𝚂𝚈𝙽𝙾𝙿𝚂𝙸𝚂 ∶ чou hαve mαde Abbott Elementαrч чour home. the kınd of plαce ɯhere lαughter fılls the hαlls αnd everч teαcher hαs α storч. чou hαve found чour rhчthm ɯıth the kıds， ⠀ eαrned Bαrbαrα’s αpprovαl， ⠀ αnd even become Jαcob’s pαrtner ın crıme. but the one person ɯho never ɯαrms to чou ıs Melıssα Schemmentı. shαrp， ⠀ prıvαte， ⠀ unreαdαble. untıl the dαч she fınαllч looks αt чou αnd does not look αɯαч. чou never meαnt to fαll for her. but somehoɯ， ⠀чou do.
englısh ıs not mч fırst lαnguαge， ⠀but I hope чou enjoч ıt. constructıve feedbαck ıs αlɯαчs ɯelcomed! ɯc ∶ 2.9k. no use of ч/n. edıted ın the slıghtest.
It’s another week at Abbott Elementary.
The teachers trickle in alongside the sun’s rays, which cut through the hall’s dusty gloom and brighten the classrooms. The familiar trio: Jacob, Gregory, and you, make their way into the staff lounge, voices low and hushed. Still half-asleep, the fatigue is etched on all of your faces. You have settled in surprisingly well. Nothing seems to faze you. The days unfold like a cozy sitcom, and the documentary-style cameras only make the comparison feel more real. Your third-grade students adore you; you are a certified favorite. You greet them every morning with a beaming smile, and the kids who are “in” with you give you a high-five, striking a cool pose worthy of a parent-teacher conference slideshow to show how cool and awesome they are. The other teachers are just as taken with you.
Barbara Howard was the first to spot your natural talent with kids, offering a silent nod of approval during your first week. She kept a watchful eye from a distance, just in case you needed anything. She was visibly proud when you approached her, not for help, but just to gush about how excited you were to work with these students and how easily they had welcomed you. Next came Jacob Hill. His theatrical enthusiasm matched your playful energy perfectly. You two clicked instantly, recognizing a kindred spirit in each other, a bond that was solidified after you followed each other on Instagram and discovered your shared passion for similar causes. Your friendship with Gregory Eddie was a quieter affair. One morning, you arrived early and went out to smoke a cigarette before the day started. You found him tending to the teachers’ garden, and you helped him with a few tasks, promising you would not tell anyone. It was a shared secret, a comfortable, silent understanding that defined your friendship. Janine Teagues and Ava Coleman were the most open with you, always ready to dive into conversations about their lives. They never pried into yours, but the topics were always random and open to deep, philosophical discussions, and you loved that. Every teacher at Abbott has their own special something, and you have a way of making people feel comfortable enough to just be themselves, just like your students.
But then there is Melissa Schemmenti. You two rarely interact. She is tough, and any hint of a change makes her bristle like a stray cat. You have observed her from a safe distance, careful not to poke the bear. Or is it a tigress? Maybe it is presumptuous to compare her to a feline? Either way, she has not exactly warmed up to you. You did not feel the need to prove anything to her, but it was a bummer that the one person you most wanted a friendly rapport with seemed to reject you.
That all changed one afternoon in the teachers’ lounge. You and Barbara were sharing a chicken pot pie with potatoes your mom had made over the weekend. You were sitting on Barbara’s left when Melissa came in, taking her usual seat. She gave you a slight nod of acknowledgment, and a comfortable silence settled over the room. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Gary stepped inside, a disbelieving laugh escaping his lips the second he spotted you. A wide smile broke out on his face as you stood up. He enveloped you in a massive hug, spinning you around the room as you both burst into laughter.
“Whoa! Did we miss an episode?” the other three teachers exchanged looks, Gregory voicing the thought on everyone’s mind. As you and Gary pulled apart, he still had that huge grin plastered on his face as he turned to the teachers and to the woman who had rejected his marriage proposal just a few months ago.
