound suspiciously emotional up there?"-
Melissa laughed weakly through tears while Gaia grinned against her shoulder.
Then your daughter shouted back proudly-"Nothing! I was just talking to mom!"-You heard the way that Gaia refer to Melissa and you froze for a second, understanding all the sobbing upstairs. Carefully you went to where they were, cuddling on the floor of the bathroom. You looked at Melissa first, because you knew your daughter liked to drop bombs like that and be completely normal after
-"You Okey?" - you whispered entering the bathroom and crouching in front of them. Melissa looked up at you immediately. And that was all it took. Because the second her eyes met yours, fresh tears spilled over again. Not distressed tears. Not bad ones. The overwhelmed kind. The kind that came when happiness arrived carrying more weight than your heart knew how to hold gracefully.
Gaia, meanwhile, sat perfectly content in Melissa’s lap like she hadn’t just altered the emotional architecture of the household forever.
-"I think I broke her a little," - your daughter admitted thoughtfully.
You laughed softly despite the tightness in your own chest. Then you reached forward instinctively, brushing damp red curls away from Melissa’s face-"Baby?" - you whispered again gently.
Melissa shook her head once, smiling helplessly through tears-"She called me mom" - she pouted softly.
Your expression crumpled immediately. Because hearing it was one thing. Seeing what it meant to Melissa was another entirely. You looked down at Gaia. Your little girl, still in dinosaur pajamas, sitting safely tucked against the woman she trusted enough to hand her heart to.
Then back at Melissa. The love in the room felt almost unbearably large.
You exhaled shakily before leaning forward and kissing Melissa softly. Slow. Tender. Grateful. When you pulled back, your forehead stayed resting against hers-"You deserve that word" - you whispered quietly.
Melissa broke all over again. A tiny wounded emotional sound escaped her while Gaia looked between both of you with the exhausted patience of a child dealing with dramatic adults.
-"You guys cry a lot" - You snorted through tears immediately.
-"You literally started this" - you tickle your daughter
-"By accident! I just wanted to ask her to stay with us!" - she said between laughs.
Melissa laughed weakly, still holding Gaia tightly with one arm while the other reached automatically for your hand. And there it was again. That feeling. Not the sharp frantic happiness from the beginning. Not the terrified hope. Something steadier now. Roots digging deeper. You sat down beside them on the bathroom floor without caring about the cold tile or the damp towels everywhere.
Then both your girls immediately leaned into you automatically, like gravity. Gaia against your shoulder. Melissa against your chest.
Home.
Your daughter sighed happily between both of you before announcing-"Okay now I’m hungry again" - The three of you burst into laughter at the exact same time.
Melissa's perfect Saturday plans are interrupted when Ava shows up with a gym bag, a dangerous amount of confidence, and a surprise dance class. Unfortunately, Ava might actually have a point.
miss pinkthrone445 i need to say i am so invested in practical magic i have a request about this story if you’re willing to. i’d love to see melissa as a bottom if there is a smut, in my mind melissa would be perfect for the reader and i’d love to see gaia calling melissa mother too, can be in a few years if you think it’s too soon but it would be adorable
~The Practical Thing~ Part 4
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Pairing:Melissa Schemmenti x Reader
Gender:Fluff, Smut
Warnings:⚠️ALL OF THEM⚠️ strap on, insults, detailed sex, degradation, praise kink, oral(Mel receiving), nudity, all of that.
Summary:your push the redhead until the point where she can't hide her feelings for you anymore.
AU:Thanks for the request! I hope you love it! I couldn't add the Gaia part but I will put it on the next part because this one became too long 😅 and I want to add a sweet long scene on the next one.
And by the way my name is Roh 😅 Miss remind me when I had to teach and made me feel old hahaha.
If you want amazing Melisa's gifs like this one, go to @babytakeittothehead!
After all the mess that happened in the morning, Melissa went to school with Gaia and you got ready for your first day at work.
After a few hours of work and getting used to the new kitchen in the hospital, you went to have lunch, you were sitting on the dining table when your screen light up with the name "Lisa ❤️" on it. You pick it up smiling
-"Hello gorgeous" - you said and hear a little strangled noise on the other side, she cleared her throat
-"Hey..."-she was nervous, you could tell even on the phone
-"Hey..."-you repeated smiling more
-"Hey..."-she said again and you laughed
-"Is everything okey Lisa?" - you asked
-"Yes... I just wanted to know how is your first day going?" - she asked and you leaned back in your chair, smile curling wider as you balanced the phone between your ear and shoulder.
Around you, the hospital cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos. Trays clattered. Someone laughed too loudly near the vending machines. A tired-looking nurse was aggressively negotiating custody of the last blueberry muffin. And somehow, with Melissa’s voice in your ear, all of it blurred into harmless background static
-“It’s good”- you said softly- “Busy. The kitchen’s bigger than I expected. Everyone moves like they’re in some kind of culinary military operation"- That earned a quiet laugh from her. The sound did ridiculous things to your insides.
-“I imagine you’re adapting suspiciously well"-she said and you smiled.
-“I’m charming them through fear"-you joked
-“I’m sure"-There was a pause. Not awkward. Just full. You could picture her perfectly. Probably sitting at her desk after lunch break, one hand tucked under her chin, cheeks pink for absolutely no reason except that she was talking to you. The thought warmed you.
Then her voice came again, gentler this time-“And… are you okay?”-That made you blink.
The question was so simple. So Melissa. Not How’s work? Not Did you make a good impression? Just: Are you okay? Like what mattered was whether the day had been kind to you.
You smiled slowly-“Yeah, Lisa"-A tiny exhale of relief crackled through the speaker. Good. Then, because you were constitutionally incapable of letting her stay comfortable for too long, your grin sharpened-“You miss me already?”-The line went very, very quiet.
-“…No.”-Too fast. You laughed immediately.
-“That was the least convincing lie I’ve ever heard"-you teased
-“I do not lie"-she replied
-“You absolutely just did"-
-“I was pausing thoughtfully"-
-“You panicked"-
-“I did not panic"-she sounded offended
-“Lisa, I could hear your blush"-That got her. A soft, strangled little noise came through the phone, followed by silence that absolutely reeked of red cheeks and internal screaming. You were grinning so hard your face hurt.
Finally, Melissa spoke again, voice smaller now-“…Maybe a little"-The words landed warm in your chest. For a second, you forgot to tease. Forgot the cafeteria, forgot your lunch, forgot everything except the quiet honesty of her voice.
Your smile softened.
-“Well"- you said gently-“that’s good...-You looked down at the hospital badge hanging around your neck. At the half-eaten lunch in front of you.
At your phone, where her name glowed with that ridiculous little heart you’d shamelessly added this morning while she’d been upstairs getting dressed. And your chest tightened with something sweet and terrifying-“Because I miss you too..."-Silence. Not empty silence. The kind that happens when something true lands and both people feel it.
When Melissa finally spoke, her voice was so soft you almost missed it-“You do?”-You smiled helplessly.
-“Lisa" -That was all it took. You heard her sharp little inhale. The one she always made when you said her name like that.
Then, very quietly, like she was confessing something to herself as much as to you, she said-“I’ve checked my phone six times hoping you’d text.”-Your heart did an undignified little somersault. You laughed under your breath.
-“That’s deeply adorable"-you bit your lip playing with your badge
-“Please never say that out loud"-she said embarrassed and you laughed-"You know... They invited me for a few drinks tonight" - she said and you nodded even if she couldn't see you
-"Gaia is staying at her friend tonight, she has a pijama party" - you coment - "Can I sleep on your bed tonight while you are out?" - you teased, you loved her bed way more than yours and it smell like her-"So I can catch up with the rookie on your tv" - you lied about the reason
-"No" - she said sharp and for a moment you thought your forwardness made her upset-"Because you are coming with us" - she said surprising you
-"Lisa... They are your coworkers and friends, I don't think they want to go with a student's mom" - you said softly
-"They are all going with their dates, and you are not a student's mom, you are my date tonight"-she said before she could realize the way that she had said it. For a second, you forgot how words worked. The hospital hallway blurred around you. Nurses passed. Phones rang somewhere down the corridor. Someone rolled a rattling supply cart by. And all of it faded beneath the quiet, impossible weight of what she’d just said.
"You will be my date tonight". Not come along if you want. Not it’d be easier if you were there. Not even they said I could bring someone. Your date. Your heart kicked hard enough to hurt.
On the other end of the line, Melissa had gone very still. Like now that the words were out there, she was bracing for them to land badly.
You could picture her perfectly. Standing in her classroom, one hand tight around her phone, cheeks burning, trying to look composed while internally preparing for death. The thought made your smile bloom helplessly across your face.
-“Lisa"-That sharp inhale again. The one you were rapidly becoming addicted to. When she answered, her voice had gone smaller.
-“Yeah?”-You leaned against the chair, grinning like an idiot.
-“That was painfully smooth"-Silence for a moment.
-“What?”-she asked
-“You asking me out"-A strangled little noise. Then the immediate panic.
-“I wasn’t trying to be smooth"-she said nervously
-“Which somehow makes it smoother"-you replied
-“I hate talking to you"-You laughed.
-“No, you don’t"-Her silence said everything. Warmth unfurled through your chest. Then, softer, because teasing only got you so far before honesty demanded its turn-“You really want me there?”-The question lingered. Melissa didn’t answer immediately. And when she finally did, her voice was quiet enough that you almost missed it
-“Yes"-Just that. Simple. Certain. And somehow more intimate than any flirting. You closed your eyes for half a second, letting that settle somewhere deep. Then your smile sharpened.
You lowered your voice, letting a little trouble curl through it-“If I’m your date tonight…”-The line went completely silent. You could practically hear her blushing-“…then I’m wearing that black dress"-The sound she made belonged in a museum archive under Catastrophic Nervous System Failure. You bit your lip to keep from laughing. When she finally managed words, they came out embarrassingly high-pitched.
-“The one with the slit?”-You froze. Then grinned wickedly.
-“You remember the slit?”-Absolute silence.And then, very faintly:
-“…I have eyes"-she murmured. That did it. You laughed so hard you had to brace yourself against the table.
-“Lisa"-you whispered between laughs
-“Stop saying my name like that"-she said between her teeth.
-“Like what?”-you said flirting softly.
-“You know exactly what"-You absolutely did. And apparently she knew you knew, which somehow made everything hotter. You let her suffer for exactly two seconds before softening again.
-“I’ll wear it"-you said and hear another sharp inhale. You could practically see her grip tightening on the phone.
Then, because Melissa apparently had decided courage was a renewable resource today, her voice dropped low and careful-“Good"-The single word hit like a hand at your waist. Your smile vanished. Replaced by something warmer. Hungrier. Interesting. Melissa must have realized what she’d done because she immediately rushed on, flustered again-“I mean, not because of the slit. Obviously. You just look very nice in black. Professionally speaking"-You burst out laughing again.
-“Professionally?"-you teased
-“Yes"-she replied quickly
-“That’s fascinating, because the way you’re breathing right now sounds wildly unprofessional"-The tiny gasp she gave you was criminally satisfying. And then, to your delight, you heard Gaia in the background.
-“Mel! Are you talking to Mama?”-Melissa immediately panicked.
-“No"-she replied, too quickly, Gaia’s voice sharpened with six-year-old suspicion.
-“You’re doing the voice"-she pointed at the redhead. You nearly choked trying not to laugh.
-“What voice?”-Melissa hissed.
-“The one where you sound all weird and smiley"-
-“I do not have a weird smiley voice"-she answered back
-“You do when Mama flirts with you"-There was the unmistakable sound of frantic scrambling. Probably Melissa trying to cover the phone while Gaia pursued the truth like an investigative journalist. Then Melissa came back breathless and mortified.
-“She’s impossible"-You smiled so hard your cheeks hurt.
-“She gets that from me"-you replied
-“Yes"- Melissa said dryly-“That’s exactly what terrifies me"-You laughed again, warm and helpless. Then your lunch break alarm buzzed from your phone. Reality. Cruel, inconvenient reality. You sighed.
-“Go. Don’t let me distract you"-Too late for that. Still, you stood and gathered your tray. Then paused. A reckless little smile tugged at your mouth.
-“Hey, Lisa?”-
-“Yes?”-You lowered your voice just enough to make it intimate. The kind of voice that always ruined her
-“Try not to miss me too much. I need you functional enough to kiss later"- The sound she made could have powered small cities-“Lisa...?”-you asked again
-“Goodbye"-she said sharply
-“Wait, sweetheart, I still need details"-you laughed
-“Seven o’clock. Be ready"-she was nervous and replying fast and dry now
-“Will there be kissing?”-you teased. The line disconnected instantly. You stared at your phone for half a second. Then burst out laughing right there in the middle of the hospital cafeteria.
And somewhere across town, you knew with absolute certainty that Melissa was blushing so hard she was probably visible from space.
After your day at work, you picked Gaia up from school while Melissa was trapped in one of those endless teacher-principal conferences that always could have been an email.
You got your daughter ready for the pajama party, double-checked the overnight bag, listened to an extremely serious explanation about which stuffed animal was emotionally qualified to attend, and finally dropped her off at her friend’s house.
By the time you got home, your stomach was fizzing with nerves. The house was quiet. Too quiet. No Gaia singing nonsense songs from upstairs. No Melissa moving around in the kitchen. Just stillness and the low hum of anticipation hanging in the air like static before a storm.
You showered longer than necessary, letting the hot water beat against your skin while your thoughts spun in useless circles. This was ridiculous.
You were a grown woman, you had dates before. Obviusly, you didn't got pregnant by the holy spirit.
Besides it was Melissa. Melissa who corrected people’s grammar under her breath. Melissa who color-coded grocery lists. Melissa who got flustered if you looked at her too long while she was making coffee.
And somehow the thought of her taking you out tonight had your pulse behaving like it had recently escaped prison.
When you finally stepped out, wrapped in a towel, your eyes landed on the black dress hanging from your closet. The dress. The one with the slit. The one she’d remembered. Your face heated instantly.
-“Dangerous woman"-you muttered, getting dressed.
The fabric slid over your skin like ink. Smooth and cool and sharp in all the right ways. You styled your hair, kept your makeup soft but deliberate, then stood in front of the mirror for a long second just looking at yourself.
You looked good. Confident. Beautiful, even.
The realization settled warm in your chest.
And then you heard the door at Melissa’s room open. She had arrived while you showered. Your stomach dropped. Melissa was home.
You heard her heels click softly across the floor.
A pause. Then silence. Probably her realizing your room door was closed and that if she knocked, this would officially become real.
You smiled to yourself. Cute. Very cute. Right on cue, your phone buzzed. "Lisa ❤️" You answered immediately.
-“Chicken"-you murmured. A strangled sound came through the speaker.
-“I am not a chicken"-You grinned.
-“You’re standing outside my door calling me instead of knocking like a Victorian suitor"-Silence.
-“How did you know I was outside your door?”-she asked mortified.
-“You breathe louder when you’re nervous"-The indignant gasp she gave you was deeply satisfying.
-“Open the door"-she said softly. A beat. Then a knock. You crossed the room, pulse racing, and opened it. And forgot every coherent thought you’d ever had. Melissa stood there, hand half-raised from knocking.
God.
She was wearing deep green, it matched her eyes. Simple, elegant, devastating.
The fitted blouse traced every graceful line of her body. Her leather jacket on, matching her eyeliner. Her hair was down in soft waves, her lipstick darker than usual, her cheeks already faintly pink.
And she was staring at you. Not politely. Not academically. Staring. Her eyes dragged helplessly down the length of your body, catching on the slit of the dress before rising again. Her breath caught. Neither of you spoke. You leaned lightly against the doorframe, smiling slow.
-“Well?”-Melissa blinked. Opened her mouth. Closed it.
-“The slit"-she finally said and you laughed. That seemed to restart her brain enough for mortification to flood her face-“Oh my God, that is not what I meant to say"-Your grin widened.
-“No? Sounded important"-you teased
-“It is not important"-she quickly replied
-“Lisa, you brought it up"-Her entire face turned scarlet. You were enjoying this far too much.
Then, to your surprise, something shifted in her expression. The embarrassment remained. But beneath it, there was resolve. Melissa stepped forward.
Close enough that her perfume wrapped around you, soft and expensive and hers. Her fingers rose slowly to your bare shoulder, brushing your skin with featherlight certainty. The touch sent heat spiraling down your spine. When she spoke, her voice was low and steady.
-“I was nervous all day"-That stole your smile. Her eyes held yours-“I kept thinking about tonight. About seeing you in this dress. About taking you out and introducing you as mine"-Your breath caught sharply. Melissa’s own cheeks deepened, but she didn’t look away. Brave girl-“I know this is new"-she whispered-“And I know we’re figuring it out"-Her thumb stroked once over your shoulder-“But I want to do this right"-Something warm and dangerous bloomed in your chest. You reached up, catching her wrist gently.
-“Lisa"-That little inhale. Her favorite weakness. You smiled softly-“You already are"- Her face melted into something helpless and relieved and so tender it nearly ruined you. Then she smiled. Small. Real.
And because apparently she’d decided courage was her personality now, she leaned in and kissed you. Slowly. Deliberately. The kind of kiss that tasted like promise. When she pulled back, her forehead rested lightly against yours.
-“Ready for our date?”-she whispered. You smiled against her mouth.
-“Very"-you kissed her one more time, briefly, trying not to mess her lipstick, a bunch of careful little kisses.
When you arrived at the bar almost everyone else was already there, your hand was tightly grabbing the redhead's, all the teachers and their respective partners where there, sitting together, chatting happily. Melissa’s hand tightened around yours as you stepped inside. Not enough to hurt. Just enough to betray her nerves.
The bar was warm and low-lit, all amber lamps and polished wood and the easy hum of Friday-night conversation. Somewhere near the back, a lazy jazz playlist drifted through the room while glasses clinked and people laughed over each other’s stories.
And there they were. A long booth with many tables near the windows, crowded with teachers and their dates.
Ava spotted you first. Naturally. Her entire face lit up with the unholy delight of a woman who had waited months for this exact moment.
She shot to her feet so fast her chair scraped loudly against the floor.
-“Well, well, well"-she announced to the entire table, loud enough that half the bar probably learned Melissa had a love life. Every head turned. Melissa visibly considered death. You squeezed her hand reassuringly. Ava’s grin widened to dangerous levels-“Look who finally stopped emotionally slow-cooking each other"-Several people laughed.
Melissa made a sound of pure suffering and tried to hide behind your shoulder. You almost laughed at that. The woman had spent all week teaching thirty children and terrifying substitute teachers with a single look, but one mildly feral colleague mentioned you and suddenly she was defenseless. Cute. Very cute.
Ava swept dramatically toward the two of you, eyes sparkling as she took in your black dress and Melissa’s very obvious inability to stop staring at you. Then she gasped theatrically.
-“The slit"-Melissa actually choked. You burst out laughing.
-“Oh good"- you said brightly -“so she’s been talking about it"-
-“She absolutely has"-Barbara said
“BARB! You are supposed to be on our side"-The shriek that escaped Melissa made nearby patrons glance over. Ava looked delighted.
-“You should’ve heard her this afternoon. ‘Do you think black is too much? What if she wears the dress? What if she looks beautiful and I perish in public?’”-Ava imitated the redhead's voice.
You turned slowly to Melissa. The poor woman looked seconds from spontaneous combustion. Your smile softened-“She said that?”-Melissa covered her face with her free hand.
-“I’m transferring schools"-she murmured. You laughed helplessly and tugged her hand, gently pulling her closer until your shoulders brushed.
Then, because she looked so adorably wrecked you couldn’t resist, you leaned up and kissed her cheek. Right there in front of everyone. Melissa froze. Her entire body short-circuited.
The table erupted. Actual cheers. Someone wolf-whistled. Ava clutched her chest like she was witnessing fine art.
And Melissa… God. Her face. Red from throat to hairline, eyes wide, completely stunned by the casual public affection. You smiled against her skin before pulling back.
-“There"-you murmured for only her to hear-“Now they know you’re taken"-The effect was immediate. Melissa blinked at you.
Something shifted behind the embarrassment. A spark. A quiet little straighten of her spine. And then, to your utter delight, she turned her head and kissed you properly. Not your cheek. Not a flustered peck. Your mouth. Slow enough to make your pulse jump. Certain enough to make the whole table lose their collective minds.
Your hands went to her waist pulling her closer and her manicured hand went to the back of your neck.
When she pulled back, her lipstick was slightly smudged and her expression held the faintest edge of triumph. The look she gave you practically purred: two can play this game.
Your stomach dropped pleasantly.
Janine was screaming. Not metaphorically. Actually screaming into her boyfriend’s shoulder-“I HAVE WAITED HALF A YEAR FOR THIS"- Melissa ignored her. Her eyes stayed on yours. And then, still pink-cheeked but suddenly bold in a way that made heat curl low in your stomach, she brushed her thumb over your knuckles and said quietly-“Come sit with me"-Not us. Not the group. With me. Like there had ever been any doubt where you belonged tonight.