“This menace and I go way back... Do not let that resting bitch face fool you all. They are a congeniality pageant miss or something—” he trailed off, placing his cart on the counter, filling up the vending machine. You let out a free, infectious laugh.
“I think they are used to it already. Except for this Philly Eleven.” you shot Melissa a playful, challenging look. She never really spoke to you or acknowledged you when you were around.
“Maybe she knows we were close,” Gary said with a slight hint of sarcasm in his voice. You raised an eyebrow and narrowed your eyes, sensing the tension between them. You pursed your lips, piecing things together; you had heard some gossip about Gary’s past relationship with one of the teachers.
“Ooooh…” the realization hit you, and you brought a hand to your forehead, pushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. Gary headed out of the room, leaving a Snickers bar on the table in front of you. “I know it is your favorite,” he said before disappearing down the hallway. The warm glow of the reunion stayed with you for the rest of the day, but nothing could have prepared you for what happened after the final bell rang, when you stayed late to grade some tests.
“Hey kid, you got a minute?” the Italian woman's voice cut through the quiet, punctuated by the sharp click of her boot heels. You lifted your pen from the paper, leaning back in your chair, and your gaze met the second-grade teacher’s.
“Sure, Schemmenti. What is the deal?” your hands went to your hair, twisting it into a messy bun and securing it with the pen, creating a casual look with a few strands falling around your face.
“It is about you and Gary.” her arms were crossed tight across her chest as she leaned against the bookshelf at the back of the room. “Did not know youse knew each other. Your face earlier told me you might know more about me than I let on around here.” her voice dropped to a conspiratorial hush, her guarded expression almost illegible. “I am going to need you to leave whatever you know about me outside these gates. I do not know how or what got to you, but whatever happens to get you a hug and a chocolate from that guy and me a sideways look needs to stop today. Capisce?”
Every word was laced with caution. She was a woman of principle, and you knew you had to be sharp with her, no bullshit, so this would not come back to bite you later.
“Schemmenti... I apologize for the way I looked at you after that whole thing. I swear there was no malice in it. It is just... Look, you have been avoiding me since the day I got here.” you got up, propping yourself on the edge of the desk to make the conversation feel a little less formal. “I did not know who you were, and like everyone else, I thought maybe I could get to know you, but that never happened. At least... Not until today, I hope... Gary always talked about you with such affection,” you continued, “listing all your best qualities, and I got super curious to put a face to the stories. Then I found out the woman I have had a crush on for months is the same woman who turned down my dad’s friend’s proposal in front of a bunch of Philly legends and the delicious Bradley Cooper…” the words tumbled out of your mouth without a single pause for breath. “...And at that moment I thought, ‘I want her.”
When you finally finished, Melissa’s face was a mixture of bewilderment and intrigue, her eyebrows furrowed as she processed your confession. You broke the silence again.
“What I am trying to say is, you will never be misunderstood or misjudged by me. Ever.” Melissa just nodded, her expression unreadable. She turned and walked out of the room, her footsteps quick and heavy. You let out a sigh, shrugging your shoulders. You had nothing to lose by being honest, and you were sure as hell not letting her relationship with Gary stop you from pursuing your curiosity about the fiery redhead.
It is Halloween, and Abbott Elementary is buzzing.
The teachers are all decked out in their costumes, except for you. For some reason, you could not get it together that morning, even though you had arrived early to help Janine decorate. You had only been working half a day, and then at six, you were all meeting up at one of the city’s hottest bars for a costume party Ava had invited everyone to. In the midst of the day’s chaotic fun, you do not run into Melissa until the final bell rings. You are the second person to step into the teachers’ lounge, and you stop dead in your tracks. She is standing there in a red devilish Wanda costume, a striking vision.
“Damn, it looks like I just walked into an erotic dream.” the corner of Melissa’s mouth curls into a sly smirk. Since your conversation in the classroom, you two have been trading more flirtatious remarks about each other’s looks. She always compliments your smile or your height, as if it somehow improves her day. The comments are different, less guarded, but there still is not much conversation, just a feeling of finally belonging in each other’s space.
“You probably do dream about this,” she replies, pouring herself a cup of coffee and taking a sip as she watches you move toward your bag. “Are you going to the party?”
“Yeah... In fact, I need to hurry. My costume might take a while to get on, and Ava definitely will not help me. Maybe Jacob will. Do you know where he is?” you ask as you gather your things, slinging your bag over your shoulder and a few books into your hands. You glance around and spot Jacob’s folder, grabbing it too, holding it in your free hand as you wait for her answer before rushing out the door.
“He was in the cafeteria with Gregory. See you later, beautiful.” she watches your hurried steps and chuckles to herself, pleased that she is getting to spend more time with you. She is happy she got a little bit of your attention with her costume, but she wanted more.
You practically dragged Jacob to your car, not wanting to be late for the party and hoping to at least look presentable in the costume you had prepared. He did not seem fazed by being your go-to guy for this kind of thing. He settled into the passenger seat, his own costume a little… Niche. The drive to your place was calm, and as soon as you got out of the car, you headed straight through the garage door into the kitchen. Dropping your bags on the coat rack, Jacob made a beeline for your liquor cabinet, grabbing a bottle of liquor and two shot glasses.
“We need a pre-game,” he said. “That place is probably going to be expensive as hell.” you laughed, taking a shot glass and waited for him to fill the glasses, then downed the liquid in one go. A sweet, fiery burn went down your throat, followed by a wave of relaxation.
“I might need your help with the wig,” you said, following him into your bedroom. You pulled your costume, wig, and shoes out of the closet. “First... I need a shower. Put on some music!”
You disappeared into the bathroom, and Jacob threw himself onto your bed after setting the bottle on the nightstand. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and connected it to your room’s speakers, putting on a playlist of melodic rock. He got up and refilled the shot glasses, heading back to the bathroom. He gave the shower door two quick taps, and you opened it, taking the glass and downing the shot. You did not stay under the water for long. After drying off and moisturizing, Jacob brought in your dress and lingerie.
“Are you going to do a basic makeup look or go full character? Want some Pinterest inspo?” he seemed even more excited than you were.
“Yes! Please! Just a red lip is far too basic for what I am doing this year.” you said, pulling on your black lingerie. You watched him scroll through his phone, a fleeting thought crossing your mind that you never would have imagined having a guy in your private space like this. But your best friend was the exception. He left his phone open on the counter where your makeup was laid out and went back into your room.
After you slipped into the long, low-cut black dress, you rolled up the sleeves a bit to do your makeup, using his reference photos for inspiration. As you worked, Jacob kept bringing you fresh shots of the liquor. Once your makeup was done, you put in blue contact lenses and pulled your hair back.
“Jacob! Bring me the wig and shoes, please!”
“I am coming! I am coming! I was talking to Gregory. They are on their way now.” he walked into the bathroom, placing the heels at your feet before moving behind you to help with the wig. The hair felt heavy at first, but you quickly got used to it when you saw the whole look in the mirror. You were incredible.
“Holy shit... I think you are going to stop the party. And I am not just saying that because I am a little… Buzzed.”
Your late arrival only heightened Melissa’s anticipation. Jacob sauntered up to the table alone, greeting everyone and letting them know that you were grabbing a round of shots for the group and that you both had already started the party back at your place.
The club was packed.
The dance floor was a sea of costumes.
The DJ was pumping up the crowd, and you walked toward the bar, spotting your friends’ table from across the room. Picking up the tray of shots and a Negroni, you made your way slowly through the crowd, turning heads and drawing in compliments, whistles, and undeniably suggestive looks.