You let her lead you to the table, her hand still wrapped securely around yours. And she let you enter the booth, siting by your side on the edge of it, leaning close enough that her knee pressed warm and deliberate against yours under the table, you realized something quietly wonderful.
Melissa might still blush like a Victorian heroine every time you flirted. But apparently, once she decided something was hers, she had absolutely no intention of letting go.
After a few drinks and minutes talking to the others, Jacob arrived with her brother Caleb, you didn't knew them much, but you knew they used to live in Melissa’s house. You liked that, you wanted to be very friendly with them and share funy stories of living with the redhead, that was until Caleb went straight to her, hugged her from her waist tightly, more than necessary, saying-"How are you, baby girl? I missed you so much"-You were not a jealous person without reason, but you were posesive, and that bother you more than it should. The shift in your mood was instant. Sharp as a paper cut.
One second you were half-listening to Ava tell some ridiculous story about a substitute teacher who’d accidentally locked himself in the supply closet, Melissa’s knee warm against yours under the table, your fingers lazily tracing circles against the back of her hand.
The next, Caleb had crossed the room. And wrapped his arms around her. Too familiar. Too easy. Too practiced. “Baby girl, missed you so much."
The words landed wrong. Not because they were obscene. Not because Melissa looked uncomfortable. She didn’t. She laughed softly in surprise, her hands lifting automatically to his shoulders as she hugged him back. Comfortable. Natural. Like this had happened a hundred times before. And that bothered you more than it had any right to.
A hot, ugly little twist coiled low in your stomach. Possessive. You hated that feeling. Hated how quickly it arrived, primitive and irrational and impossible to reason with. Because you knew this wasn’t fair. Melissa wasn’t yours to claim. Not officially. Not yet.
And she had a whole life before you and Gaia burst into it with your chaos and your flirting and your impossible timing.
Still. Watching him touch her like that made something territorial rear its head inside you.
Apparently your face betrayed more than you thought, because Ava’s chatter slowed. She looked from you to Caleb. Then back to you.
And immediately grinned. Oh no. That was the grin of a woman who had just found premium entertainment.
-“Well, this should be fun"- she murmured into her drink. You ignored her.
Across the table, Caleb finally let Melissa go, his hands lingering at her arms as he looked her over with a broad smile.
-“Daam Mel! You look incredible"-he looked her up and down and you squeezed your glass.
Melissa smiled politely-“Thanks, Caleb. You too”-
Then his eyes slid to you. Assessing. Not rude. Just curious.
You offered a pleasant smile. The kind that said I’m perfectly friendly and also fully capable of ending you if necessary.
He smiled back.Then looked at Melissa again.
-“You never answered my texts"-he said. Interesting.
Melissa’s posture shifted almost imperceptible. A little straighter. A little cooler-“I’ve been busy"-That should’ve ended it. Should’ve.
Instead Caleb laughed lightly and rested a hand on the back of her chair. Familiar again. That same easy possession.
-“Too busy for your old roommate?”-he teased. There it was. That twist inside your ribs tightened. You sat very still. Very composed. Because you were not about to make a scene over what could easily be harmless nostalgia. You were an adult. You could handle this.
And then Caleb smiled at her and said-“Still keeping my room warm?”-The table went dead quiet.
Melissa’s face changed instantly. Gone was the polite smile. Gone was the faint social softness she wore with colleagues. Her expression cooled into something sharp enough to cut glass.
-“No"-she said evenly. The single word cracked through the air. Caleb blinked. Apparently he hadn’t expected resistance. He laughed awkwardly.
-“Relax, I’m kidding"-he said nervously, Melissa didn’t smile. Didn’t soften. Didn’t laugh. She simply looked at him with calm, terrifying teacher-face. The kind that probably made entire classrooms rethink their life choices.
-“You moved out eight months ago, Caleb"-she said, voice smooth and perfectly clear-“My tenant lives there"-Her tenant. The words hit your chest like a struck match.
Then Melissa turned her head. And looked directly at you. Not subtly. Not accidentally. Deliberately. Her eyes softened the instant they found yours.
And then, she reached behind you, resting her hand on hour shoulder bringing you closer. Warm. Certain. Claiming. When she looked back at Caleb, her expression was still polite. But her thumb stroked your shoulder once. Deliberate enough that he couldn’t miss it.
-“And"- she added calmly-“she’s here tonight as my date"-Melissa smiled.
The twist in your chest evaporated instantly, replaced by a slow bloom of warmth so bright it nearly made you dizzy. Because there had been no hesitation. No awkward clarification. No softening of language to make things easier. Just simple, public certainty. She’s here as my date.
Caleb recovered quickly enough to force a smile and step back.
-“Well”- he said, awkwardly adjusting his jacket - “good for you, Mel"-he wasn't flirting with Mel, it was his way of being with everyone, but Mel noticed that the interaction made you uncomfortable and that's why she acted that way, and Caleb understood that his behavior wasn't appropriate now that she was dating.
Melissa nodded once.
Conversation slowly restarted around the table, the tension dissolving. Ava looked seconds from exploding with satisfaction. But you barely noticed any of it.
Because Melissa was still holding you close. Still tracing slow little circles over your naked shoulder. And when you leaned closer, lowering your voice so only she could hear, she turned immediately toward you. Your smile was slow and dangerous.
-“Baby girl?”-you murmured. Melissa’s eyes widened. Then narrowed. A flush climbed her cheeks. You leaned just a little closer. Close enough for your breath to ghost over her ear-“That’s unfortunate.”-Her breath hitched.
-“Why?”-You smiled.
-“Because now I’m going to spend the rest of the night finding much better things to call you"-The sound she made was small, scandalized, and utterly wrecked. And judging by the way her grip on your hand tightened, Melissa had absolutely no objections.
By the second drink, you had made a fascinating discovery. Melissa had tells. Tiny, deliciously specific tells. And once you noticed them, the entire night became an experiment. A very fun experiment.
You leaned comfortably against her shoulder while the conversation drifted around the table, one hand curled loosely around your glass, the other resting warm on her thigh beneath the edge of the tablecloth. Not enough to scandalize anyone. Just enough to keep her aware of you. Always aware.
Melissa was trying very hard to focus on Barbara's increasingly dramatic retelling of some school board disaster, nodding politely in all the right places.
But every time you shifted closer, every time your breath brushed her neck as you leaned in to “listen better,” her entire spine would go taut.
The first time you tested a nickname, it happened almost by accident.
Ava had asked if Melissa wanted another drink. Before she could answer, you tilted your head against her shoulder and murmured softly into her ear-“What do you think, beautiful?”-Melissa nearly inhaled her own tongue. Her glass clinked loudly against the table.
Ava stopped mid-sentence. Jacob’s eyebrows shot up. And Melissa turned to stare at you, face instantly pink. Interesting. You smiled innocently.
-“Too much?”-you asked. She opened her mouth. Closed it.
Then managed a strained-“No"-Oh, this was going to be fun.
A few minutes later, while everyone was distracted by Caleb trying and failing to explain craft beer to Ava, you let your fingers drift lazily over Melissa’s knee and leaned in again.
-“How’s your drink, darling?”-The effect was immediate but different. Not the sharp freeze from beautiful. This one made her swallow hard, her lashes lowering for half a second before she answered.
-“…Good"-Softer reaction. Still potent. Noted.
You smiled into the side of her neck. Melissa shivered. Her perfume wrapped around you, warm and expensive and unmistakably hers, and you let yourself breathe her in just long enough to make her realize exactly what you were doing.
Her hand twitched against her glass. You could practically hear her trying not to combust. Then she turned just enough to hiss under her breath:
-“What are you doing?”-You blinked at her with exaggerated innocence.
-“Existing, honey"-That one. That one nearly killed her. Melissa made the tiniest strangled sound and visibly forgot how to sit normally. Her knees pressed together. Her shoulders squared like she was physically bracing against impact. Her cheeks burned crimson all the way to her ears. Bingo. You bit your lip to stop yourself from laughing.
There it was. The winner so far. Honey. You had more ideas in mind but this wasn't a place to taste them.
The realization lit you up with wicked delight. You leaned closer still, your lips nearly brushing the shell of her ear.
-“Well now"- you whispered, voice low enough that only she could hear-“looks like we found your favorite.”-
Melissa’s breath caught so sharply it was practically a gasp.
Across the table, Ava looked up. Her eyes narrowed. Then slowly widened with delighted understanding. Ava knew. And because the universe hated Melissa specifically, Ava immediately grinned and said loudly:
-“Mel, you’re awfully red. You okay?”- Melissa jerked upright so fast she nearly knocked over her drink.
-“Fine"-The single word came out embarrassingly high-pitched.
The table went silent for exactly one beat. Then Jacob snorted. Then Ava burst into delighted cackling. Even Caleb looked amused.
Melissa looked like she was considering witness protection. And you? You smiled sweetly, reached up to smooth a strand of hair behind her ear, and said in your gentlest voice-“She’s okay. Aren’t you, honey?”-The sound Melissa made this time belonged in a locked archive.
The entire table lost it. Actual tears of laughter from Ava. Jacob wheezing into his drink. Even the bartender looked curious.
Melissa slowly turned to you, face incandescent.
And then, to your absolute delight, something in her expression shifted. A spark. A decision. Without warning, she reached for your chin and turned your face toward her. Then she kissed you. Right there. In front of everyone. Not shy. Not flustered. Not a quick little peck to save face. Slow. Certain. She wanted to dominate the kiss and you let her, giving her a false sense of confidence. You whiperd at her mouth softly, smiling at her lips. That was the kind of kiss designed with very clear educational objectives.
The whole table erupted. You barely heard it. Because Melissa’s fingers were steady against your jaw, and her lipstick was warm against your mouth, and when she finally pulled back, she stayed close enough to steal your breath with what she whispered next-“Careful"-Her voice was low. Smooth. Dangerously composed. And her thumb traced once across your lower lip before she smiled-“If honey does that to me…”-Her eyes dropped deliberately to your mouth. Then rose again. The faintest edge of triumph in them-“Imagine what I’ll do when I figure out yours"-she smiled and you pecked her lips again. You laughed softly, dangerously confident, caressing her jaw with your nails barely scratching, your eyes looked dangerous
-"It's funny that you think you are the one in control here...honey" - your voice was low, seductive. You knew that if anyone saw from the outside, the way of dressing and the way she talked, would make people think she was the top one in the relationship, and you had no problem to let people belive that, but you had to remind the redhead who was truly on charge.
For half a second, Melissa looked almost smug. That tiny victorious spark still glowed in her expression from the kiss she’d just used to flip the entire game on its head. Then your nails skimmed lightly along her jaw. Barely there. Just enough to make her breath catch. And the moment your voice dropped around that soft little honey, her confidence flickered.
There it was. That beautiful crack in her composure. You watched it happen in real time. The slight widening of her eyes. The subtle hitch in her breathing. The way her lips parted just enough to betray surprise before she pressed them together again, trying to recover. Cute.
You smiled slowly, your gaze never leaving hers.
The noise of the bar faded into a distant blur. The laughter at the table. The music drifting lazily overhead. The clink of glasses. None of it mattered.
Not when Melissa was looking at you like that. Flushed and sharp and trying so hard to pretend she wasn’t affected. Her chin lifted. Brave thing.
-“Confident”-she said, her voice impressively steady considering the pulse fluttering wildly in her throat beneath your fingertips. Your thumb traced once across that pulse point. Melissa swallowed.
-“Not confident"- you murmured-“Certain"-That landed. Her breath stuttered.
And for all her elegant posture and poised little jackets and those impossible heels that made her look like she belonged on magazine covers, Melissa had always betrayed herself in the smallest ways. The tension in her shoulders. The pink blooming slowly up her neck. The way her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass when she was trying not to squirm.
And right now?
She was gripping that poor glass for dear life.
You leaned closer. Close enough that your mouth nearly brushed the corner of hers. Not kissing. Just threatening to. Her lashes fluttered.
Waiting.
Wanting.
And you smiled against the anticipation building in her-“Lisa"-you whispered. That sharp inhale. Always. God, you loved that sound-“You really thought one public kiss meant you’d suddenly taken over?”-Her cheeks deepened.
She held your gaze, stubborn even now-“You looked pretty affected"-You laughed softly. Low. Warm. The sound made her shiver.
Then your fingers slipped from her jaw to the side of her neck, your touch feather-light and devastatingly deliberate-“You know what I think?”-
Her voice came out smaller now-“What?”-You leaned in until your lips brushed her ear.
And then, quietly enough that only she could hear-“I think you’re being very brave for someone who’s about an hour away from forgetting her own name"-The effect was immediate. Melissa’s entire body went still. Not relaxed stillness. The kind of stillness people fall into when every nerve suddenly lights up at once. Her breath left her in a tiny, helpless rush. You didn't specify on how, but Melissa's mind filled the blanks. J
Across the table, Ava was very obviously pretending not to watch while absolutely watching. Jacob had gone suspiciously silent. You ignored both of them.
Your attention stayed exactly where it belonged. Melissa turned her face toward yours, just enough that your noses nearly brushed. Her eyes were dark now. Focused.
And when she spoke, her voice had gone quiet in a way that made your pulse jump-“That’s a bold claim"-You smiled.
Then, slowly, you reached for her drink and plucked it from her hand. Effortless. She let you. Interesting. You set it on the table behind you and leaned back just enough to look at her fully. To let her feel the loss of your closeness. Melissa’s expression betrayed the tiniest flash of disappointment before she caught herself. There. Proof.
You let your smile sharpen-“Then come here"-you said softly. No teasing. No challenge. Just calm certainty.
Melissa hesitated for exactly one heartbeat. And then she moved. Leaning in immediately, like she’d been waiting for permission. You met her halfway, catching her mouth in a slow kiss that stole every clever response she might have had.
The kind of kiss that wasn’t hurried or hungry. Worse. Patient. Confident. A kiss that said I know exactly what this does to you.
By the time you pulled back, Melissa looked dazed. Her lipstick slightly smudged. Her breathing uneven. And her eyes? Completely wrecked.
You brushed your thumb lightly over her lower lip, fixing the smear. Then smiled sweetly-“That’s what I thought, honey"-you said.
For a moment she could only stare.Then, very faintly, almost too soft to hear, she whispered-“…rude"-You laughed.
After a few more moments of teasing her, you got up from the table, leaving your empty glass there, you got out from the booth resting lightly your ass on the lap of the redhead since there was "no other way" to get out of the booth. The hands of the redhead shook, fighting against herself not to grab your hips.
Melissa watched you go like a woman witnessing her own destruction in real time. Still flushed from your kiss. Still visibly trying to remember how breathing worked.
And then you had the audacity to settle yourself onto her lap on the way out of the booth, your weight warm and brief and devastatingly deliberate. The contact lasted maybe two seconds. Two seconds too long for her sanity.
Her hands twitched hard at your hips, fingers flexing with visible effort as she fought every instinct screaming at her to grab and keep you there. She didn’t. Barely. And somehow that restraint made it hotter.
When you got out of the booth you extended your hand to her
-"Do you wanna dance?" - you offered smiling but you could see how nervous she was. The invitation alone nearly did her in. She wanted to say yes. But if she stood right then, she was ninety percent sure she’d collapse directly into your arms and provide Ava with enough blackmail material to last until retirement.
She loved to dance, but she was afraid of standing up with how waby her legs were.
So instead, she reached for her drink with what she prayed looked like composure.
-“Let me finish this"-You smiled. That knowing, dangerous smile that said you understood exactly what you’d done to her. And liked it
-“Take your time"-you murmured, leaning in for one more kiss. Deep enough to make her clutch the edge of the table. Soft enough to promise more-"I will wait for you at the dance floor" - you said giving her one more deep needy kiss and a wink, swinging your hips more than necessary while walking away.
You went to the DJ booth and asked for an latin song, one that you knew it was Melissa's favorite since she saw you sing it at home.
On your way back to the dance floor you scanned the crowd and grabbed a guy, who clearly knew how to dance and stayed close enough for the redhead to see and enjoy the show.
Melissa sat there for exactly three stunned heartbeats before downing the rest of her drink in one heroic swallow.
The table erupted-“Oh, she’s gone"- Ava announced gleefully.
Jacob was openly wheezing into his glass.
Even Caleb looked impressed.
Melissa ignored all of them, setting her empty glass down with grave dignity while trying very hard not to think about your mouth.
Then the music changed. The opening notes drifted through the bar. And Melissa froze.
"Yo la quiero a morir". Her favorite.
The song she’d once mentioned offhand while cooking dinner months ago, when the radio had played some terrible remix and she’d sighed dramatically about people ruining classics. You’d remembered.
The realization hit like a blow to the chest. Slowly, she looked toward the dance floor. And nearly stopped functioning entirely.
Because there you were. Laughing softly with your dance partner, moving with effortless confidence as the rhythm picked up around you.
And God. You could dance. Not politely-sway-at-a-wedding dance. Not awkwardly-follow-the-beat dance.
Dance.
Your body moved like the music belonged to you, every turn smooth and deliberate, every shift of your hips perfectly timed. You had the latin "sauce" in your veins as you said, that swing that you were born with.
And your partner was clearly excellent too, matching your rhythm with easy precision.
The whole thing should have been elegant. Instead it was devastatingly sensual. Because every few moments, your eyes lifted.
And found hers. Not your partners. Hers. You were dancing for her. Smiling brightly for her. Teasing her from across the floor with every fluid step.
Melissa forgot every strategy she’d ever had for self-preservation. The jealousy came first. Sharp and irrational and immediate. Watching someone else’s hand settle at your waist. Watching your body move close to his. Watching him grin at something you whispered. It lit something hot and possessive in her chest.
And then came the second realization. You were doing this on purpose. You little menace. The thought should have annoyed her. Instead, it made heat curl low in her stomach. Because this wasn’t casual. This was deliberate. You were calling her out. Inviting her to stop watching and come claim what was hers.
Across the table, Ava noticed the shift instantly.
Her delighted grin widened to dangerous levels-“Oh"- she breathed.
Jacob followed her stare. Then he laughed-“No way"-
Melissa rose to her feet. The table went silent. No shaky legs now. No uncertainty.
The deep green blouse fell perfectly around her as she smoothed one hand over it, calm and precise and suddenly terrifyingly composed.
Ava actually gasped. Because everyone at that table knew that look. That was Melissa’s decision made face. The same one that made twelve-year-olds immediately confess to passing notes in class.
She crossed the bar floor in those impossible heels like she owned every inch of it. And when she reached the edge of the dance floor, she didn’t hesitate. She stepped directly between you and your partner. One hand finding your waist possessive. The other reaching for your hand.
Your partner took one look at her expression and laughed, backing away with a delighted little salute. Smart man.
Melissa’s eyes never left yours. Her mouth curved slowly. Not flustered. Not shy. Dangerously sure.
-“You’ve had your fun"- she said softly. Her hand tightened at your waist. Then she pulled you flush against her. The sudden contact stole your breath.
-"The fun is barely starting now that you are here"- you whispered smiling,. And then Melissa moved. Perfectly. Fluid and confident and devastatingly skilled.
Your eyebrows shot up. Well. That was new. She smiled at your surprise, guiding you effortlessly into the rhythm.
-“You thought I couldn’t dance?"-You laughed, breathless.
-“You let me tease you”-you whispered
-“I let you underestimate me" - God. The confidence in her voice. The quiet heat in her eyes. It hit differently now.
And when she leaned close enough for her lips to brush your ear as she guided you through a turn, her voice dropped low and smooth:
-“You wanted to remind me who’s in charge, honey?-A shiver raced down your spine. Melissa’s smile sharpened. Then her hand slid lower at your back, pulling you impossibly closer as she murmured-“Careful what lessons you start teaching"-she said with a deep voice
-"Fast learner I see, let's see how you follow the lesson" - you raised your leg, bending your knee, letting your leg scape trough the slip of the dress, the open part rising a lot, but without letting see something that it shouldn't be in an open place.
Melissa had exactly half a second to register what you were doing. And then your leg slid free through the slit of the dress. Slowly. Deliberately. The fabric parted like a secret being shared. Smooth skin caught the low amber light as your knee bent, your thigh pressing carefully against the outside of hers as the movement folded naturally into the rhythm of the dance.
Nothing improper. Nothing anyone could reasonably call scandalous. And yet. The effect on Melissa was immediate. Her breath vanished. Her step faltered for exactly one beat before instinct took over and she recovered, guiding you smoothly through the turn like the stumble had never happened. But you felt it. The brief tightening of her hand at your back. The sharp flex of her fingers. The pulse jumping wildly beneath the elegant line of her throat.
You smiled. There you are-“Honey"- you murmured, your lips brushing near her ear as your body settled against hers again. Your teeth gently bit her ear. Melissa swallowed. You could practically hear her trying to reassemble coherent thought.
And then, just enough to test her, your leg shifted higher. Not enough to cross any line. Just enough that the contact became unmistakable. Warm. Intentional. A challenge.
Melissa’s entire body locked for half a heartbeat.
Her eyes lifted to yours. And for the first time all night, they didn’t widen or dart away. They darkened. Steady. Focused. The teacher was adapting.
Her hand at your back flattened, broad and sure, anchoring you closer as she guided you through another turn.
This time when you came back against her, she let the movement carry your body flush to hers for a breath too long. Deliberate.
The song swelled around you, all aching brass and slow devotion, and Melissa guided you across the floor.
When she turned you again, your back brushed against her front, your breath catching as her hand settled firm at your waist to steady the movement. Pulling you close. So close.
Then she bent just enough for her mouth to hover beside your temple, her chest pressing your back-“You’re blushing"-
You laughed softly-“Wishful thinking”-
Melissa hummed. The sound curled low and pleased. Then she drew back just enough to meet your eyes.
The final notes of the song melted through the room like warm honey. Slow. Heavy. Lingering. And instead of pulling away, you pressed back against Melissa completely. The reaction behind you was immediate. A sharp inhale. Her entire body tightening for one stunned heartbeat as the curve of your back fit against her front with dangerous perfection. Like something designed specifically to ruin her. Your hand slid backward, fingers finding the soft hair at the nape of her neck, guiding her closer.
Melissa came willingly. Of course she did. Her hand spread across your stomach, warm and possessive now, holding you against her as if she’d forgotten anyone else existed. Maybe she had.
Your head tilted slowly to the side, exposing your neck, eyes drifting shut as you felt her breathing there. Uneven. Nervous. Wanting.
The warmth of her body behind yours sent slow heat curling through every inch of you while your hips kept moving with the dying rhythm of the music. Provocative. Careless. Close. Too close for Melissa’s sanity.
You felt the moment she lost another piece of control. Her fingers flexed against your stomach. Her breath caught again. And then her lips ghosted against your neck. Barely there. Not even a kiss. Just the softest brush of warmth that sent a shiver racing down your spine. A tiny sound escaped her afterward, almost embarrassed. Like she hadn’t meant to get that close.
You smiled slowly without opening your eyes-“There she is"- you murmured softly. Melissa’s grip tightened instinctively. The dance floor around you had blurred into shadow and music and distant movement. Other couples still swayed nearby, but they felt impossibly far away.
Because Melissa was trembling. Not from fear. From restraint. The realization settled warm and thrilling in your chest. You turned your face just enough that your lips nearly brushed her cheek.
-“Still think you’re in control, honey?”-Her breathing faltered again.
Then, after a long second, you felt it. Melissa’s forehead lowering carefully against the curve of your shoulder. Not surrender. Not defeat. Something softer. More dangerous. Trust.
The hand on your stomach slipped a little higher, fingertips barely grazing beneath the edge of the fabric at your ribs before she caught herself. Her breath shivered out against your skin.
-“You are…”- she whispered, voice strained and quiet-“…very hard to survive"-You laughed softly. The sound vibrated between both your bodies.
Then you turned in her arms just enough to finally look at her. Melissa’s lipstick was slightly ruined. Her cheeks burned pink. Her eyes looked dark and overwhelmed and fixed helplessly on your mouth. Beautiful.
You brushed your thumb softly beneath her jaw.
-“And you"-you whispered back- “look like you need another drink”-That finally broke her.
Melissa laughed breathlessly, leaning forward until her forehead dropped against yours, shoulders shaking with helpless amusement.
The walk back to the table after getting drinks had finished whatever remained of Melissa’s composure. You could feel it in the way she stayed close behind you. In the warmth of her hand at the small of your back. In the dangerous silence she’d fallen into after the dance.
And honestly? You were enjoying it immensely.
You settled back into the booth with infuriating calm, crossing one leg slowly over the other as the slit of the dress slipped open again, exposing the smooth line of your leg beneath the warm amber lights. Then you leaned against Melissa’s shoulder with a deeply satisfied smile and took a sip of your drink like you hadn’t just psychologically dismantled a woman on the dance floor.
Melissa sat beside you looking… wrecked. Not messy. Melissa never looked messy. But disheveled for her? Devastating.
Her lipstick slightly faded. A few strands of red hair loose around her face. Her breathing still faintly uneven. And her hand resting possessively on your bare knee like she physically could not convince herself to let go.
Her nails pressed lightly into your skin every few seconds without her seeming to realize she was doing it. Cute.
The whole table had noticed too. Ava looked moments away from ascending to another plane of existence. Jacob was openly staring into his drink like he’d just witnessed a nature documentary narrated by David Attenborough. Even Caleb had gone oddly quiet. Because apparently nobody at that table had ever seen Melissa lose her cool before.
And here you were. Curled against her shoulder while she sat rigid beside you like she was one heartbeat away from either kissing you senseless or passing out.
You smiled into your glass-“What?”-you asked innocently when you noticed everyone staring.
Ava pointed dramatically at Melissa-“You broke her"-
You frowned-“I did not"-Melissa made a tiny sound beside you. The entire table turned toward her. She froze.! You bit your lip hard to stop yourself laughing.
Ava’s eyes widened-“Oh my God, she can’t even speak"-
-“She can speak”- you defended lightly, patting Melissa’s thigh. The redhead inhaled sharply through her nose. That absolutely did not help your case.
Jacob burst into laughter.
Melissa closed her eyes briefly like she was praying for strength.
You tilted your head up toward her, smiling sweetly-“Lisa, honey, they think I traumatized you"- Wrong move. "Lisa" "Honey". The nickname hit her like a physical impact. Her fingers tightened, her nails digging hard enough on your knee to make you suck in a tiny breath.
Melissa’s eyes snapped to yours instantly. Immediate concern replacing the dazed haze-“Sorry"-Soft. Automatic. The apology melted something warm in your chest.
You smiled gently and slid your hand over hers where it rested on your leg, threading your fingers between hers to soothe the instinctive guilt already flickering across her face-“It’s okay"-you murmured.
The look she gave you afterward nearly ruined you completely. Tender. Overwhelmed. Still a little dazed from the dance. God. No wonder you couldn’t stop teasing her.
Across the table, Ava clutched Jacob’s arm dramatically-“Look at her face"-she whispered loudly-“That woman is gone"-Melissa groaned softly and dropped her forehead briefly against your temple.
You laughed under your breath, turning your face just enough that your lips brushed her hairline.
-“There she is"-you whispered. Melissa huffed out a helpless little laugh against your shoulder.
Then, before anyone could recover from that display, Ava leaned forward with dangerous interest-“So"-she announced, eyes glittering-“which one of you made the first move?”-Melissa straightened immediately and you just smiled into your drink.
Mel spend most of the rest of the night with her head in the crook of your neck and her hand on your knee. You were chatting with the rest but her breathing on your neck was doing dangerous things on your system and every second that passed you were paying less and less attention to anything else but her.
-"Lisa..."-you whispered and patted her thigh gaining a low hum in your neck that made you shiver-"Can we go home?... I need to be with you... Alone" - you murmured slowly
Melissa went completely still against you. Not tense. Worse. Attentive. Every inch of her focus narrowed instantly onto your voice, onto the quiet plea tucked beneath the words.
The rest of the table blurred into background noise. Ava was still talking. Someone laughed near the bar. Glasses clinked somewhere behind you. None of it mattered.
Not when you’d whispered that into her ear in that soft, needy voice that went straight through her nervous system like lightning through copper wire. Her hand tightened on your knee. Slowly. Carefully. Like she was restraining about fourteen different impulses at once. You felt her inhale against your neck. Then exhale shakily.
When she lifted her head from the crook of your neck, her cheeks were flushed warm from the drinks and the dancing and you, but her eyes... Her eyes had gone dark. Focused.
You swallowed. Interesting.
Melissa brushed her nose lightly against your jaw before speaking, her voice low enough that only you could hear it-“You have to stop saying things like that in public"-The words should’ve sounded teasing. Instead they sounded strained. Barely controlled.
Your pulse jumped. You turned your head just enough to meet her gaze-“And if I don’t?”-
Her throat moved in a hard swallow. Then, to your delight, honesty won-“…then I’m not responsible for my behavior"-
Heat unfurled through your stomach. Oh. Oh, that was new.
Before you could answer, Melissa straightened slightly and looked toward the table with surprising composure-“We’re leaving"-
Ava blinked. Then her eyes widened with delighted horror-“Already?"-Melissa did not look at her. Smart. Because one glance at Melissa’s face and the entire table would probably burst into flames.
-“We have an early morning" - she said smoothly. You bit your lip hard enough to hurt. Liar.
Jacob looked between the two of you, then wisely lifted his drink in silent support of whatever catastrophic decisions were about to occur.
Ava, meanwhile, looked seconds from levitating-“You two are absolutely not sleeping tonight"-Melissa choked on air. You laughed into your hand.
Then the redhead stood abruptly and reached for your coat before you could recover, helping slide it carefully over your shoulders with hands that lingered just a little too long. Possessive again. You liked that. Very much.
As soon as you stood, Melissa’s hand found your lower back automatically. Not hesitant anymore. Not shy. Like touching you had already become instinct. The realization sent another dangerous wave of warmth through you.
You said your goodbyes in a blur of teasing and dramatic reactions, but Melissa barely spoke through any of it. She just stayed close. Too close. Quiet in a way that told you her thoughts had drifted somewhere deeply distracting.
And honestly? So had yours.
By the time you stepped outside into the cool night air, your nerves felt electric.
The city lights shimmered gold against the pavement, the distant sounds of traffic humming softly around you, but the moment the bar door closed behind you, Melissa turned toward you fully. Her hand slid from your back to your waist. Firm. Intentional. You looked up at her.
And immediately forgot how teasing worked. Because the expression on her face was devastating. Not flustered now. Not overwhelmed. Hungry. The realization sent a sharp pulse through your stomach.
Melissa stepped closer until the cold night air disappeared entirely between your bodies. Then her fingers tilted gently beneath your chin-“You know"-she murmured softly, eyes fixed on your mouth-“you’ve spent all night making me nervous on purpose"-
You smiled slowly-“And?”-
Her thumb brushed your lower lip. The touch was so soft it almost hurt.
-“And now"- she whispered-“I want my turn"- Your breath caught. Melissa’s eyes flicked up to yours. Then, before you could recover enough to answer, she kissed you. Deep. Certain.
The kind of kiss that made the whole world tilt sideways for a second.
Without breaking the kiss, you pushed the redhead backwards until her body reached the hood of her car. Melissa hit the side of the car with a soft thud, breath leaving her in a shaky gasp as your hips pinned her there. Her hands grabbed instinctively at your waist. Hard. Not polite anymore. Not careful.
The cool metal of the car contrasted sharply with the warmth radiating between your bodies, and the kiss had left both of you visibly wrecked.
Her lipstick was ruined now.
Your breathing was uneven.
And Melissa looked at you like she was balancing on the last thread of her self-control.
When you pulled back just enough to speak, her chest rose and fell sharply beneath the deep green fabric of her t-shirt. Your eyes drifted for a second to her cleavage until you forced your eyes up.
-“Are you okay to drive?”-you whispered, still close enough that your mouths brushed when you spoke-“Or too many drinks?”- Melissa stared at you for one dangerous second.Then another. Like the question itself had to fight through static to reach her brain.
You felt her fingers flex against your hips-“…I had two glasses of wine over three hours"-she managed finally, voice rougher than usual.
Your brow lifted teasingly-“So medically functional?”-That earned the smallest breathless laugh. Barely there.
-“Barely"-Cute.
You smiled and brushed your thumb softly beneath her jaw, but before you could tease her again, Melissa’s expression shifted. Focused. Her hands slid slowly from your hips around your waist, pulling you closer until there wasn’t space left between either of you.
-“You know what’s unfair?”-she murmured. You hummed softly. Her eyes dropped briefly to your mouth-“The fact that you still look composed"-
You laughed under your breath-“Oh honey, I’m hanging by a thread"-Melissa visibly enjoyed hearing that. Her cheeks pinkened again, but this time there was confidence threaded through the embarrassment. A dangerous development.
Her fingers traced slowly up your back beneath your coat, sending warmth spiraling down your spine.
-“Good”- she whispered.
The single word hit low in your stomach. You leaned closer again, noses brushing lightly.
-“Drive us home, teacher"-Melissa inhaled sharply at the tone. Then, before opening the passenger door for you, she stole one more kiss. Quick this time. But full of promise.
And as she finally pulled away, forehead resting briefly against yours, she whispered with a shaky little smile-“You are absolutely not sleeping in your own room tonight"-Your heart kicked hard against your ribs.
You smiled slowly-“Good, I wasn't planning on to"-
The whole drive home her hand was in yout bare thigh, not moving just there, she was driving more focused than ever, still under the limit, but going as fast as possible. Your leg was going up and down, no nervous, exited. Like if you never in your live were more awake than this moment. For a moment, you were able to focused on something else, enough to send a message to the mom hosting the pijama party to see if your daughter was okey, receiving a reassuring text that she was already asleep.
-"Our kiddo Okey?" - her voice was rough around the edges but with concern, you smiled,"our kiddo", lifting your head from the phone to look at her
-"Yes, our kiddo is Okey"- you replied. Melissa’s thumb stroked once against your thigh at your answer. Small. Absentminded. But the tenderness in it nearly undid you more than all the kissing had.
"Our kiddo".The words lingered warm in your chest while the city lights slid across the windshield in blurred gold streaks.
Melissa kept one hand on the wheel and the other on you. Like she physically needed the contact. Her fingers rested against your bare skin just beneath the slit of the dress, warm and steady and dangerously grounding. You could feel the restraint in her. The effort it took to keep driving normally instead of pulling over somewhere dark and forgetting civilization existed.
Honestly? You respected the discipline. Barely. Your leg bounced lightly with restless energy, excitement humming through your bloodstream so intensely you felt electrically awake.
Every red light felt personal. Every slow driver ahead of you a direct enemy. Melissa exhaled softly through her nose as if reading your thoughts exactly.
-“Patience"-she murmured, eyes still fixed on the road.
You turned toward her slowly-“Interesting thing to say while speeding"-you teased
-“I am not speeding"-You looked at the dashboard. Then at her. Melissa’s cheeks pinkened faintly-“…I’m efficiently transporting us home"-You laughed softly. God, she was cute.
The sound made the corner of her mouth twitch upward despite herself. Then her hand tightened slightly on your thigh. Not possessive. Needy. And that was somehow worse.
You watched the motion of her throat as she swallowed. Her voice came quieter this time-“I really like hearing you say that"-
Your brow lifted-“Say what?”-
Melissa glanced at you briefly before looking back at the road immediately, like holding eye contact right now was too dangerous-“Our kiddo"-The words landed deep. Warm enough to ache.
Your expression softened instantly.
Outside, the city kept moving around you in soft neon smears and passing headlights, but inside the car the moment became strangely quiet.
Intimate in a completely different way. Not heated. Not teasing. Just real.
You shifted closer in your seat, your hand sliding gently over hers where it rested on your thigh.
-“She already thinks of you that way"-you murmured. Melissa’s breathing caught softly. You smiled a little-“She talks about you constantly everywhere, you know"-That finally made Melissa glance toward you fully for a second.
-“Really?”-You laughed quietly.
-“Lisa, yesterday she told an entire nurse station that your grilled cheese should legally be considered medicine"-The redhead snorted softly before she could stop herself. You melted a little at the sound-“And last week"-you continued, smiling now-“she informed one of my friends that you’re ‘the prettiest teacher in the world but also kind of dramatic"-Melissa gasped in mock offense.
-“I am not dramatic"-
You stared at her. Melissa stared back with astonishing sincerity for someone who had nearly died earlier because you called her honey in public. Then both of you burst into laughter. The tension loosened for a moment after that. Not gone. Never gone.
Still simmering hot beneath the surface every time her hand flexed on your thigh or your eyes drifted to her mouth. But softer now too. Warmer.
And when the car finally turned onto your street, Melissa exhaled quietly, almost like she’d been holding her breath the entire drive. Her house came into view. Home.
The porch light glowed softly against the night. Melissa parked a little crookedly. You noticed immediately. So did she.
-“I’m distracted"- she admitted before you could tease her.
You smiled slowly-“I know, honey"- The nickname hit just as hard as before.
Melissa closed her eyes briefly and dropped her forehead against the steering wheel with a helpless little groan. You laughed softly beside her, your hand traveled to the nape of her neck, scratching lightly her scalp with your nails for a few seconds, earning a relaxed hum from her.
Then she turned toward you again. And the look on her face stole the breath from your lungs. No audience now. No coworkers. No teasing table full of teachers. Just her. Flushed and tired and wanting you with an honesty so open it almost hurt to look at. Her fingers curled around yours tightly.
-“We’re home"- she whispered. The words sounded less like information. More like an invitation.
When you got out of the car, you let her open the door even if you had your key on your pocket.
While she was trying to fit the key on the keyhold you hugged her from behind, fully pressing you front to her back, your arms hugging her waist completely. Your mouth went to her neck, leaving slow wet kisses there.
Melissa missed the keyhole entirely. Twice. The soft curse she muttered under her breath made you smile against her neck as your body pressed fully to her back, your arms wrapping around her waist with slow, deliberate affection. Or torture. Probably both.
The second your mouth touched her skin, Melissa’s entire body reacted. A sharp inhale.
Her head tipping back instinctively against your shoulder. The hand holding the keys tightened hard enough to make them jingle.
You kissed her neck slowly, unhurried, warm and wet and lingering just enough to make her breathing lose rhythm completely.
The night air was cool around you, but her skin beneath your lips felt burning hot.
-“You’re making this very difficult"- she whispered breathlessly.
You smiled against her throat-“I know"-Another kiss. Slower this time. Melissa shivered visibly in your arms. The keys slipped slightly in her fingers. You laughed softly-“Teacher"- you murmured, voice low against her skin-“focus"-That earned a tiny, scandalized sound.
-“You are literally kissing my neck while I’m trying to unlock the door"-she complained
-“And yet I believe in you"-Melissa let out a helpless laugh that dissolved into a shaky breath when your lips brushed just beneath her ear.
God. You could feel her pulse racing there. Fast. Wild. Your hands tightened lightly around her waist as you pressed one last kiss beneath her jaw-“Come on, honey"-you whispered teasingly. - “Use your critical thinking skills, or I will have to fuck you out here against the door"-the idea was a threat, but it sounded so yummy. Melissa finally got the key into the lock with the determination of a woman defusing a bomb. The door clicked open.
And before she could even fully push it inward, she turned in your arms. Fast. Almost desperate. Her hands found your face immediately, kissing you the second your back hit the door behind you. The keys dropped somewhere onto the floor. Neither of you cared. The kiss was hungry in a way the others hadn’t been.
Weeks and months of restraint unraveling all at once in the dark quiet of your shared home. You could taste wine and mint and Melissa herself as she pressed closer, her hands sliding into your hair while your own gripped her waist instinctively. The door slammed shut behind you with your ass pressing against it.
Somewhere upstairs, the house creaked softly in the silence. Empty tonight. No tiny footsteps. No interruptions. Just her mouth on yours and her breathing already uneven as she kissed you again and again like she was trying to make up for every moment she’d spent holding herself back.
When you finally broke apart for air, Melissa stayed close, forehead against yours, both of you breathing hard. Her lipstick was completely ruined now. You were pretty sure yours was too. She laughed softly at the sight of you, still a little breathless.
-“You are dangerous"- You smiled slowly, brushing your nose lightly against hers.
-“And you invited me on a date anyway"-Melissa’s cheeks flushed warm again, but this time she didn’t look away. Instead, her hands slid down your arms until her fingers intertwined with yours. Then she kissed the corner of your mouth once, soft compared to before.
-“Come upstairs"-she whispered. You laughed against her lips.
-"We are not going to the room, not yet" - you pulled her hand to the kitchen, she looked at you confused. The dark hallway light caught the surprise on her face first. Then the realization. Then a slow wave of pink climbing all the way up her throat when your voice dropped low and needy like that. God. You were going to end her.
-“I’ve been watching you cook for months"-you murmured, tugging her gently closer across the kitchen tiles-“looking perfect without even trying…”-Melissa laughed softly in disbelief, already blushing hard enough to make the freckles across her nose stand out warmer beneath the light.
-“You have fantasies about me making soup?”-You stepped closer until her lower back brushed the kitchen counter.
-“Yes"-The immediate answer stole the amusement from her face completely. Your hands slid slowly up her arms-“You have no idea what you look like in this kitchen"-you whispered-“Hair tied up. Half asleep. Stealing bites while you cook. Calling me sweetheart without realizing it…”-your thumb brushed her lower lip. Melissa swallowed hard. You let your hands drop, your fingertips slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, warm against her waist-“And every morning I’ve had to stand there pretending I wasn’t thinking about kissing you against this counter"-her skin was soft under your hands, the soft rolls of her stomach against your warm palms.