“Hell yeah, Mistress!” Ava was the first to shout, a look of pure surprise spreading across her face. “Finally, somebody who can outdo my costumes! Damn, baby, you look hot.” that earned a satisfied smirk from you.
You placed the shots in front of everyone and set the Negroni down specifically for Melissa, who stared at you as if you were Medusa and had just turned her to stone. You gave a slow 360-degree spin, your dress and heels perfectly faithful to the character of Elvira. The hair and makeup were just as flawless. The neckline of your dress offered the perfect, sultry touch to the daring costume.
“Let’s just say I like to put in the work for these events.”
“Lord have mercy, child.” Barbara said, downing her shot and causing a ripple of laughter among your coworkers.
The night unfolded exactly as it should. You and your friends were enjoying every minute, every song. Every now and then, your eyes would land on the Italian teacher, who was halfway through her Negroni when you finally sat down next to her.
“You’re quiet.” you said. She moistened her lips, running her tongue over the red lipstick.
“This costume was a low blow, and you know it.” her deep, gravelly voice sent a shiver down your spine. She noticed the victorious smile on your face, and she let a small one of her own appear. “Feels like I am living an erotic dream.”
“Come dance with me, Melissa.” it wasn’t a request.
Melissa was hesitant. Her hands were searching for a place to land as you moved in front of her, dancing freely, letting the beat of the music ripple through you. You turned back to face her, a slight smile playing on your lips. Your eyes locked, no escape. Your costume was her absolute undoing, and deep down, you knew she had worn her devil delicious witch getup just for you, especially since you had mentioned a few weeks ago how you would lose your mind over the comic-book Wanda you used to read as a teenager.
“Mistress of the Dark, you are starin’.” she muttered, closing the distance and slipping an arm around your waist, pulling your bodies flush together.
“I am admiring you, since I was unable to do it properly all damn day.” your smile was genuine as your arms draped over her shoulders. “Can I touch you?”
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The redhead never thought you would say those words to her, and not knowing what to say, she just gave an almost imperceptible nod. You, on the other hand, fully embraced the need for touch.
You brought your hand up to the Italian’s face, gently tracing her jawline. Your fingers followed a soft path up to her cheeks, rosy from the blush. Your eyes devoured every detail you touched, and Melissa could not breathe. Maybe it had been too long since she felt this way. Or perhaps she had never had such anxious butterflies in her stomach. You lightly touched the tip of her nose, the curve of her cupid's bow perfectly defined by the red lipstick, the corners of her eyes, and her eyebrows. Your gaze deciphered every secret hidden in those expression lines.
this work was written on october 23rd, 2025 and previously published on october 31st, 2025 under the account @lawolsonlover but due to some changes to the text and moving accounts, i have decided to publish it again.
self-insert writers when they don't specify the readers education or work, body-type, choice of food, living condition, health condition or pronouns. when they describe the characters emotions instead of the readers. when they put all the warnings beforehand. self-insert writers when they have fun while writing. when they're unintentionally funny with the dialogue. self-insert writers when they don't guess the readers favorite food, drink, band, show... self-insert writers when they just be vague. but most importantly self-insert writers when they actually feel good with what they write and write it for themselves and for the sake of writing first.
im not talking about specific prompts here. just do whatever y'all want actually
if we’re mutuals, and I don’t care whether we’ve been mutuals for twelve (12) minutes or three (3) years, you can send me a message any time about any thing. family life is shit? bitch, tell me about it and even if I can’t help, I can listen. struggling with mental illness and feel like you can’t talk to anyone? talk to me. literally. you always can. saw a cute cat? SEND THAT BITCH MY WAY
𝚂𝚈𝙽𝙾𝙿𝚂𝙸𝚂 ∶ ɯhen чou return to Phılαdelphıα for α long-overdue vısıt ɯıth чour brother Jαcob， ⠀чou expect nothıng more thαn α quıet ɯeekend of sıblıng bondıng， ⠀but the moment чou step ınto Abbott Elementαrч， ⠀everчthıng shıfts. the lıne betɯeen curıosıtч αnd temptαtıon stαrts to blur. ın the cıtч thαt once felt lıke home， ⠀ чou fınd чourself torn betɯeen rekındlıng old tıes αnd explorıng the heαt of α connectıon чou never sαɯ comıng.