Her breathing turned visibly uneven. The kitchen suddenly felt much smaller. Quieter. The only sound was the soft hum of the refrigerator and Melissa trying unsuccessfully to act unaffected while you looked at her like that.
-“You’re very unfair"-she whispered.
You smiled slowly-“And yet you’re still here"-Melissa’s hands found your hips instinctively, thumbs brushing lightly against the fabric of your dress as she looked at you with that same overwhelmed tenderness that kept undoing you tonight.
-“Because I’m apparently obsessed with you"- she admitted softly. The honesty in her voice hit harder than flirting ever could.
Your expression softened instantly. Then you leaned in and kissed her again. Slow at first. Warm. Your mouths moving together lazily while your hands curled against her waist and hers tightened at your hips.
Melissa kissed like someone savoring something she’d wanted for a very long time. Careful at first. Then less careful every time you made that soft pleased sound against her mouth. You felt her smile briefly into the kiss when your fingers tangled in the fabric of her shirt.
-“See?”- you murmured against her lips-"Exactly this"-Melissa laughed breathlessly.
-"What?”-
-“This kitchen"-You kissed the corner of her mouth-“You standing here looking beautiful"-Another kiss beneath her jaw-“You getting all shy when I flirt with you"-Melissa made a tiny protesting sound while blushing even harder-“And this"- you whispered, smiling against her skin as her hands instinctively pulled you closer again-"You pretending you don’t secretly love when I distract you" - That finally earned you a playful little glare.
-“You are distracting on purpose"-
-“Obviously"-Melissa shook her head helplessly, smiling despite herself. Then she leaned forward until her forehead rested lightly against yours, eyes soft and impossibly fond.
-“Well"-she murmured, fingers tracing slowly along your waist-"good thing this is your kitchen too now"-your kitchen, of curse it was, it was since the first say you moved in and made that whole house seem like without you the place had no heart at all.
-"I will make you feel so good, that every time you cook here and think of us, you will squeeze those pretty thick thighs together"-her face blushed under your intense gaze
-"I... I haven't done it with a women before" - she confessed nervously blushed-"but I want to learn..."-you smiled and caressed her face
-"Let me be your teacher then... You just have to do what I say and not to think of anything else, am I clear Honey?" - you asked and she nodded looking helpless into your eyes-"First lesson, use your voice" - your thumb caressing carefully her bottom lip-"use it, tell me if you understand" - you grabbed her jaw softly looking at her eyes
-"I-I understand" - she said barely audible-"I have to do what you say and not to think on anything else" - you pecked her lips smiling
-"Good girl" - you replied and she whimpered with needy eyes, you lifted your eyebrow finding interesting that she had a praise kink-"Use that pretty mouth, I wanna hear you, tell me if you like or not what I'm doing..."-you kissed her neck while you spoke-"or if you need me to stop or need more..."-your kisses traveled to her cleavage, the redhead let her head fall backwards, whimpering, arching her back so her chest was on full display to you, holding herself against the counter-"I want to hear you all night long" - your hands slipped under her t-shirt, pressing her breast with both hands on top of her bra. You were squeezing a bit rough, moaning just like her, enjoying the soft flesh under your hands-"Fuck Lisa you have an amazing body"-you were practically drooling, leaving wet kissed on her neck.
The redhead was moaning, pressing her thighs together but not being able to form not a single coherent thought.
You bit the neck a few times, soothing the bite with your tongue
-"Arms up" - you commanded and she opened her eyes to look at you a bit lost- "don't tell me that I already fucked you dumb when I just started" - you joked lightly, kissing her lips softly and pulling her lip into your mouth
-"I swear I'm trying to think something but I'm... Not working" - she said blushed as you lifted her arms carefully and took her t-shirt off, her hair a bit messy and her eyes shiny
-"It's Okey, I'm here..."-you opened her bra and toss it on the floor, taking a step back, licking your lips and moaning at the sing, her full breasts, her perky rosy nipples, her messy breathing making them go up and down, her arched back, her soft pale rolls, her rosy cheeks, her messy hair cascading on her shoulders, her thick thighs pressed together... God... You could come just looking at her.
-"Stop looking at me like that" - she said embarrassed trying to cover her body with her hands, feeling more naked beside the lack of clothes. You stepped a little closer, slow enough for her to retreat if she wanted, but she didn’t. Her hands trembled where they tried to hide pieces of herself, like fragile curtains against a storm already inside her chest. Her cheeks burned crimson, every inch of her suddenly too exposed under your attention.
You smiled softly this time, none of the teasing sharpness from before.
-"What face?"-She swallowed hard.
-"Like I’m..." - her voice faltered -"like I’m something pretty" - The room went quiet for half a heartbeat. Just breathing. Just tension humming between both bodies like a violin string pulled too tight.
You reached for her wrists carefully, giving her enough time to pull away. Instead, her fingers loosened under yours, carefully you moved her hands away so she didn't cover her body anymore.
-"You are pretty" - you whispered -"You are stunning, that’s the problem, hard not to stare"-Her breath hitched instantly. And somehow that look in your eyes became worse for her than being completely naked-"You are a piece of art that deserves all the admiration and adoration Lisa, please never doubt that" - you said seriously, wanting her to belive you.
Melissa's exeses never talked to her that way, never looked at her that way, never hold her and kiss her that way. Never made her feel this way. She knew she had an attractive body, but one thing is attractive and other beautiful, deserving of admiration and adoration.
Melissa felt her chest tighten so suddenly it almost hurt. Not because of desire this time. Not entirely. Because she believed you. The words settled inside her carefully, slipping through cracks that had been left open for years by careless hands and half-hearted love. Beautiful. Admired. Adored. Nobody had ever spoken about her like she was something precious instead of merely wanted. Her eyes searched yours as if trying to catch the lie before it could wound her later.
But there wasn’t one.
You looked at her like people look at cathedrals in silence. Like moonlight spilling across stained glass. Like something capable of stealing breath from a room without even trying.
Melissa laughed softly then, nervous and overwhelmed all at once, her gaze dropping again.
-"You say things like that so easily..." - she whispered.
-"No," - you replied gently, brushing your thumb against her cheek -"I say them because they're true" - That almost undid her.
She leaned into your touch instinctively, like her body already knew safety before her mind could accept it. Her shoulders relaxed little by little beneath your hands, the tension melting away in fragile pieces.
-"Nobody ever..." - she stopped, embarrassed by how emotional she suddenly sounded. You didn’t rush her. Melissa inhaled shakily.-"Nobody ever made me feel beautiful before" - The confession barely existed above a breath, you kissed her forehead.
-"Let me treat you as you deserve, my beautiful lady" - you whispered. "My", the word, the soft possession, the true behind it, Melissa was yours completely even if you didn't touched her fully yet.
You kissed her lips, her neck, biting licking, going down slowly leaving a wet trail. Her hands tangled gently at your hair, forming a ponytail with her hand.
Your mouth found her breast, you gave a long swipe to her niples with your tongue and then blowed cold air on the wet surface, making them more perky as if it was possible. Melissa's body shiverd under you and she let out a soft moan
-"That sensation is new" - she said to herself laughing softly. You smiled, you let one of your thighs slowly find a space between her legs, resting against her core, and with one hand you grabbed her right breast and with your mouth you sucked the other, introducing the most you could to your mouth. Your tongue danced around her niple, soft wide circles around it, let your theet scrape against the tip of them, sucking them in, bitting them gently, giving small cat licks. You were moaning against her chest with your mouth full.
Melissa let her core grind against your leg at the same pace that you were moving your tongue, insulting low with her eyes closed, her hand still holding your hair.
When you noticed that her breast got too sensitive, you let it go doing suction until it released it from your mouth with a loud pop. To change to her other breast and do the same pattern.
The cold air against her wet breast soon was covered by your hand, massaging softly.
When you finished with both breasts, you kissed between her chest, going down to her stomach, leaving bites and marks all along the way.
You removed your leg from the redhead crotch when you noticed that her rhythm became sloppy, earning a whimper of complain from her lips and a soft pull at your hair that made you laugh softly. Your hands went to her hips, she opened her eyes looking at you with her breathing messy, lips swollen, eyes tearful, the marks along her body were starting to appear against her pale skin
-"Why did you stopped?" - she asked with a whiny voice, protesting, complaining, making her boobs bounce a little bit. She looked at you, how swollen your lips were because you sucked her boobs so much, you had a dumb smile on your face and your hair was messy
-"You are complaining?" - you asked raising your eyebrow amused, this whiny needy side of her was new
-"I was close..."-she whispered giving you puppy eyes and you laughed grabbing her jaw and kissing her pout a bit rough, making her moan on your lips. When you separated she chased your lips but you pushed her back with a hand on her chest, pressing her against the counter
-"I'm not letting that the first time you come is humping my leg Lisa"-you said softly and you dropped to your knees, unzipping her pants, looking up with adoration in your eyes-"The first time I don't want to waist a single drop, you will come on my face" - Melissa's face turn a deeper shade of red, bitting her swollen lip and admiring with dark eyes and heavy breathing how you got rid of her pants, but leaving her high heels on-"This stay on"-you pointed at her shoes looking up, you intended to look face, but her covered sex was in front of you, her panties drenched, the part were the fabric was wet a darker shade than the rest, you could also see a few curly hairs and your mouth started salivating. Her body looked so sexy like that that made your legs press together, you knew your panties were ruined too, but you wanted to focus completely on her first
-"Fuck Schemmenti" - your voice came out deeper, rough with desire. Your carefully grabbed one of her legs, kissing from her calf to her thighs and repeating the same with the other leg. Before she could relax because of your soft kisses, you kissed her pussy on top of her panties, sucking the wet fabric a bit into your mouth, moaning happily and letting your head fall back for a few seconds with your eyes closed and licking your lips like if you just had tasted the first drop of rain after a drought, you looked like if you were high.
Mel blushed laughing softly-"Oh sweetheart, don't exaggerate" - she said shy and you opened your eyes
-"Lisa you taste amazing" - your eyes were dark and your breathing uneven, you were still licking your lips. Before she could protest further, your hands were to her panties, with a sharp pull they snapped falling into the ground, broken. Melissa looked at you with her eyes open big-"Open"-you gave little pats with your hand on her thighs
-"You just snapped my panties" - she said surprised and you pat her leg again, a bit rougher this time lifting an eyebrow
-"Behave and open, I won't repeat again" - you said and she immediately separated her legs-"Good girl" - you said.
She was shaved but not completely, on top of her pussy she had short curls that were drenched with her juices, you moaned for yourself. With two of your longer fingers you followed the shape of her outer lips, gathering her wetness on your fingers, immediately you put your fingers inside your mouth, moaning at her taste.
The redhead let out a whimper at the contact. She was never this sensitive, never this wet, never this pampered, this worshiped.
-"Look at that drenched pussy" - you said bitting your lip. You parted your lips and gave a long swipe inside her pussy, making her moan and bite her lip, her hips moved against your face and your hands went to her ass, digging your nails into the soft flesh.
She was trying to hold herself and hold her moans and you stopped, getting up and looking at her upset
-"You are a brat" - You said, you chin glowing with her wetness. Melissa look at you confused
-"I'm just having difficulty holding myself standing" - she said nervously with shaky legs
-"You are holding back, I want to hear you Lisa... I want you, not a control version of you, you don't have to hold back for me"-you kissed her, making her taste herself on your mouth, your tongue entering her mouth, rough, dizzy, deeply, not letting her breath until she relaxed her body on your arms-"Good girl" - she smiled at your praise-"Now let me eat you properly, and don't dare holding your moans" - Melissa barely had time to register anything before you turned her around and pushed her body against the counter, the cold surface playing a sharp contrast on her hot skin, specially her boobs, and her ass up. Her hands grabbed the edge of the counter and she moaned as she felt your hand come in contact with her ass
-"Fuck!" - she moaned as her body jerked forward with the spanking, your hands massaged the tender skin smiling at the mark of your hand in her ass
-"That's what I want to hear, good job" - you dropped to your knees. Her ass on full display in front of you and her wet pussy dripping, clenching against nothing. Since you made her bend over and her torso was pressed against the top of the counter, Melissa was barely being able to touch the floor with the tip of her feet. She was helpless at your mercy. Your palms grabbed her ass, separating her ass cheeks and digging your nails on the soft flesh, earning more moans and insults from her mouth, but she didn’t told you to be softer.
Your mouth glued to her pussy again, because of the way she was bend over, it was like if she practically was almost sitting on your face.
You tongue was lapping and licking against her pussy, specially paying attention to her clit. Turning the tip of your tongue around it and sucking it relentlessly. Her ass was against the rest of your face, covering your eyes. All you could do was moan and enjoy the perfect meal you had in front of you.
Your hands changed the placement, they moved from her ass, going in front of her legs, your two longer finger found her clit, separating her folds and moving in lazy circles, enjoying how hard it was against your fingers
-"You fucker"-she moaned grasping the counter for dear life, insults were the only thing that her brain was being capable of forming between moans.
Your tongue slipped inside of her entrance and the redhead rocked her hips against your face, faster every time. Your fingers picked up the pace and your tongue entering as much as possible inside her
-"Fuck, don't stop please" - she begged between heavy breathings-"I... Mhhh... You..."-she spoke without knowing what she was saying, her body began to have spasm on top of you. Your neck was getting sore of looking up to eat her pussy, your lungs begging air and your knees were burning against the floor, but you had not intention of stopping now.
You were eating her pussy relentlessly and she was breaking on top of you.
You gave a long swipe in her whole pussy and moved your fingers in fast circles around her clit. Melissa came on your open mouth, dripping like raw thick honey on your lips, her entrance getting tighter which each spasm.
All you could hear was a mix of curses, moans and whimpers plus your name coming from her lips. Her hips moving against your face on automatically while she was still riding her wave.
You drink every drop she gave you until you noticed she got to sensitive at your touch. Careful you got up from the floor, you could see your reflection on one of the pans hanging from the wall. Half your face was red because of her ass against your face, the other half from your nose down was shiny with her juices, you laughed softly, hugging her carefully, covering her naked body with yours completely. Kissing her back, neck and shoulders tenderly, saying soft praises.
-"You taste divine" - you whispered with your breathing messy earning barely a soft hum, her eyes were closed, she was still gripping the counter for dear life, but the rest of her whole body was completely relaxed, limp, only holding up because of the counter, her breathing a mess and her face resting on top of the cold marbel. You kissed her forehead, she was lost, you even dobut if she was still in this earth-"Lisa... Are you Okey?" - you whispered on her shoulder. Melissa barely reacted at first when you said her name.
Her lashes fluttered softly, her lips parted around an uneven breath, and for a second she looked wonderfully dazed, like someone pulled from a beautiful dream far too soon.
The cold marble beneath her cheek contrasted with the warmth of your body covering hers, your kisses still lingering across her skin like fading sparks.
Then slowly, she turned her head just enough to look at you. Her expression melted instantly at the concern in your voice
-"Mhm..." - she answered weakly, though the sound came out closer to a sleepy hum than an actual word. You smiled against her shoulder, brushing another soft kiss there
-"That didn’t sound very convincing, pretty girl" - A tiny laugh escaped her, breathless and embarrassed. She hid her face for a moment against her arm before mumbling:
-"You just... make my brain stop working... I never had an orgasm like that" - The confession was so honest, so unguarded, that it pulled a quiet grin from you immediately.
Melissa finally loosened one hand from the counter and reached back for you blindly, searching for your arm, your hand, anything to stay connected-"Don’t move," - she whispered, eyes closing again -"I like being here" - that soft devastating trust settling heavier and heavier between your bodies, turning the entire kitchen into something warmer than home.
You smiled holding her close, close as possible
-"Let me take you to bed, you are warm because of all of this, but you are completely naked and I don't want you to get sick" - you kissed her back softly
-"No...I still have to return the favor" - she murmured still dizzy
-"This was my pleasure, not a favor. Tasting you was a reward for me as it was for you, so listen to me and move that yummy ass so you don't get sick"-you said patting her ass lightly. Her chest warmed, not because the sex or you, because what you said, what you did. With men she was lucky if they had foreplay that she liked, more lucky if she got to come before her boyfriend did and decided he was too tired to keep going until she came too. If she wanted oral she had to give it first. But you not only teased her until she couldn't handle her desire anymore, but you focused on her needs without waiting for her to do the same immediately after, without wanting anything on return more than being the one to make her feel this way.Melissa’s breath caught at the playful smack, a startled little sound escaping her before she buried her burning face against her arm again.
-"You’re impossible..." - she mumbled weakly, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her completely. You laughed softly behind her, arms still wrapped securely around her waist, holding her close enough that she could feel your heartbeat against her back.
But inside Melissa, something much quieter was unfolding. Something dangerous. Because this wasn’t just desire anymore. It wasn’t the dizzy pleasure still lingering through her limbs or the warmth blooming under every kiss you left on her skin. It was care. The kind she had spent years pretending she didn’t need. You touched her like her pleasure mattered. Like her comfort mattered. Like she mattered even after the breathless moments faded away. No score to settle. No silent expectation. No selfish countdown toward your own satisfaction. Just patience. Affection. Tenderness wrapped inside teasing words and wandering hands.
Melissa had dated people who treated intimacy like a transaction dressed in pretty clothing. Give to receive. Perform to deserve softness afterward. But you…You looked almost proud simply because she felt good.
That realization settled into her chest so heavily it nearly made her emotional all over again.
Slowly, she turned in your arms, still boneless and flushed, her fingertips sliding lazily up your shoulders.
-"You know..." - she whispered, eyes glossy and warm -"you make me feel spoiled in the best possible way"-You kissed the corner of her mouth.
-"Good," - you murmured -"That means I’m doing it right" - you kiss her softly. She laughed softly, carefully trying to send up, but when she tried to put weight on her legs, they wabbled a little and you held her tighter against your body. Melissa let out a tiny gasp followed by embarrassed laughter when her knees betrayed her completely.
-"Wait, wait—"- she grabbed your forearms instinctively, still giggling breathlessly -"my legs are protesting"-
-"Protesting?" -you repeated with a grin, tightening your arms around her waist before she could wobble again-"Baby, your legs unionized"-That pulled another helpless laugh out of her, soft and warm against your chest.
She tried once more to stand properly, only for her thighs to tremble again almost immediately. You caught her effortlessly, holding her flush against you while she hid her burning face in your shoulder.
-"This is humiliating..." - she murmured, though her voice carried more amusement than actual shame now. You kissed the top of her head.
-"No, this is adorable... Bambi"- you teased
-"You’re enjoying this too much" - she bit your shoulder, earning a whimper from you
-"I absolutely am"-Melissa groaned dramatically at your teasing, but she melted closer anyway, completely unwilling to leave the safety of your arms. Her body felt heavy with exhaustion and lingering warmth, every muscle loose and languid beneath your touch. You slid your hands carefully under her thighs.
-"Come here"-you whispered
-"What are you doing—"-Before she could finish, you lifted her effortlessly against you. Melissa squeaked softly, arms instantly wrapping around your neck while another surprised laugh escaped her lips.
-"You really weren’t kidding about taking me to bed, huh?"-
-"Not even a little," - you murmured, carrying her away from the kitchen -"I refuse to let my beautiful lady freeze to death dramatically on marble countertops. The obituary would be very embarrassing for both of us" - Melissa laughed so hard she had to bury her face against your shoulder, her heart feeling impossibly full while you carried her like she was something precious.
When you arrived to her room, you let her on the bed carefully. Melissa sank into the mattress with a soft exhausted sigh, her hair spread across the pillows like spilled copper beneath the dim light. You took your time laying her down gently, as though handling something delicate despite the trembling trust she had already placed in your hands.
And there she was. Flushed skin marked by your affection, lips swollen from kisses, breathing still uneven. The poised, carefully composed woman who carried herself so elegantly through the world now looked wonderfully undone beneath you. Not ruined. Revealed.
Your fingertips traced along her thigh with unbearable tenderness before your lips followed, scattering slow kisses across her skin. Her stomach fluttered instantly beneath the attention.
Melissa watched you through heavy eyes, almost shy again under the intensity of your admiration. Because you looked at her like artists look at masterpieces they know they’ll never fully capture. Carefully. Reverently. A little in awe.
-"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen" - you whispered. The words hit her harder than all the teasing had. Her breath caught softly, and for a moment she could only stare at you, vulnerable in a way that had nothing to do with nudity anymore.
-"You really mean that..." - she whispered. You looked almost offended by the question.
-"Melissa," - your thumb brushed lovingly over her knee -"I don’t think you understand how impossible it is to look away from you" - A faint broken laugh escaped her lips, emotional and overwhelmed all at once. She reached for you immediately after, fingers curling around your wrist as if she needed grounding. Needed proof.
And when you leaned down again, kissing her slowly this time, Melissa kissed you back with a softness so full of trust it nearly felt sacred.
Between soft kisses, that still tasted as her, and wandering hands, your smile turned teasing again
- "How tired are you? Because I'm not done with you" - you gave wet long kisses to her neck
Melissa shivered beneath the slow trail of kisses, her fingers tangling weakly in your hair while your mouth lingered at her neck.
The teasing in your voice made warmth bloom across her face all over again.
-"You’re cruel..." - she whispered, though the tiny smile pulling at her lips ruined any real complaint. You hummed against her skin, your hands wandering lazily along her waist, memorizing her all over again.
-"That didn’t answer my question"-Melissa let out a breathless laugh when another kiss made her shoulders tense pleasantly.
-"I can barely feel my legs," - she admitted softly.
-"And yet?" - you murmured knowingly. Her eyes fluttered open just enough to look at you. Completely wrecked. Completely affectionate.
-"And yet if you keep kissing me like that" - she said, voice quieter now -"I’m probably going to let you do whatever you want" -
The confession hung warm between you. You smiled then, softer this time beneath the teasing.
Your forehead rested against hers for a moment while your thumb stroked slowly across her hip.
-"Good girl" - you whispered -"all I want is to keep making you feel adored" - you kissed a wet trail from her lips to her stomach, resting your head on the soft flesh, following the patterns of her stretch marks with soft fingertips like if you were pointing at a galaxy -"What do you think of toys?" - you asked and she looked at you a bit blushed
-"I-I love them" - she said a bit nervous and you smiled wicked
-"Wait here" - you gave a quick peck on her lips and ran to your room. The redhead waited a bit confused, now being able to feel the cold of the room that your body wasn't against her. Melissa pulled the sheets halfway over herself instinctively once you disappeared from the room, though the warmth lingering across her skin still made her feel deliciously exposed. Her pulse hadn’t settled yet. Not from the kisses. Not from your hands. Not from the way you looked at her like she was worth worshipping. She could still feel the ghost of your fingertips tracing along her stretch marks with such tenderness it almost made her emotional all over again. Nobody had ever touched those parts of her like they were beautiful. Most people ignored them. Some hid them behind compliments that felt rehearsed. But you traced them like constellations. Like stories written directly onto your favorite sky.
Melissa exhaled shakily, letting her head fall back against the pillows, cheeks still warm from your praise and that dangerous little good girl whispered against her skin.
Then from the other room she heard drawers opening, objects shifting around, and your voice calling-"Don’t fall asleep on me yet!"-She laughed softly despite herself.
-"No promises!"
A second later you returned with that same playful spark dancing in your eyes, carrying something behind your back while Melissa immediately narrowed her gaze suspiciously.
-"Why do you look so pleased with yourself?" - she asked, already laughing a little.
You climbed back onto the bed slowly, leaning down to steal another kiss before answering.
-"Because," - you murmured against her lips -"I have ideas..."-you pulled a double strap from behind your back with shiny eyes, she blushed impossible more, her body went rigid and she couldn't stop looking at it.
-"Where did you got that?" - she asked nervously
-"Don't worry, it's brand new, I bought it this afternoon when I came back after you told me that we would have a date today" - you said exited looking at her, she swallowed hard looking at your eyes
-“You bought a strap-on before our first official date ended?”-You shrugged innocently.
-“I believe in preparation"-That earned a helpless laugh from her. And a deeper blush.God, she blushed beautifully.
-"Confident munch on how the night would end?" - she joked laughing a bit nervously. Melissa looked at the strap like it had personally declared war on her nervous system. Not horrified. Just catastrophically flustered.
The toy rested in your hands while you stood there trying and failing to hide your excited grin, and Melissa, still ruined lipstick and messy hair, looked one heartbeat away from short-circuiting permanently.
-“I wasn’t sure tonight would end like this"- you admitted more softly-“But I was hoping"-Melissa’s expression shifted immediately at the honesty in your voice. Warmth replacing some of the panic. Then her eyes flicked nervously toward the toy again.
-“You really bought that today?”-you nodded-“For me?”-You smiled slowly.
-“For us"-The answer visibly hit her right in the chest. Melissa swallowed hard. Then laughed softly at herself, shaking her head.
-“This is insane"-she murmured
-“You kissed me in public, asked me to dance, then pinned me emotionally against a car with eye contact alone”- you pointed out-"We passed insane hours ago" - Melissa snorted helplessly. Fair.
You let the toy down beside you without pressure, your fingers brushing gently against hers.
-“You don’t have to be nervous"- you murmured. Melissa looked at you with immediate disbelief.
-“You came into the room holding a strap-on like a final boss"-You burst out laughing. The sound made Melissa smile too, some of the tension melting from her shoulders-“I’m not nervous because of that"-Your expression softened.
-“No?”-Melissa shook her head once. Then looked at you in a way that turned your stomach warm.
-“I’m nervous because it’s you"-The confession landed somewhere deep and dangerous in your chest. You stepped closer automatically, your hands sliding softly to her waist beneath the covers. Melissa’s breath caught again.
-“You know what I like about you?”-you whispered. She blinked slowly denying with her head-“You always tell the truth eventually"-Melissa laughed softly through her nerves, forehead falling briefly against yours.
-"That’s because you bully it out of me" - she laughed
-“Correct"-you nodded and kissed her forehead
-“You’re impossible"-she murmured
-“And yet"-you smiled against her mouth-“you’re still looking at me like that"-Melissa tried very hard not to smile. Failed immediately. Then her eyes drifted one more time toward the toy on the bed before snapping back to yours with visible panic.
-“…I can’t believe you just casually own one of those now"-You grinned wickedly.
-“Oh honey"-your eyes went dark. Melissa already looked alarmed-“This is actually the second one I almost bought... But is not the only thing I got from the sex shop"-The sound she made afterward was so strangled you laughed against her lips.
You pulled the blanket off from on top of her and sat between her legs smiling, massaging her thighs with your fingers, close to her crotch but without touching her further. The redhead moved her hips a little against the bed closing her eyes.
-"If you want to, we can leave the toy for other day... Or I can bring some smaller..."- you suggested and she opened her eyes frowning
-"Oh no, you brought it, we are using it"-Your grin widened immediately at her stubborn answer, delighted by the determination behind it despite the blush spreading all the way down her neck.
-"There she is," - you teased softly, thumbs stroking along her thighs, higher-"my brave girl" - Melissa rolled her eyes at the nickname, though the tiny sound she made when your hands squeezed her legs betrayed her completely.
-"Don’t tease me too much or I’ll change my mind" -she tried to say upset but a crack in her voice betrayed her.
-"Liar" -You leaned forward just enough to brush your nose on her neck , your voice dropping conspiratorially-"You’re curious"-That earned a sheepish little smile. Because she was. Not only about the toy resting somewhere beside you on the bed, still hidden from view, but about you. The ease in your confidence. The way you spoke about pleasure without shame wrapped around it. The way every teasing remark still carried care beneath it like silk lining hidden inside velvet.
Melissa had spent so long treating desire like something negotiated carefully, cautiously. With you, it felt playful. Safe. Wanted.
You kissed her again, slower this time, while your fingers continued their lazy path over her skin.
-"We go at your pace," - you murmured against her lips -"always" - you fingers teased her folds softly. Her expression softened instantly at that.
Then, of course, you ruined the tenderness by adding-"But for the record, your ‘we are absolutely using it’ speech was extremely hot" - Melissa buried her face in the pillow with a groan of embarrassment while you laughed warmly above her, the sound filling the room like candlelight.
Your kisses spread against her full face and neck while your fingers worked on lazy patterns on her pussy, following every wet fold with the tip of your fingers, earning soft moans from her full lips. Melissa was wet again, even she was surprised of her own body because she never got this wet, but you were making her feel like a horny teen. Her hips moving slowly against the stroke of your fingers.
You could feel your own wetness against your panties too, they were a mess, completely ruined, uncomfortable.
Your free hand grabbed her jaw making her look at you without stopping your lazy pattern on her sex
-"Be a good girl and take my clothes off" - you said looking at her eyes making sure she understood your words. Melissa’s breath caught softly at the tone in your voice. Not harsh. Demanding. Certain.
She looked up at you for a second longer, cheeks warm beneath your attention, then nodded slowly before shifting closer on the bed, sitting on your hand. The mattress dipped under her weight as she settled carefully against you, still a little shaky, still flushed from every kiss and compliment you’d poured over her tonight.
Her fingers reached your back for the zipper, pulling it down without being able to see it, then her hands reached for the straps of your dress first, hesitant only for a moment, knowing that was the only thing holding the piece of clothing on your body.
You watched her quietly while she pushed the fabric downward, your hands resting lightly on her thighs, grounding her there.
Melissa smiled shyly when she finally pulled the straps down, the dress pooled at your waist, your chest bare in front of her eyes.
The hands of the redhead shook by her sides unsure if she could touch you. She wanted to, but she didn't knew if she could, without being able to look to other side than your perky nipples and full breasts, her mouth drooling.
You stand up on the bed, taking your hand away from her pussy, letting your dress fall all the way down, standing only in panties in front of her-"Take them off" - your voice was deeper. With shaky hands she hooked her fingers on the thin straps of the piece of clothing, looking at you with needy eyes. Her fingers slowly pull them down, her nails scratching your legs on the way down, a strand of your arousal stretched from your pussy to your damped panties. You let out a soft moan closing your eyes breafly resting your hand on top of the redhead that was kneeling in front of you to not fall. The panties had been wet and roughly pressing against your pussy all night and feeling the soft release and the wind against it made you whimper.
-"There," - she murmured, voice soft with accomplishment, looking up to you with adoration, she looked so good on her knees for you. You opened your eyes smiling softly
-"Such a good listener" - you teased gently. She rolled her eyes, though her expression melted the moment your hands brushed comfortingly along her jaw again-"Pass me the strap" - you demanded breathing roughly, bitting your lip, like if you were holding your sanity by a thread.
Mel sat on her knees looking at your pussy with need, her hips were moving against nothing, eager, she was too focused to hear anything you said. Your hand carefully grabbed her hair pulling is softly to make her look at you.
She had her brows together and she was pouting, you smiled
-"What do you want Lisa, talk to me"-her hands twitching at her sides, grabbing the sheets of the bed on a tight fist, just a whimper left her lips as she looked at your body-"Do you want to taste?"-you asked looking at how her pleading eyes looked at your pussy with desire and she licked her lips nodding-"Words Melissa" - her full name sounded rough on your lips and your hand grabbed her hair tighter, she whimper
-"Yes please, let me taste you" - her voice was barely above a whisper, embarrassingly whiny-"look how wet you are" - she said needy, bitting her lip
-"You can taste Lisa...you are a good girl, so pretty waiting for permission" - your voice was roug around the edges. Melissa didn't waist one second, her mouth went straight to your pussy, licking your whole pussy like a starving woman
-"Fuck Lisa" - you moaned pulling her hair tight on your hand, she whimpered against your pussy, giving rough licks with her tongue flat, her nose crashing against your clit. Your feet on the bed were not very stable to handle the rough mouth of the redhead for much time, her hands went to your ass digging her nails there to bring you closer to her mouth.
You moved your hips against her face breathing heavy, riding against her face. One of your hands still holding her hair in a tight fist while with the other you squeezed your breasts roughly. You were very sensitive and Melissa was not being careful at all, you could feel her teeth and nose bump from time to time against your pussy and her tongue circling on your entrance, sucking desperately.
You could feel every nerve of your body running with electricity and your legs starting to shake, you were very close
-"Lisa... Lisa, stop" - you were trying to say between moans, but the redhead didn't wanted to listen-"LISA" - your voice came more sharp this time but she said no moving her head and kept licking your pussy roughly. You pulled her hair backwards making her separate from your pussy, her nails dug deeper in your ass as protest making you hurt-"I told you to stop, it wasn't a question" - your breathing was a mess, and she was licking her lips like if she couldn't get enough of your taste, her chin and nose shiny from your juices, she had blown pupils, her hair still in your hand, and she was smiling, like if she were completely drunk-"Give me the strap" - you asked again, she just looked at you smiling dizzy, you grabbed her jaw with your free hand-"Melissa don't he a brat" - she grabbed the strap and looked at you with pleading eyes
-"Can I put it inside you?"-she begged still licking her lips with heavy breathing, her hands playing with both heads of the double strap-"please..."-her green eyes shining under the light
-"Fine... But behave" - you warned her and she nodded. Carefully she coated the strap with the juices of your pussy before guiding it to your entrance, pushing gently, licking her lips and moaning when she saw it disappear inside you completely. You moaned closing your eyes getting used to the stretching of the thick faux dick inside of you, even if went inside easily because of how wet you were, it was bigger than what you expected.
Melissa's hand was on the other end of the strap, she looked at you with dark eyes and she smiled bitting her lip. You knew that look, she was about to do something to tease you, but you slapped her hand away
-"Don't you dare" - you secured the straps on your hips and Melissa whimpered looking at you, her mouth hanging a bit open, you could see her mouth filling with saliva. Her breathing making her boobs move up and down slowly. You sat down on the bed by her side and grabbed her hips, lifting her from the bed gently-"you will be a good girl and ride my strap, you will fuck yourself dumb, right?" - Melissa nodded and stranded your lap without sinking down, just holding herself on her knees, her hands went to your shoulders and you rested yours on the side of her ass.
Your pussy was clenching around the strap inside you and she was a complete masterpiece on front of you
-"Fuck sweetheart you are so hot" - you put two fingers under her jaw bringing her face closer to yours, your lips barely brushing hers. Melissa tried to kiss you but you moved away just an inch-"get that fucking greedy count on my strap" - you whispered on her lips and kissed her, earning a moan on your lips and a bite from her mouth. The redhead kissed you with greediness, sinking down slowly on your strap. Her eyes closed and slipping moans on your lips, your hands tightened at her hips, guiding her until she sinked down completely, taking a second on top of your hips, her face hiding on your neck. The weight of her hips on top of yours made you dizzy, feeling the strap inside you more deeply - "You Okey beautiful?"-you asked softly gasping for air, kissing her temple, she nodded
-"You feel good... So good" - she said with a whiny voice - "You are stretching me so well"-she kissed you slowly. Your tongue got inside her mouth moving slowly against hers and you moved your hips, lifting them and her in the process
-"Do you feel like you can ride me or do need my help?"-you said on her lips-"I can bend you over and fuck you until you can't walk... Again" - Mel whimpered on your lips
-"I wanna make you proud"-she moaned moving her hips slowly on top of you
-"What a good girl you are" - your hands on her hips made her move in longer strokes in and out, each time that she sank down on your hips it made pressure against your clit making you shake-"Fuck Lisa"-now, more adjusted to it, she began to move faster, her boobs bouncing with each stroke and her wet pussy slapping against yours making clapping noises each time that your hips collided.
You started to move your hips against her, trusting deeper inside her, helping on every bounce she took, her boobs bouncing so hard it was causing a yummy pain on her body. You could hear the wet clenching sound of her pussy against yours.
Her hands went to your back, digging her nails on your skin, scratching and breaking the flesh trying to hold herself on top of you
-"Fuck,Fuck,fuck,yes"-she was fucking herself dumb on top of you, her eyes going to the back of her head, her breathing a mess, her movements becoming more sloppily with each stroke, curls and boobs bouncing-"I'm close, I wanna be yours, wreck me" - she mumbled, her legs barely holding her weight
-"You are such a whore" - your words made her clench impossible harder, her legs barely reacting, your hips doing most of the work colliding against her wide open pussy. Her wetness was dripping from her pussy, thick, warm, white, contrasting against the red strap, dripping all the way down to your own cunt.
Her tight pussy trapping your strap inside of her, barely letting you move. Her body started shaking on top of you, moving desperately screaming your name and coming all over you, you were sure your back was bleeding on how her nails scratched your back.
You kept moving with a few strokes more coming with her, your vision went black, you couldn't breath for a moment but you kept moving slowly your hips, helping the orgasm last as much as possible for both of you.
Melissa let go one more sensitive whimper and she hid her face on your neck, her legs clenching against your hip, her breathing a mess, her eyes were full with tears.
When you came back to your senses you hugged her protectively, trying to remember how to breathe properly
-"You Okey?" - you whispered and she nodded against your neck. Melissa melted against you the second your arms wrapped around her.
Not dramatic anymore. Not overwhelmed in the dizzy desperate way from before. Just soft. Completely, beautifully soft.
Her face stayed buried against your neck while both of you tried to catch your breath, the room filled only with uneven breathing and the quiet rustle of tangled sheets.
-"Fucking amazing" - she answered after a minute. That pulled a tired laugh from you immediately.
You kissed her temple tenderly, brushing damp strands of red hair away from her face before carefully shifting her beneath you. Even in the haze afterward, your movements stayed gentle, attentive.
You took the toy out of her carefully, it was coated on thick white strands, Melissa whimpered softly at the sudden emptiness, instinctively clinging tighter to your shoulders for a second before relaxing again when you kissed her forehead.
-"I know, baby," - you whispered soothingly -"I got you" -
The toy hit the floor forgotten a moment later after you pull it out of you, your end as messy as hers.
Right now, holding her mattered more. You pulled the blankets around both of you before gathering her close against your chest, her bare leg slipping automatically between yours while your fingers traced lazy comforting patterns along her back.
Melissa sighed so deeply it sounded like exhaustion finally leaving her body.
-"You cuddle like you’re trying to fuse bones with me" - she mumbled sleepily.
-"Correct" - you replied. That earned a weak little laugh. You smiled into her hair, breathing in the scent of her shampoo mixed with warm skin and the lingering traces of perfume. The room felt calmer now, golden in that quiet aftermath where affection became almost unbearably intimate.
After a few moments, you tilted your head slightly.
-"Need water? Snacks? A doctor? A medal for surviving me?"-you teased, she could barely move, and honestly, you too.
Melissa snorted softly against your chest.
-"Maybe the medal" - she teased back
-"Gold star too" - you kissed the tip of her nose
-"As long as you hold me while I receive it"-Your arms tightened instantly around her.
-"That can be arranged" -you whispered.
Melissa was drifting off, you felt sticky but your legs were tingling of exhaustion now that the adrenaline was melting away, you didn't trusted your extremities to get up
-"Lisa?"-you whispered, earning a low hum from her-"I need you to be mine..."-you whispered and she laughed against your neck
-"You want more? You need to let me catch my breath at least"-she said surprised and you hugged her tighter
-"I can barely move" - you joked-"I'm talking that I need you to be mine, I need to be yours. I can't go to be with someone else after all of this. And I don't mean the sex only, I can't go to be with someone else when you treat your daughter as yours, when your lips have burned into my skin, when all I do is think of you every time we are apart"-your heart was beating against her hand, like if it was trying to escape-“Lisa…”-you started again, your voice quieter now-“I promise I’m not letting myself get carried away by the alcohol or the whole…”-You gestured vaguely between your bodies, both of you still breathing a little unevenly- “…this...I know this is complicated"- you admitted softly-“You’re my landlord and Gaia’s teacher and we live together and technically we’ve been flirting like two idiots for months without actually saying anything—But I also know that when you said our kiddo in the car, it felt so right it scared me a little... And I know I don’t want to keep pretending this is casual when it isn’t"-Your voice shook slightly now-“I don’t want to call you at lunch and wonder if I’m crossing lines. I don’t want to kiss you and then act vague about what we are...I want to be yours"-Melissa had been smiling sleepily against your throat at first, still floating in that soft exhausted haze after everything between you.
But little by little, as your words kept spilling out against her hair, the teasing disappeared from her expression completely. She lifted her head slowly to look at you. Really look at you.
Your flushed cheeks. Your nervous rambling. The way your heartbeat thundered wildly beneath her palm like it genuinely feared her answer.
And suddenly Melissa understood something devastating: You weren’t confessing because of the intimacy. You were confessing because you loved her. The realization hit her so hard her eyes immediately burned.
-"Hey..." - she whispered softly, brushing her fingers against your cheek to calm you a little -"hey, breathe for me, sweetheart" - You laughed nervously at that, but your arms tightened around her waist anyway, as if you physically couldn’t risk letting her drift too far away while waiting for her answer.
Melissa swallowed hard. Then she smiled. Not the teasing smirk she used when she wanted to hide. Not the careful polite smile she gave the rest of the world. This one was unbearably tender.
-"Do you know what the worst part is?" - she murmured.
Your stomach dropped instantly-"What?"-
-"That I’ve been trying not to ask you the exact same thing for weeks."-You stared at her.
Melissa laughed softly through the emotion gathering in her eyes and rested her forehead against yours.
-"You think you’re the only one who hears your voice in their head all day?" - she whispered -"The only one pretending this feels casual when it absolutely doesn’t?"-Her fingers slid gently through your hair while she spoke-"You and Gaia already feel like home to me. Somewhere along the way it stopped being just flirting and became..." - she smiled shakily -"this terrifying wonderful thing where I started wanting permanency" - Your eyes closed briefly at the word. Permanency. God.
Melissa kissed you slowly then, not heated this time, not desperate. Certain. When she pulled back, her nose brushed yours lightly.
-"So yes" - she whispered -"I’ll be yours" - Your breath caught sharply. Melissa’s smile widened immediately at your expression.-"Actually" - she corrected softly, voice thick with affection -"I already was. I think we’re just finally admitting it out loud" - you laughed against her lips. And for the first time all night, the overwhelming feeling blooming in your chest wasn’t desire. It was relief. Warm and enormous and bright enough to make your eyes sting while Melissa pulled you impossibly closer beneath the blankets, like she planned on staying there forever. Melissa’s thumb brushed gently beneath your eye before you even realized tears had gathered there.
-“And Gaia…”-Her voice turned softer somehow-“That little girl already feels like part of my heart walking around outside my body"-That almost ended you completely.
-"Welcome to parenthood" -You buried your face against her neck with a shaky laugh, hugging her tighter. Melissa held you immediately. No hesitation. No fear in it anymore. Just warmth. Home.
After a long quiet moment, she kissed the top of your head and whispered-I’ll be yours... If you’ll still be mine when we’re arguing over groceries and Gaia’s school projects and whose turn it is to kill the spider in the bathroom"-You laughed through the emotion still choking your chest.
-“I’ll be yours when we’re a thousand years old”-Melissa’s entire face melted.
-“That was disgustingly smooth"-she teased you
-“You love it"-you teased back
“I unfortunately do... I love you and your way of being so much”-she said before she could think about it, you looked at her with wide eyes.
For a second, neither of you moved.
The words seemed to linger in the air between your bodies, warm and fragile and terrifying in the way only honest things could be. Melissa’s eyes widened immediately after she said it, like her own mouth had betrayed her. A blush rushed across her cheeks.
-"I..." - she laughed nervously, suddenly hiding part of her face against the pillow -"Well. That slipped out dramatically" - You were still staring at her like she’d just reached into your chest and rearranged entire organs by hand. Because she said it so naturally. Not forced. Not accidental exactly. Just true.
Your voice came out quieter than before-"You love me?"-Melissa peeked at you through red curls, visibly embarrassed now but unable to take it back.
-"I was trying to sound mysterious and emotionally composed" - she mumbled -"but apparently I chose violence instead" - That finally made you laugh properly, wet-eyed and breathless. Then you kissed her. Slowly at first, smiling helplessly against her lips while one of your hands cradled her face like something precious. When you pulled back, your forehead rested against hers.
-"Say it again" - you asked. Melissa groaned immediately.
-"You’re unbelievable" - she rolled her eyes
-"Lisa..."-The way you said her name nearly melted her into the mattress. She looked at you for another long second before her expression softened completely, every last bit of teasing falling away.
-"I love you," - she whispered properly this time.
The room went still. And there it was again. That enormous bright feeling inside your chest, too big for your ribs, too overwhelming to hold quietly.
You kissed her forehead, then her nose, then both cheeks in quick succession until she started laughing again beneath you.
-"You are literally sparkling right now" - she teased softly.
-"I am having a normal reaction to being loved by the hottest woman alive" - Melissa snorted at that, but her eyes turned glassy anyway. You brushed your thumb across her cheek carefully.
-"I love you too" - you whispered -"So much it actually scares me a little" - Her entire expression melted. Then, with the gentlest smile imaginable, she pulled you back down into her arms beneath the blankets, both of you tangled together while the night slowly softened around your shared heartbeat.
-"How we will tell the news to Gaia? That now we are girlfriends?" - she asked worried and you laughed barely able to see her under the blankets
-"Love, she knows that we love each other even before we realized that"-Melissa stared at you for a second after that, somewhere between emotional and offended.
-"Excuse me," - she said, narrowing her eyes playfully -"I thought we were being subtle" - You laughed immediately.
-"Lisa, our daughter literally draws us holding hands in half her pictures" - The redhead covered her face with both hands in horror while you wheezed against the pillow beside her.
-"No she does not" - she complained
-"Then you are not checking her homework properly...last week she asked me if your favorite flowers were still peonies because she wanted to ‘help me when I marry you someday'"-Melissa slowly lowered her hands, looking utterly scandalized.
-"Why are children psychic"-she asked surprised
-"I don’t know. Tiny emotionally omniscient cryptids" - That pulled a helpless laugh out of her despite herself.
Then her expression softened again, quieter now.
-"You really think she’ll be okay with this?"-You looked at her like the answer was obvious.
-"Melissa, Gaia already runs to you first when she scrapes her knee. She asks for you when you work late. She steals your sweaters and calls you when she can’t sleep." - your smile turned impossibly tender -"She adores you" -Melissa’s eyes immediately glossed over again.
-"And you know what’s even more disgusting?" - you added thoughtfully.
-"What?"-
-"That she’s going to be completely insufferable about being right" - Melissa burst out laughing.
-"Oh my God, she is" - You nodded solemnly.
-"We’re never hearing the end of it. She’s going to walk around the house like some tiny relationship prophet" - Melissa curled closer against your chest, still smiling.
-"Honestly?" - she murmured sleepily -"I think I can live with that" - You kissed the top of her head softly.
-"Good. Because you’re stuck with us now" - For the first time in a very long time, Melissa didn’t feel trapped by those words.
Melissa loves to watch horror movies but is a scaredy cat and can’t do it alone. The honour falls to you this time since she found out you love horror movies and don’t get scared (oh gee this couldn't be something I relate to). She uses your hand to cover her eyes and she grips your thigh every time she gets spooked, and soon enough she realizes what effect that’s been having on you, and wants to thank you properly for keeping her company.
Jump Scare
Melissa Schemmenti X Reader
A/n: I love this prompt! Thank you! I jump at anything and everything but I love horror films! Hope you enjoy it!
Warnings: horror, fluff, first kisses, cuddling, some smut
For the past few months you have been invited to the Schemmenti household for movie nights every other Saturday. You secretly wished it happened every Saturday.
This week it was Melissa’s turn to pick. And as much as you want the sexy spitfire to have whatever she wants you hate when it’s her turn. For some reason she always picks horror films. And for her tough bravado exterior is a scaredy cat who jumps and squeals at the most obvious jump scares.
That’s not what bothers you though. You find it rather adorable but you wouldn’t dare tell her that. No. What bothers you is Caleb usually sits next to her. Not that you suspect anything is going on there other than him being her favorite ‘adoptive’ son.
He plays the protective son too much. ‘Don’t worry, baby girl. I got you.’ Every time she turns from the screen to hide in his shoulder.
You’re not jealous. Absolutely not.
Caleb’s the first to greet you at the door when you arrive. “What’s up, babygirl? Bring it in!”
And that’s why you don’t hate him personally. He calls everyone babygirl.
“Wait, why aren’t you in your pj’s? Are we not watching a movie?’ You see that he is dressed to go out. You turn when you hear the tempo of Jacob’s feet skipping down the steps followed by Gregory’s heavy weighted steps.
“Sorry, y/n. Caleb had this brilliant idea and now we are dragging Gregory to the club to help him get over Janine.” By the roll of his eyes, he does not agree with this plan.
You pull out your phone to check for a missed text. Sure you are terrible at opening your texts but you always open it if it’s from Melissa. “Did I miss a text? Movie night’s cancelled?”
And then Melissa appears from the kitchen with popcorn. “No, hon. I ain’t cancellin’. It’s my turn and I got a good one!” She proudly announces as she points to the screen and you see the cover for The Conjuring.
The gears in your head start turning as you put it all together. Jacob and Caleb are gonna be gone. Just you and Melissa with a horror film. It’s finally your turn to hold her and it takes everything in you to not leap for joy.
As Melissa sets up the blankets and snacks and Caleb is checking over Gregory’s outfit, Jacob pulls you to the side. “Now’s your chance. I only agreed to this because I know you hate it when Melissa hides into Caleb.”
“I have no clue what you are talking about, Jacob.” You deadpan. “Go have fun and keep an eye on Gregory. This is a bad idea, he’s not ready for all of that.”
“Oh I 100% agree with you. But this…” he tilts his head to the couch, “is.”
“Shut up. Go! And be safe!” With that you walk the boys to the door and wave them off.
Taking a deep breath, you turn back to Melissa on the couch. “I don’t know why you insist on this genre. You barely watch any of it.” You laugh as you sit next to the armrest with your legs criss crossed up on the seat.
Melissa hits the lights and sits next to you. “I like a good jump scare. And I do too watch it…through my fingers. It’s like an adrenaline rush that doesn’t require a panty liner like rollercoasters or laughing too hard.” You nudge her leg when you burst out in laughter. She always makes you laugh
and you miss the smile that graces her face when the sound hits her ears.
When the movie starts it’s less than 5 minutes before she’s leaning away from the tv and into your knee. You take the opportunity to rotate your hips to bring your leg up against the back of the cushion and Melissa takes the hint and scoots in between your legs to lean against your chest.
You giggle the first few times when she jumps and she mumbles a hard “shut up,” in return. When you come to the climax in the plot she’s as close as possible with her knees curled up in your lap under the blanket.
She mumbles to herself, “oh hell no,” or, “now why would she do that?,” when she knows something big or gross is about to happen. And when it does, you hold your breath because all you can smell is her when she’s buried in the crook of your neck. Her breath tickles the flyaways that have slipped out of your ponytail.
“Tell me when this part’s over.” She whimpers into your ear and the goosebumps erupt all over your neck. Her hand is splayed on your chest, her perfectly manicured nails are grasping for your collarbone as the suspenseful music crescendos. One arm is around her lower back holding her close. The other is cradling her hair and the side of her face to keep her from looking.
“Not yet, Mel. I’ll tell you when.” After about 30 seconds you feel her shift slightly to peer through the space between your thumb and index finger and she flinches again seeing the possessed mouth spewing into Loraine’s mouth. She turns back to bury deeper and you know your heart is racing, feeling her body pressed so securely into yours. “I said not yet, my love. I promise I’ll tell you when.”
You didn’t notice the term of endearment that slipped past your lips but Melissa sure did. Her thumb started stroking patterns to settle your racing heartbeat. She focuses on the thump thump thump against the palm of her hand to drown out the sounds coming from the movie.
You continue to watch and once the squeamish scene passes you brush the hair out of her face to bring her out of hiding. “Okay, that part's over.”
She releases the breath she’s holding but she doesn’t pull out of your embrace very far. After nuzzling your neck with the tip of her nose she rotates just enough to see the screen but keeps her head on your shoulder. “Thanks, hon.”
She never did that with Caleb. She’d jump, she’d hide. But never nestled. The hand that was on your chest reaches for your wrist that’s in front of her and pulls it into her lap to play with your fingers while her focus is back on the movie.
When the credits roll neither of you move but you do feel the breath Melissa releases that she had been holding for the majority of the movie. “Okay, I watched the trailer but I didn’t think it would be that scary.” She laughs out in relief that it’s over. “Wanna watch another movie, a lighter one?”
“Sure, what movie did you have in mind?”
“Umm after that, probably a Disney.” She laughs at her own embarrassment.
“Ooh okay…let’s see…” you scroll through your options and can’t decide between two. “My picks are Hercules for animated and Mistress of Evil for live action.”
“Let me guess, Hercules is for Meg.”
“Absolutely! For Mistress of Evil…I’d say for the plot and the message, Jolie. But personally Michelle Pfieffer.”
“Good to know.” She just hums and you press play. “Can we lay down?” She asks, scooting into the back of the couch but not away from you..
“Yeah.” You squeaked out before trying to clear your throat and trying again. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Smiling content to continue holding her. You lower yourself to lay along the couch on your back with a pillow under your head.
“Thought so.” She curls around your side and drapes her leg over yours. Her hand goes back to your wrist on your chest and her thumb strokes your wrist there.
“What does that mean?” You try to cover up your panic at her hinting at your feelings.
She taps your wrist like it was an explanation in itself. “Your pulse was a dead give away. Very reactive.” It slows when I touch you or rub your skin. But when I do this…” the older woman shifts again to nuzzle in your neck, “it speeds up. I wonder what happens if I-“
She stretches up to kiss your pulse point below your jaw and you shiver all the way down to your toes. “Thought so.”
“Mel, I-“ Melissa leans up to peer down at you and you look up to avoid eye contact. But she drops your wrist to hold your chin between her thumb and finger. She tilts your face down to make eye contact.
“Shh. I like how responsive you are to me. Makes me feel….confident; brave even.”
“You’re the most confident woman I know, Mel.”
“True. But I wasn’t brave enough before.” She whispers this and you feel her breath on your lips. Mere centimeters and you could kiss her. But you’d never make the first move.
“Brave enough for what?” You breathe, not even sure if she could hear you.
She doesn’t answer you, not with words at least. Before you start to think you should ask again louder, you get your answer.
Melissa leans in to slot her lips against yours. It was short and sweet. When she pulled back your lips chased hers. Your hand snuck into her hair to pull her back down. You felt her smile and giggle into your lips before you felt her tongue ask for permission. She was slow and exploring at first before the kiss grew hungrier.
Your tongues danced the tango back and forth. You licked the back of her teeth when she broke away to smile down at you before crashing your lips together once more.
Her hand started on your stomach and she slowly slid it up until she was palming your breast through your shirt. A moan rippled through your throat as your hands began to wander and found her ass pulling her into your thigh.
Her hips began to grind down on your thigh which pushed hers into your core. The movie was long forgotten. “Fuck, hon- mmmm.” Melissa moans into your ear kissing along your neck as you both continue to ride each other’s thighs.
“Oh god, Mel!” You arched into her, throwing your head back as your senses became overwhelmed by her. “Oh shit, I’m gonna cum.” Her hand is still playing with your breast, gripping it like a lifeline. She pushes up to capture your lips again.
“Me too, baby. Don’t stop.” You watch in awe as the pleasure dances across her features while she stares back at you. No longer kissing, just sharing the same breath as you both dance on the edge of climax.
Your hips lose their rhythm as your nails dig into her ass pulling her as close as possible as you fall off the precipice, crashing through your orgasm with her toppling after you. You finally break eye contact as your eyes roll back and she drops to bite your shoulder and muffle her moans.
As you both catch your breath, your cores lazily ride out the aftershocks. Melissa leans up to kiss you slowly like she has all the time in the world.
Eventually she pulls away and slinks down to get comfy again. You spread your legs to allow both of hers as she lays on your chest. Grabbing the remote she restarts the movie and resumes languidly stroking your perky nipple.
Your hands sneak under her shirt to rub the warm skin of her lower back and drop a sweet kiss to her hair.
“This is your spot from now on.” She determines.
“I’d like that.”
You smile to yourself, you never imagined when you left your house today that you’d end up with the woman of your dreams in your arms.
You both make it about 20 minutes into the movie again before succumbing to sleep.
Summary:Melissa got very confortable of having you both on her home, slipping effortlessly into the perks and traditions of having a family, and also the perks of being your roommate.
AU:I'm having so much fun writing this fluffy story that I will definitely write a next chapter. Thanks for all the support!
After being interrogated by Ava, you joined Melissa's group again, no kid spoke a work but all of them looked at you with knowing faces, since all of them knew about the kiss thanks to your daughter.
You stepped by the redheads side trying no to blush, resting against the rail, just like she was, letting your hand barely brush hers
-"Cheater" - you murmured
You let your shoulder settle lightly against the rail beside hers, careful, casual enough that no teacher could accuse either of you of anything except perhaps standing suspiciously close near prehistoric reptiles.
Your fingers brushed hers again. A tiny, accidental-looking contact. Melissa’s hand twitched. But she didn’t move away.
-“I didn’t cheat"-she said, still smiling at the children clustered around the fossil display-"I won"-The confidence in her voice nearly made you laugh. Nearly. Because her ears were bright red. And because she still refused to look directly at you, which made her attempted composure about as convincing as a velociraptor applying for tax exemption.
-“Won what, exactly?”- you asked softly.
That got her. Her breath caught just enough for you to hear it. Still she kept her gaze fixed ahead, where Oliver was loudly explaining to another student that he could “absolutely fistfight a medium-sized dinosaur if emotionally prepared.”
Melissa cleared her throat -“The argument"-
-“What argument?”-you lifted an eyebrow
-“The one where you insisted cheek kisses didn’t count"-she replied. You leaned a little closer. Close enough to catch the faint floral trace of her perfume beneath the sharper museum air.
-“And your solution was to publicly kiss me in front of an entire school trip?”- Finally, finally, she glanced at you. Just a quick sideways look. But it was enough.
Her eyes were bright with embarrassment and something warmer underneath, something trembling at the edge of becoming courage.
-“You were being insufferable"-she mumbled between her theet.
You smiled-“And?”-
-“And…”-She hesitated. Her fingers shifted again, this time deliberately sliding against yours where your hands rested along the rail. Not holding. Not quite. Just enough to make your pulse stumble-“And I really wanted to"- That hit harder than the kiss had. Simple words. Quietly spoken. But they landed in your chest like something sacred.
You stared at her. Melissa immediately looked away again, clearly horrified by her own honesty.
-“Oh God"- she muttered-"Forget I said that"-
-“No"-The word came out sharper than you intended. She blinked, startled, and looked back. Your voice softened-“Don’t do that"-The noise of the museum faded around you for a moment.
Children laughed somewhere to your left. A docent was explaining the migration patterns of ancient herbivores to exactly no one listening. Gaia was definitely pretending not to watch from across the room with all the subtlety of a fireworks display. But all of that blurred at the edges. There was only Melissa.
And the way her face gentled when she realized what you meant. Your fingers turned, carefully threading through hers. This time fully. Not hidden. Not accidental. Just there. An answer.
Melissa inhaled sharply. You smiled, smaller now.
-“Don’t take it back"-you whispered. Her hand tightened around yours. The tiniest squeeze.
Then, after a long second, she gave you a look that was still shy and still nervous but steadier somehow.
-“I really did want to kiss you"-she said with bright green shiny eyes. Your entire body warmed.
-“Good"- you murmured. Her brow lifted.
-“Why?”-she asked. You leaned just close enough that only she could hear
-“Because I’ve been trying not to kiss you for weeks, and frankly it was becoming a hazard at home"- That did it. Melissa laughed.
Not the careful, polite laugh she gave colleagues.
Not the startled one she tried to smother when you teased her. A real laugh.
Bright and delighted and impossible not to love.
Several children immediately turned to stare, apparently shocked that Miss Melissa was capable of joy
-"You are imposible" - she said laughing and you smiled
-"I hope you have more kisses to shut me up, because I have a lot more coments like that to tease you" - you said smiling, caressing her hand with your thumb
-"No no, I'm wining, you are the one that has to even the score, so now you have to kiss me" - she replied, being the hussler that she was
-"Okey... At least we agree that we have to keep kissing" - you said smiling confident and she turned to look at you-"it's good thing that now the ball is on my curt, that means I can get really close..."-you leaned more closer to her, your breading inches away from her lips-"tease you..."-you blowed a little bit of air on her lips, the redhead wet her lips dropping her eyes to look at your mouth-"and make you all nervous..."-you smiled giving your best seductive eyes-"and choose when to kiss you, making you wander when I will finally close the distance"-you bit your lip, teasing her. She knew you were playing with her, you had her wrapped around your finger and she loved every minute of it.
Before any of you could lean closer or say anything else, you heard a loud thud, followed by a scream and a cry.
Your mom instinct kicked in immediately and you went to the middle of the conmotion, finding your daughter and another kid on the carpet of the museum ground, the kid was covering his forehead and your daughter her mouth
-"What happened?" - you asked worried, kneeling by both kids, Melissa did the same by your side
-"We were playing to be dinosaurs, Gaia was a pakilosaurus, her favorite, she said she like how they are tiny but strong, me personally I like more stegosaurus, they have the spiky tail, and he" - the boy that was explaining to you pointed to the other boy on the ground-"he chossed to be a Velociraptor, but Velociraptors always traveled on pack, specially at hunting, so they two were also Velociraptors..."-while the kid took his sweet time to explain, your daughter and the other boy were crying
-"Cut to the ending" - Melissa said frowning seriously
-"Okey... They started to chase us, Gaia was running behind that dinosaur squeleton, when she turned around the corner, Lucas was coming from the other side and they crushed" - the boy finished explaining.
Melissa was checking if the forehead of the boy was intact, and more than a bump he didn't had.
You were checking on your daughter, trying to convince her to stop covering her mouth so you could check if everything was Okey, when she removed her hand, you could see a tiny gap on the front of her mouth, a tooth, that you were aware that was lose, got knocked out because of the collision.
Melissa's face depend in worry, she knew Gaia had a lose tooth because your daughter showed it to her a few days ago, but she never had kids, so she didn't knew how bad this was
-"Do you want to take her to the hospital? I can call an uber" - she said nervously while your daughter sobbed in your arms
-"Are you Okey baby?" - you asked your daughter, talking strands of wet hair because of the teeth away from her face, beside the missing teeth you didn't saw anything else to be worried about.
-"No... It hurts" - she cried hiding in your neck but giving her best puppy eyes to the redhead
-"Let's go to the hospital" - Melissa stood up worried and you grabbed her hand, still holding your daughter with the other arm, stopping her on her tracks. You knew your daughter, and it was just one more bump to the thousand she already had previously, she wasn't a very calm kid
-"Does it hurt baby or you got scared?" - you asked and she looked at you
-"It hurted... But not anymore, I just got scared" - she said with her wavering voice, eyes full of tears but not crying anymore. You looked up at the redhead and smiled softly
-"Don't worry Lisa, she is okey" - Melissa let out a breath she didn't knew she was holding, she had a thousand accidents around the school, but she felt responsible of Gaia in a different way and she panicked for a second.
The other boy was already up, looking at your daughter worried with the little bump on his forehead- "We will find your teeth so the fairy can bring you money, we will be like paleontologist and find a bone!" - he said determined and after two seconds you had an army of 20 little kids looking for a missing tooth.
Your daughter was cuddle up in your chest, you stood up with her in your arms. Melissa caressed your daughter's back softly
-"You know, I've heard, that if you lose your theet in a museum, the fairy brings you more money because they think is a piece of art, so that's good" - she tried to lighten the mood and your daughter looked at her
-"At my home it'sss not a fairy, it's a moussse" - she explained with rosy cheeks and the air escaping between the new gap
-"A mouse?" - the teacher asked confused
-"Yes, at Latin housesss, Perezzz the moussse comes for your teethhh. We even had a tiny door in our old apartment, at the stairs, that he ussed to enter to pick up my teethhh... Will he come to Melsss houssse mama?" - she asked at you worried- "he doesn't have a door there..."-she pouted and the heart of the redhead broke -"Don't worry baby, I already made the change of address and explained how he could get into my house" - the redhead said and your daughter smiled lightly, stretching her hands to be picked up by the redhead -"Thankssss Mel"-she closed her eyes and hid on the redhead neck.
Melissa’s breath caught as Gaia reached for her.
It was instinctive, the way she opened her arms.
No hesitation.
No awkward little pause of is this okay?
Just immediate certainty, like some part of her had already learned the shape of your daughter’s weight and knew exactly how to hold her.
Gaia melted into her at once, tiny arms wrapping around Melissa’s neck, her damp cheek pressing into the soft skin there. The redhead adjusted her automatically, one hand cradling the back of her head, the other holding her.
And just like that, your entire world tilted.
You had seen Melissa with children, of course.
She was a teacher. Good with scraped knees and lost homework and playground tears. Calm under pressure, sharp when needed, endlessly patient in ways that somehow made her sternness feel safe.
But this was different.
This wasn’t Miss Melissa soothing one of her students.
This was Melissa holding your daughter like she belonged there. Like she had every right to comfort her. And God help you, the sight hit somewhere dangerously deep.
Gaia gave a little sniffle against Melissa’s throat.
The redhead immediately dipped her head, voice softening into something achingly tender.
-“There you go, sweetheart. Big brave girl"-Your daughter sighed shakily, already calming.
Across the exhibit hall, the search party of twenty tiny amateur paleontologists had spread out dramatically across the carpet.
Oliver had somehow commandeered a museum brochure and was using it as an official search grid map.
Lucas was on all fours near the velociraptor display muttering, “No fossil left behind.”
Ava leaned against a pillar watching the whole thing unfold with an expression of deep spiritual satisfaction. Then she caught your face. And her grin turned absolutely feral. You knew that look. That was the look of a woman who had just been handed gossip powerful enough to sustain her through winter.
She strolled over slowly, folding her arms.
-“Well”-she said, eyeing Melissa holding Gaia-“That’s certainly not helping my betting odds"-
You blinked-“What?”-
Ava gave you a pitying smile-“Oh sweetheart, if she’s already doing the soothing-mother-neck-bounce? You’re cooked"-Your face ignited.
Across from you, Melissa heard that and went scarlet so fast it was almost impressive-“Ava"-she snapped.
Ava only looked delighted.
Gaia, half-dozing against Melissa’s shoulder now that the immediate trauma had passed, cracked one eye open and mumbled sleepily-“What’sss cooked?”-
Ava grinned wider-“Your mom"-
You made a strangled noise.
Melissa looked like she might actually pass out.
And then, somehow, Gaia smiled.
A slow, sleepy little smile against Melissa’s neck-“Good"-Silence. Absolute, cathedral-level silence. Your heart forgot how to function. Melissa stopped breathing altogether. Even Ava blinked.
Gaia, apparently satisfied with the emotional devastation she had unleashed, sighed and tucked herself closer into Melissa’s arms.
-“I like when she blushesss"-she murmured, already drifting-“It meansss she likess us"-Something inside Melissa cracked open so quietly no one else would have noticed. But you did. You saw it in the way her arms tightened around Gaia. The way her expression softened into something almost fragile. The way her eyes lifted, slowly, to yours.
And there it was again.
That look.
That terrifying, wonderful look of someone standing at the edge of a life they had not planned for and wanting it anyway.
Then one of the children shouted triumphantly from under the triceratops display-“FOUND THE TOOTH!”-
The spell shattered.
Twenty children erupted into cheers like they’d just unearthed the crown jewels. Gaia startled awake enough to clap weakly against Melissa’s shoulder.
Melissa laughed, breathless and shaky and real.
And before she could stop herself, before practicality could rebuild its walls, she looked at you and smiled with so much naked affection it nearly brought you to your knees.
After everyone gather their stuff and got ready, you all got into the buses and went to school, the hole ride Gaia slept peacefully on the redheads chest, cuddle up with her face still red from the crying.
When you got to the school, Mel put Gaia into the busterseat with amazing care, she didn't even woke your daughter.
As soon as the car stopped at the house, your daughter drifted awake, remembering the scare that she had and her eyes got teary again
-"Hey hey kiddo" -Mel opened the back door and Gaia clinged again to her playing softly with her necklaces- "What do you think if I do that soup that you love with a lot of cheese?" - she offered and your daughter looked at her with shiny eyes
-"How much cheese?" - she asked pouting. You knew that what happened was traumatic for her, but she had gotten worse bumps and run after 10 min to keep playing, you knew she was being extra needy and sweet because the redhead was weak to those eyes.
You watched the whole exchange from the doorway, keys still in your hand, and had to bite the inside of your cheek to keep from smiling too hard.
Gaia was absolutely working her. It was almost artful. That wobbling lower lip, those glassy little eyes, the tiny sniffle timed with surgical precision. If emotional manipulation were an Olympic sport, your daughter would have a sponsorship deal by age ten.
And Melissa was helpless against it. Completely, catastrophically helpless. The redhead stood there with Gaia clinging to her neck, still wearing that soft worry from the museum, and the second your daughter whispered-“And a movie?”- Melissa folded like a lawn chair in a hurricane.
-“Yes, sweetheart, of course. We can watch Hoppers, your favorite”-she said with her strong Philly accent and you rolled your eyes, since the movie came out it was all she wanted to watch and you already knew it by memory.
Gaia’s eyes lit up instantly. The tears vanished with suspicious speed. You narrowed yours.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Melissa, still too flustered by the aftermath of the day to notice she was being professionally hustled by a six-year-old, carried her inside like Gaia weighed nothing at all.
Your daughter immediately nestled deeper into her shoulder with a tiny, theatrical sigh of contentment.
You shut the front door behind you, shaking your head.
-“Gaia"-you said getting no answer.
You followed them into the living room to find Melissa carefully lowering her onto the couch.
Gaia immediately stretched both arms up.
Silent demand.
Melissa blinked-“What?”-Your daughter wiggled her fingers.
-“Blankie"-And just like that, Melissa was off retrieving the dinosaur blanket from Gaia’s room.
You folded your arms. When she disappeared down the hallway, Gaia cracked one eye open and grinned at you. The little traitor.
-“Are you serious right now?”-you stared. She smiled wider, gap-toothed and shameless.
-“She is really sweet"-Gaia smiled.
You crouched beside the couch-“You’re milking this"-Gaia gasped in scandalized innocence.
-“Mama"-she put a hand on her chest
-“Do not mama me"-
-“I losst a toof"-she pointed her mouth
-“You lost a tooth that was already halfway out"-you stated, Gaia’s expression turned deeply philosophical.
-“Pain is relative"-You had absolutely no comeback to that.
Melissa returned then, blanket in hand, and Gaia’s eyes instantly filled with suspiciously convenient moisture again. The redhead gave your daughter her favorite teddy bear and made a little burrito with a blanket
-"Are you comfy? I will get the soup ready" - the redhead kissed your daughter's forehead and put the movie on the TV
-"You know she is taking advantage of you, right?" - you asked and Melissa locked at you offended
-"Don't say those things about my baby" - she said "my baby" so casual that you barely had time to register it-"she deserves all the pampering, she went trough something traumatic" - the redhead hugged your daughter one more time before getting up from the couch, your daughter smiled at you from her little cocoon-"Help me cook" - the redhead grabbed your hand pulling you to the kitchen. The second Melissa’s fingers curled around yours and tugged, your brain politely excused itself from the conversation. Gone. Fully clocked out. No forwarding address.
You let her pull you into the kitchen in a daze, stumbling only slightly over the rug while she marched ahead with determined little strides, still all brisk competence and righteous offense on Gaia’s behalf
-“Honestly"-she muttered as she opened the fridge-“accusing an injured child of manipulation"-
You leaned against the counter, smiling helplessly-“Injured?”-Melissa shot you a glare over her shoulder.
-“She lost a tooth"-she gave you a serious look that was more hot than mad
-“She lost half a loose tooth and weaponized the other half for emotional leverage"-you raised an eyebrow
-“That is called resilience"-the redhead defended your daughter and you laughed. Melissa pointed a wooden spoon at you like a threat-“Mock all you want. She is brave and sweet and deserves soup"-you lifted your arms in surrender. From the living room, Gaia’s muffled voice floated out from beneath her blanket burrito-“And extwa cheesse!”-
Melissa’s expression softened instantly-“And extra cheese"-she called back.
You folded your arms, watching her move around the kitchen. She knew where everything was now.
Not hesitantly, like a guest trying to be helpful.
Naturally.
Opening the right drawers without thinking. Pulling out Gaia’s favorite little bowl with the cartoon fox on it. Reaching automatically for the cheese grater you always forgot existed.
The sight caught somewhere behind your ribs. Dangerous territory. Melissa stopped complaining so long ago about the changes that you forgot that she even had done it. She must have felt your staring, because after a moment she glanced back
-“What?”-
You blinked-“Nothing"-
Her eyes narrowed-“That’s a lie"-
You smiled-“You’re domestic"-The words slipped out before you could stop them.
Melissa froze. Just slightly. Her fingers still resting on the soup pot. Then color rose slowly into her cheeks-“I’m making soup"-
-“Very domestically"-you whispered
-“That isn’t a thing"-she rolled her eyes
-“It absolutely is"-you replied. She huffed and turned back to the stove, but the pink in her ears deepened. Cute. Very cute.
You pushed off the counter and wandered closer, drawn by instinct stronger than good judgment. Melissa was focused on stirring now, shoulders relaxed, her hair in a ponytail and her glasses on top of her head.
You stopped just behind her. Close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her back. Close enough that if either of you shifted an inch, you’d touch.
Melissa’s stirring slowed-“You’re hovering"-
-“You pulled me in here to help..."-you state
-“I did" - she was with her back at you
-“Your instructions are unclear"-She exhaled, suspiciously unsteady. Then, without turning, she held the spoon out behind her.
-“Stir"-You looked at it. Then at the inches of space between your bodies. A wicked little idea sparked. Instead of taking the spoon, you stepped closer and reached around her, your hand covering hers on the handle.
Melissa went completely still. Your chest brushed her back. Her breath hitched. There it was again. That electric little silence. You lowered your mouth near her ear
-“Like this?”-The spoon nearly slipped from her fingers.
-“Yes"- she whispered. You smiled against the curve of her hair and guided the motion slowly, stirring together. Melissa was trembling. Just slightly. Enough for you to feel. Enough to send a warm rush through your entire body.
-“You’re nervous”- you murmured.
-“No, I’m not"- You leaned a fraction closer.
Her pulse fluttered wildly beneath the skin of her throat.
-“Lisa"-you whispered
-“Stop that"-her voice was deeper than normal
-“Stop what?”-you raised an eyebrow
-“That voice"-You laughed softly.
-“What voice?”-you asked
-“The one you use when you know exactly what you’re doing"-You definitely laughed then, the sound low against her ear. Melissa made a tiny, helpless sound that almost made your knees buckle. Then she turned her head just enough to look at you over her shoulder. And suddenly your faces were very, very close.
Close enough to count eyelashes. Close enough to feel shared breath. Melissa’s lips parted. Her eyes dropped to your mouth. And stayed there.
The kitchen seemed to narrow around you.
The soup bubbled softly on the stove, forgotten.
The movie played faintly in the next room.
And for one suspended second, it felt inevitable.
Then Gaia’s voice rang out, loud and scandalized -“MEL, THE CHEESSE IS BURNING"- Melissa yelped and lurched forward.
You burst out laughing. The soup was fine. The cheese was not even in the pot yet.
From the living room came the unmistakable sound of your daughter cackling under her blanket. Melissa stared toward the couch in betrayed horror-“That little menace"- You were still laughing when she turned, smacked your shoulder with a dish towel, and pointed toward the living room -“Go deal with your evil genius"- You caught her wrist before she could pull away.
Just lightly. Melissa looked at you. You were both still smiling. And before either of you could think too hard about it, you lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. Slow. Deliberate. Her breath caught.
-“That counts too"-you murmured.
Then you let go and escaped to the sound of Gaia’s delighted shrieking, leaving Melissa frozen in the kitchen with pink cheeks and absolutely no idea how she was supposed to recover from that.
When the food was ready, perfect as always, you ate watching the movie, your daughter was cuddle up on the side of Melissa leaving you on the other side,feeling cold, jealous if your own daughter that took your favorite spot.
When the movie was over you rise to your feet
-"Let's go baby, I will give you a shower" - you were going to lift her but she clinged to the redhead
-"Nooo... I wanna be with Mel" - she pouted
-"I have to shower too baby, let your mom shower you while I shower on my room and then I will read you a bedtime story, deal?"-the redhead already knew all the things your daughter loved, and storytime with the voices that Melissa made, was on her top 5. Your daughter nodded and let go of her for you to pick her up.
After the shower and getting into both of your pijamas, you knocked the door of Melissa's room gently
-"Come in" - the redhead answered and your daughter opened the door running inside, climbing into the big bead and getting under the covers.
Melissa looked up when you stepped inside. And for a second, neither of you said anything.
The room was warm, lit only by the soft amber glow of the bedside lamp. It painted everything gentler at the edges. The books on her nightstand. The half-folded cardigan draped over a chair. The ridiculous floral mug she refused to throw away because Gaia had once declared it “fancy princess tea equipment.”
And Melissa. God. Without the sharp armor of work clothes and lipstick and immaculate control, she looked softer somehow. Realer.
Her damp hair curled faintly at the ends, dark against her bare face. The fine lines near her eyes were visible now, the ones carved there by years of smiling and worrying and living. Her oversized Philly shirt slipped off one shoulder just enough to reveal the delicate slope of collarbone before she absently tugged it back up.
The sight hit you harder than all the flirting had.
Because this wasn’t polished or composed or meant to impress. This was Melissa as she was when no one else was looking. And somehow that felt more intimate than the kiss.
Your staring must have lasted a beat too long, because color rose slowly into her cheeks.
You blinked yourself back into your body-“Nothing-
She narrowed her eyes-“That’s your lying voice"-
You smiled softly-“I was just thinking"-
-“Dangerous"-she lifted an eyebrow
-“Very"-you replied and that earned a tiny smile.
Then Gaia bounced dramatically beneath the blankets-“Stowyyy"-
Melissa laughed under her breath and climbed into bed beside her. Gaia immediately snuggled into her side with the unquestioning certainty of a child who had already decided exactly where she belonged.
And there it was again. That quiet little ache in your chest. The one that came every time you saw them together and some reckless part of your heart whispered keep this.
Melissa patted the empty side of the bed-“You too"-
You blinked-“What?”-
Gaia groaned like your confusion was personally offensive-“Mama, come on"-
Melissa looked suddenly flustered, as if she hadn’t expected to say it out loud, but she recovered quickly enough to arch one brow.
-“She’s right. Unless you plan to stand there all night looking ominous"-You laughed under your breath and crossed the room.
The mattress dipped as you climbed in on Gaia’s other side. Immediately your daughter wriggled until she was somehow stretched across both of you like a tiny bridge of chaos, one leg thrown over your lap and her head pillowed on Melissa’s shoulder. Efficient hostage-taking.
Melissa opened the book. You recognized it instantly. Gaia’s favorite. Peter Rabbit, also Melissa's favorite.
It became your daughter's favorite when the redhead made her read it a few months back at school.
Melissa began to read. And, unfairly, she was excellent at it. Her voice shifted for every character, it was easy to follow the story because she made a difrent tone for each animal and emotion. Gaia giggled all the way trough the book.
You mostly watched Melissa.
The way her mouth curved at the funny parts.
The concentration in her brow when she prepared one of the dramatic voices.
The warmth in her expression whenever Gaia laughed.
At some point, Melissa glanced up and caught you staring.
Her voice faltered-“What?”-
You didn’t look away this time-“You’re beautiful"-The words slipped out before caution could tackle them.
Silence dropped instantly. Even Gaia stilled. Melissa froze, eyes wide. A flush bloomed slowly across her face, softer than the embarrassed scarlet of earlier. This was different. Tenderer. More dangerous. You felt your own face heat.
-“Well"-you muttered, suddenly fascinated by the blanket-“that was horrifyingly honest"-you played with the piece of fabric on your hands-"nice quality sheets" - Melissa let out a breathless little laugh. Then, after a long second, she closed the book and set it aside. Your pulse jumped.
Slowly, carefully, she reached across Gaia and took your hand. Her fingers laced through yours with quiet certainty. When you looked up, she was already watching you.
No teasing now. No games. Just Melissa, soft-faced and brave in the lamplight.
-“You make it very hard"-she said quietly.
Your throat tightened-“To do what?”-Her thumb brushed your knuckles.
-“To remember why I thought this was a bad idea"-The words should have stung. Instead, somehow, they didn't. Because she was still holding your hand. Because her eyes were warm and steady and full of things she hadn’t said yet.
And because after another heartbeat, she smiled.
Small and helpless and real.
-“Luckily"- she whispered-“I’m getting less practical by the minute"-Then she leaned across Gaia’s sleeping form and kissed you.
Slowly this time. No wagers. No audience. No winning. Just the quiet, deliberate press of her mouth to yours like she was finally allowing herself something she’d wanted for far too long.
And when she pulled back, her forehead rested lightly against yours. Neither of you spoke. There was nothing left to tease about.
Only the soft breathing of your daughter asleep between you.
And the impossible, wonderful fact that somehow, somewhere between museum disasters and soup and stolen kisses, home had changed shape around all three of you.
You smiled a little blushed and looked at your daughter, by the soft snore and the lack of teasing at your kiss, she was deeply asleep
-"I will take her to our room" - you whispered but the redhead didn't let your hand go
-"She is already asleep... Let her sleep here..."-she whispered and kissed Gaia's forehead
-"Okey, but when she kicks you at night, don't come knock on my door" - you teased and she smiled
-"Stay too..."-she spoke softly and you looked at her relaxed features -"Please..."-you got up from the bed going to your room and the redhead sighed, thinking that maybe she pressed too far, but when you came back with a sharpie, a piece of paper and the tooth that Gaia lost inside a tiny transparent box, she smiled again
-"I will stay, but first, we have to do our duties" - you said looking at the paper in your hands-"Do you wanna do it?"-you asked and she nodded surprised
-"Can I put the money too?" - she asked and you nodded looking happily to her excited face. Melissa’s face softened into something almost impossibly gentle. The kind of softness that only appeared when she forgot to guard herself.
She shifted carefully so she wouldn’t wake Gaia, making space on the bed as you climbed again in bed, sitting in front of her with your little collection of mouse-business supplies.
The sharpie.
The folded paper.
The tiny tooth resting in the box like a pearl the universe had awkwardly misplaced.
Melissa looked absurdly delighted.
And that alone nearly undid you.
It was such a small thing. Such a silly little ritual.
But she looked at it like you’d just invited her into some ancient and sacred family ceremony.
Which, in a way, you had.
You handed her the paper and uncapped the sharpie.
Her fingers brushed yours as she took them, and she smiled down at the blank page with a concentration usually reserved for grading final exams-“What do I write?”-she was serious now
You leaned closer to her face and the piece of paper, lowering your voice to a whisper even though Gaia was deeply asleep between you, one tiny hand fisted in Melissa’s shirt.
-“Introduce yourself properly. Pérez appreciates professionalism"-Melissa huffed a laugh.
-“Of course he does"-
-“Very serious mouse"-you replied. She bit back another smile and bent over the page, tongue peeking out just slightly in concentration.
God. You were in actual danger.
You watched as she wrote in her neat, elegant script:
"Dear Señor Pérez,
Gaia lost this tooth today at the museum after an extremely brave encounter with a velociraptor.
Please excuse the unusual delivery address. I’ve recently arranged safe entry to the house and can personally guarantee excellent access to the bedroom.
She was very brave and only cried a little.
Please compensate accordingly.
Respectfully,
Melissa Schemmenti"
You read over her shoulder and snorted softly-“‘Respectfully’?”-She looked scandalized.
-“It’s a formal correspondence"-You laughed under your breath.
-“Lisa, he’s a mouse"-you said pointing the obvious
-“He’s a professional mouse"-You were still smiling when she glanced up at you. The expression lingered for half a heartbeat too long. Something warm shifted between you. Then Melissa’s cheeks pinked and she looked away first, clearing her throat-“What now?”-she waited
-"You have to write down the reply of the mouse and put the money inside that note" - you replied.
Melissa blinked at you. Then her entire face lit up. Not the composed, polite smile she gave colleagues. Not even the flustered, blushing one she kept accidentally giving you. This was pure delight. The kind that made her look years younger, all bright eyes and barely-contained excitement.-“Seriously?”-
You smiled, already knowing the answer-“Gaia always gets a reply"-Melissa looked scandalized.
-“Why did you not tell me this sooner?”-
-“Because watching you discover increasingly absurd details about our household mythology is currently one of my favorite hobbies"-That made her blush. But she was already reaching for the sharpie again, fully invested.
-“Move, you are covering the light with your head"-she whispered urgently. You obeyed, laughing softly, and watched as she smoothed a fresh sheet of paper over the blankets with all the gravity of a woman drafting international legislation. Her brow furrowed. The little line appeared between her eyes. Cute. Dangerously cute. You propped your head on one hand and admired her shamelessly while she muttered to herself-“He’s a professional mouse… probably formal… but approachable…”-her glasses barely holding on the tip of her nose and her hair cascading on one side of her face
-“You’re overthinking the mouse"-you whispered
-“This is diplomacy"-she whispered back. You snorted. Melissa shushed you without looking up. Then she began to write. Slowly. Meticulously. Even changed her handwriting because the "mouse" should had a difrent way of writing than her. Her tongue peeked out again in concentration, which was frankly unfair to your cardiovascular system.
When she finished, she handed you the page with quiet pride.
In the difrent but still elegant script, it read:
"To the exceptionally brave Miss Gaia,
I must personally apologize for the delay in my arrival. Museum claims require additional verification due to the increased artistic and historical value of the tooth.
After careful review, I am pleased to report that your bravery has earned premium compensation.
I would also like to formally thank Miss Melissa for her excellent change-of-address documentation and outstanding hospitality arrangements. Very professional work. Five stars.
Please continue taking excellent care of your smile.
Warm regards,
Señor Pérez, Esq.
Licensed Dental Retrieval Specialist
Pérez & Co. Since 1947"
You stared at it. Then slowly looked up at her. Melissa looked nervous all of a sudden.
-“Well?”-You were silent for exactly one dramatic second before declaring
-“Lisa"-Her breath caught-“That mouse is going to propose by Christmas"-The scandalized little sound she made nearly woke Gaia. Melissa smacked your arm with the paper.
-“You’re impossible"-You laughed and caught her wrist before she could hit you again. The room stilled. Your fingers around her pulse point. Her breath warm and shallow. The note crinkling softly between your hands. Melissa’s eyes dropped to your mouth. Then rose again, slower this time.
-“You really call me Lisa when you’re being soft with me"- she whispered. The words landed somewhere tender. You hadn’t even realized you were doing it. Your thumb brushed lightly over the inside of her wrist.
-“Do I?”-She nodded.
And because apparently tonight had become a festival of terrifying honesty, she added, very quietly-“I like it"-That hit harder than any kiss so far. Your chest tightened.
Melissa must have seen it happen, because her expression softened instantly. Then she did something devastatingly simple. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against yours. No teasing. No challenge. Just closeness.
-“You should kiss me again"-she whispered. You smiled against her skin.
-"And why would I do that?" - you teased
-"Because I did an excelent work as a mouse?"-she smiled
-“Cheater"-you whispered
-“Maybe"-
-“You’re abusing your lead"-you lifted your eyebrow
-“I’m practical"- she murmured. You laughed softly. You grabbed her face carefully with both hands, your lips brushed hers once. Gentle. Then again, slower.
And when you kissed her properly, she sighed into your mouth like she’d been waiting all day for permission to stop pretending she wasn’t falling for you.
Between you, Gaia snuffled in her sleep and muttered something about velociraptors owing her money. You smiled against her lips and carefully separated from her.
The redhead gave you both notes with the money inside of the "reply". You put it carefully under the pillow your daughter was using and looked at the redhead
-"Move, let me be in the middle of you both, Gaia kicks" - you said using as excuse your daughter's rare behavior to be closer to the redhead
Melissa blinked at you for half a second.
Then one eyebrow lifted. Slowly. Knowingly. It was a look that said I absolutely know what you’re doing here.
And the worst part was how the corner of her mouth twitched, like she was trying very hard not to smile about it.
-“Gaia kicks?”- she repeated.
You kept your face perfectly innocent-“Violently"-Melissa glanced down at your daughter, who was currently starfished across the mattress in deep, angelic sleep, one tiny socked foot resting harmlessly against your thigh. Then she looked back at you. The silence stretched. Her expression sharpened with suspicion.
-“Interesting"-she murmured-“Because I seem to recall you surviving approximately six years of this alleged nightly violence"-You gasped softly.
-“Are you accusing me of dishonesty?”-you raised an eyebrow
-“Yes"- Bold. Very bold for someone whose cheeks were still pink from kissing you ten minutes ago. You clutched your chest in mock offense.
-“Lisa. I’m wounded"-That finally cracked her. She laughed, quiet enough not to wake Gaia but bright enough to make your stomach flip.
-“There’s room"-she whispered, scooting back against the pillows and lifting the blanket.
An invitation. Your pulse immediately betrayed you. You tried to keep your composure as you carefully shifted Gaia, sliding into the middle. Your daughter gave a sleepy little grumble, then instantly draped herself across your stomach like an affectionate octopus and resumed snoring.
And just like that, you were there. Melissa on one side. Gaia sprawled over you. The warm weight of both of them pinning you gently into place. It should have felt ridiculous. Instead, it felt so right it made your chest ache. Melissa settled again beside you, the blankets rustling softly. For a few moments, neither of you spoke.
The house was quiet around you. The kind of late-night stillness that made every breath feel louder. Then, carefully, her hand found your waist holding you lightly, grabbing Gaias hand in the process
You looked down as how the blanket shifted with her movement. When you looked back up, she was already watching you.
There was something shy in her face now. And open.
-“I know this is fast"-she said softly. The honesty in her voice made your throat tighten. Melissa glanced down at Gaia, smiling faintly as your daughter gave a tiny sleepy snort. Then she looked at you again-“But when you’re here…”- Her thumb brushed your stomach in top of your blouse - “And she’s here…”-Her voice caught.
For a second, she looked almost embarrassed by what she was about to admit. Then she said it anyway-“It feels like something I’ve been missing for a very long time"-That landed somewhere deep enough to steal your breath.
You stared at her. At the vulnerable courage in her face. At the way she was giving you this truth with no shield, no teasing, no careful escape route if you didn’t want it. And God. You wanted it. So badly it frightened you. Slowly, you squeezed her hand.
-“You know what’s terrifying?”-you whispered. Melissa shook her head. You smiled, small and helpless-“I know exactly what you mean..."Something in her face softened all at once. Relief, maybe. Or recognition.
She shifted closer then, carefully so she wouldn’t disturb Gaia, her head came to rest lightly on your shoulder. The contact was so simple it nearly undid you. You turned and kissed the top of her hair.
Melissa sighed. A sleepy, content little sound that sent warmth spiraling through your ribs.
-"Sleep well Lisa..."-you whispered closing your eyes, being able to feel your daughter's heartbeat and the warmth of the redhead next to you, calming you more than ever.
At the next day you woke up finding your daughter deeply asleep, her hair messy and missing one sock, sprayed on the bed with only half body cover by the covers. The redhead was no in bed anymore, but your back was carefully covered like if she tucked you in when she got up.
The smell of toast told you that she was in the kitchen. You got up to brush your teeth and then went downstairs carefully not to make noise, finding the redhead cooking breakfast while murmuring a song softly. Her hair was in a ponytail and she had rosy cheeks. Carefully you stepped behind her and hugged her waist, resting your head in her back. She made a little surprise noise and then relaxed again
-"Good morning..."-she said softly
-"Good morning Lisa... Your bed is amazing, is way better than mine, and it smells so nice, just like you" - you whispered, voice full of sleep
Melissa went completely still in your arms.
The wooden spoon stopped moving. For one suspended second, the only sounds were the soft hiss of the stove and the faint pop of bread in the toaster. Then she exhaled. Slowly.
And relaxed back into you.
-“Good morning"- she murmured again, quieter this time. You smiled against the soft cotton of her shirt and tightened your arms just a little around her waist. She was warm from the kitchen heat, still carrying traces of her soap beneath the smell of toast and coffee. Dangerously cozy. Her ponytail brushed your cheek when she tilted her head back slightly-“You’re very affectionate before caffeine"-
Your sleepy laugh rumbled against her back-“Maybe your bed spoiled me"-Melissa made a tiny sound that could have been amusement or flustered panic. Probably both. You felt the blush before you saw it, heat rising beneath your cheek where it rested between her shoulder blades.
-“Careful"- she said softly- “You’re laying it on suspiciously thick for someone who stole my side of the bed and all the blankets"-You gasped in theatrical offense, lifting your head enough to look down at her
-“I did no such thing"-Melissa turned just enough to glance at you over her shoulder. The look she gave you was devastatingly unimpressed.
-“You were cocooned like a burrito"-she said
-“That sounds fabricated"-Her lips twitched.
-“And yet I still tucked you in"-That hit harder than it should have. You blinked. Melissa must have realized what she’d admitted, because her cheeks deepened instantly. She turned back to the stove with intense concentration, as if the eggs had suddenly become diplomatically sensitive.
Cute.
Very cute.
You rested your chin on her shoulder this time, shamelessly invading her space to peek at the pan.
-“Lisa"-She hummed-“That’s absurdly domestic of you"-Her hand tightened around the spoon.
-“Stop calling me domestic like it’s scandalous"-she said
-“It is"-you stated
-“It’s breakfast"-she said simply
-“You tucked me in"-you repeated and her stirring faltered.
-“That was…”-She hesitated. You smiled against her skin.
-“What?”-The red rose of her blush climbed all the way to her ears.
-“You looked cold"-The simplicity of it nearly ruined you. No flirtation. No game. Just quiet care, offered so naturally she probably hadn’t even thought twice about it.
Something warm and fragile unfolded inside your chest. Without thinking, you pressed a slow kiss to the side of her neck.
Melissa dropped the spoon. It clattered dramatically onto the stove. She made a strangled little sound and whipped around so fast you had to catch her by the waist to steady her.
Her face was crimson. Absolutely crimson. You stared for exactly half a second before dissolving into helpless laughter.
-“Oh my God"-you laughed still holding her waist against your body
-“You cannot just do that"- she hissed, scandalized.
-“Do what?”-you looked at her, grabbing a little tighter
-“You know exactly what"-she said, unaware of where your hands were
-“I kissed you, we have kissed before"-you reminded her
-“You kissed my neck"-You blinked innocently.
-“Yes"-Melissa looked genuinely betrayed by your audacity.
-“You’re impossible in the mornings"-she said between her teeth
-“Funny"-you murmured, stepping closer, pushing her lightly until her ass reached the counter-"I was about to say the same about you" - you held her waist and looked at her eyes. Her breath caught. You were close now. Very close. And she had nowhere to go. You had her between your body and the counter. Close enough to smell coffee on her breath and see the tiny freckles the sun had coaxed across the bridge of her nose.
Melissa’s eyes dropped to your mouth. Then rose again. The kitchen narrowed around you. The moment stretched. And you kissed her, no soft like the previous times, this was deeper, hungrier, neddier.
Melissa gasped against your mouth. Not from fear. From surprise. The kind that came when something long imagined finally became real and landed harder than fantasy had prepared you for. For half a heartbeat she froze, caught somewhere between instinct and disbelief.
Then she kissed you back. And God. It was nothing like the careful little pecks you’d traded before. Nothing like the teasing brushes of lips designed to fluster and retreat.
This was six months of restraint collapsing all at once. Every almost-touch in the hallway. Every late-night conversation over tea when neither of you wanted to say goodnight. Every glance held half a second too long across the kitchen table. Every quiet ache of wanting and waiting and wondering if the other felt it too. It was all there.
Melissa’s hands found your shirt in a desperate little clutch, fingers curling tight in the fabric as if she needed something solid to hold onto. Yours tightened at her waist, instinctively pulling her closer until there wasn’t room for breath between you.
She tasted faintly of coffee and sleep and something entirely, devastatingly Melissa.
The kiss deepened, slow only in the way hunger can be when it has been starved too long.
And then she made a sound. Soft. Helpless. The kind of sound that nearly unraveled you on the spot.
Your control cracked. One hand slipped higher along her side, slipping under her t-shirt, your thumb brushing her stomach. The contact made her shiver sharply, and suddenly Melissa was the one pressing forward, rising onto her toes, chasing you with a quiet urgency that made your pulse detonate.
She wanted this. Not politely. Not cautiously. Wanted it enough to forget herself.
The realization hit like lightning.
You kissed her harder slipping your tongue into her mouth, pressing your hips against hers, her nails went to the nape of your neck, scratching lightly.
Melissa’s breath hitched and she let out a soft moan into your mouth. Her fingers slid upward into your hair, tugging just enough to make heat shoot down your spine.
And there it was. That impossible point where thought disappeared completely. No teasing. No games. No wondering. Just her. Warm and trembling and kissing you like she’d spent months trying not to imagine exactly this.
-"OH MY GOD!"-Gaia's voice made you separate immediately earning a little complain noise from the redhead, for a moment you thought she was downstairs with you, but the scream came from upstairs. You looked at Melissa, gasping for air just like you, your hands were still on her hips and hers on your hair,
She stayed close. Forehead resting against yours, breaths coming quick and uneven. Her lips were flushed. Her cheeks burned crimson.
And her eyes… God. You had never seen her look at you like that before.
Open. A little stunned. And full of something so nakedly tender it made your chest ache.
For a moment neither of you spoke until you remembered your daughter's scream
-"Bebe everything Okey?"-you asked and Melissa let out a breathless little laugh, still dazed.
-"Ratón Pérez brought me a hundred dollars!!!" - Your daughter screamed from Melissa's room and you looked at the redhead
-"You gave her a hundred dollars?!!"-you yelled and whispered at the same time in surprise, without letting her hips go-"It’s a tooth, not a down payment" - you said
-“She lost it in a museum"-she was still breathing uneven. You blinked.
-“What?”-
-“She was very brave. During a culturally enriching event"-Melissa looked deeply serious-“That’s premium-tier compensation"-You stared at her for a second and then laughed.
-"She will grow so spoiled now"-you murmured and pecked her lips again.
-“Well"-she whispered with her lips full and a silly smile. You smiled, just as wrecked.
-“Well?”-She opened her eyes fully and looked at you with something halfway between wonder and accusation.
-“That was very unfair"-You brushed your nose lightly against hers.
-“How?”-
-“You’ve clearly been practicing kissing"-The laugh that escaped you was soft and helpless.
-“Lisa, if I’d had anyone to practice on, the pining would’ve been much less dramatic"-That made her smile. A real one. Bright enough to light the whole kitchen.
Then, because apparently she had not yet decided your sanity deserved mercy, she lifted one hand and traced her thumb slowly across your lower lip. The gesture was so intimate it almost stole your breath again.
-“I thought"- she said quietly-“that if we ever did this…”-She hesitated. Color deepened in her face. You waited. Melissa’s lashes lowered-“I thought I’d be more nervous.”-
Your hand gentled at her waist-“Are you?”-She thought about it. Then looked up and smiled, soft and sure and so beautiful it hurt.
-“No"-The word settled warmly between you. A promise disguised as an answer. And before you could say anything, before the moment could tip into too much honesty too fast, a sleepy little voice drifted from upstairs
-“Why isss there so much kissing and no breakfast?”-You both jolted apart so fast it was almost athletic.
Gaia appeared halfway down the stairs, hair wild, clutching her teddy bear and the hundred dollar bill on her hand, wearing exactly one sock and the expression of a tiny exhausted landlord disappointed in her tenants. She squinted at the two of you.
Then at Melissa’s thoroughly kiss-swollen mouth. Then at your equally incriminating face. A slow grin spread across hers and shuffled the rest of the way downstairs in search of toast
-"We are going to be late for school" - your daughter grabbed butter to put on her toast looking at Melissa and sat at the table-"And you are the teacher..."-The kitchen went dead silent. Melissa froze halfway to the toaster.
You were still leaning against the counter, thoroughly kissed and thoroughly disheveled. And Gaia, apparently unaware she had just detonated the last remaining fragments of adult dignity in the room, calmly buttered her toast with the focus of a tiny surgeon. Then she looked up again. At Melissa. Waiting.
The redhead blinked once. Twice.
And then, with the slow horror of a woman remembering every professional responsibility she had spectacularly neglected in the last fifteen minutes, her face drained of color.
-“Oh my God"-You bit your lip.
Gaia took a very deliberate bite of toast-“You’re late"-Melissa’s head snapped toward the stove clock. The sound she made could only be described as pure existential collapse.
-“No no no no no"-She flew into motion. Absolute chaos. The woman who usually moved through mornings with elegant efficiency was suddenly everywhere at once, darting between counters, shoving plates together, nearly dropping the orange juice, muttering increasingly distressed fragments under her breath-“How is it seven -thirty? Why is it seven-thirty? School starts in twenty minutes, why is time a construct—”-You folded your arms and watched, smiling helplessly.
Gaia climbed better onto her chair and kept eating with perfect serenity. Apparently this was excellent entertainment.
Melissa spun toward you, scandalized-“Why are you just standing there?”-You blinked innocently.
-“I’m appreciating your leadership under pressure"-Her jaw dropped. Then narrowed.
-“This is your fault"-she pointed at you
-“My fault?”-you lifted an eyebrow
-“Yes"-she said with red swollen lips, you licked yours looking at her
-“You kissed me back"-you said
-“That is irrelevant to logistics!”-You laughed. That did not improve her mood. Melissa pointed at you like an outraged prosecutor.
-“You. Shoes. Now"-Then she pointed at Gaia-“You. Socks. Both feet"-Gaia looked down at her single sock. Thought about it. Then calmly took another bite of toast. Melissa made a noise of such profound frustration that you nearly doubled over.
-“Lisa..."-you said gently, crossing the kitchen toward her. She was still flustered, cheeks pink, hair slipping loose from her ponytail, every inch of her adorably unraveling. God, she was beautiful like this. You reached up and caught the strand of hair falling across her face, tucking it behind her ear. Melissa stilled instantly. Her breath hitched-“There"- you said softly.
The room quieted around you. Just for a second. Melissa looked up at you, still pink and breathless and far too easy to kiss again.
You smiled. Then leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of her mouth. Professional. Efficient. A strategic morale boost.
Her eyes widened. You stepped back before she could recover.
-“Now"-you said lightly-“go be terrifyingly competent. I’ll get Gaia ready"-Melissa stared at you for one stunned heartbeat. Then, slowly, she narrowed her eyes.
-“You’re insufferable"-she murmured and leaned in, caught your collar, and kissed you again.
Fast. Sharp. Enough to leave you blinking when she pulled away. Then she turned on her heel and marched upstairs to finish getting dressed like she hadn’t just short-circuited your entire nervous system. You stared after her. Gaia crunched toast thoughtfully. Then she nodded toward the stairs with deep approval.
-“She’s sasssy"- You looked at your daughter. Then laughed.
-“She really is"-you replied. Gaia smiled around another bite.
-“Good. You need someone who can handle your drama, Mama"-And with that devastatingly accurate observation, she hopped down from her chair and marched off to find her second sock, leaving you alone in the kitchen to wonder exactly when your six-year-old had become the wisest person in the house.