englısh ıs not mч fırst lαnguαge， ⠀but I hope чou enjoч ıt. constructıve feedbαck ıs αlɯαчs ɯelcomed! ɯc ∶ 3.9k. no use of ч/n. edıted ın the slıghtest.
Another day, another drama at Abbott Elementary.
Jacob was pacing back and forth in the teachers’ lounge, halfway through the school day, already feeling his nerves tingle. In a good way. He was on the phone, trying to make a reservation at one of the city’s most highly rated restaurants. He was still on hold when the rest of the crew walked in. Barbara and Melissa were deep in conversation about a student, while Gregory and Janine were exchanging those lovey-dovey glances that said everything without a single word. Everyone settled into their usual spots, watching as the eighth-grade teacher almost tore his hair out, trying to talk to the restaurant manager.
“Hey, Jacob!” Janine called out. “I am pretty sure you are going to dig a hole in the floor if you keep that up.” she pulled her lunch out of a cooler bag, setting it on the table alongside some papers she was reading. Jacob let out a huff of disbelief and hung up the phone with a frustrated click.
“Sorry, guys,” he mumbled, defeated. Sliding into his seat next to Gregory, propping his face in his hand, expressing a dead giveaway for how peeved he was. “It is just… On Monday, I got this audio.” he opened his messaging app, found the specific chat, and pressed play on the days-old message.
“So, I do not know if you have got plans on Friday. If you do, cancel them. Why? ‘Cause I am coming to town, and we are having a sibling sleepover. We can do clay masks, cocktails, or whatever you want. So, Friday night, clear your schedule because your best sibling is coming to town!”
“I just heard it today, and it is already Friday! I am screwed trying to get a reservation at that downtown rooftop,” he concluded with a dejected sigh.
“And who would that sibling be?” Barbara asked, taking a bite of the garlic bread her work-wife had made for her. Melissa, meanwhile, was scrolling through her phone, not paying much attention to the videos on her timeline, but still listening in.
“My older sibling,” Jacob replied your name with a shrug, getting up to make a fresh pot of coffee for himself and anyone else who wanted some. He did not notice the stunned looks on his colleagues’ faces until he took his first sip of the hot brew and turned back to them. “What?” he asked, genuinely confused.
“What do you mean, ‘what?” Melissa jumped in, a hint of her South Philly sass in her voice. “What do you mean you got a new sibling? Your brother was already a lot to handle during Christmas break. I swear to God, if this sleepover’s at my place, I am kicking you out... They are multiplying, Barb!”
“Yeah, Jacob! You never mentioned you have another sibling! Tell us what they are like!” Janine said, her hands clasped together, leaning forward with excitement.
“Are they just like you?” Gregory asked, paying more attention to how he was going to bite his lifeless sandwich than the conversation itself.
“Oh, no. They… They are the complete opposite of me; I think you can tell from the message! A wild, sexy journalist in Manhattan, with a very uninhibited personality and—”
“Incredibly stunning?” you finished, leaning against the doorframe, a relaxed smile on your face. Hearing your brother describe you like that was always an honor, especially since the last few years of adult life had made contact between you two sparse, almost nonexistent.
The teachers all turned their attention to you, their faces a mix of shock as they put a face to the voice from minutes earlier. Jacob knew you were coming today, but not that you would surprise him during his lunch break. He could not contain his smile. He sprang up and practically skipped over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist and burying his face in your neck, taking in a scent that had not changed in years. A mix of sweet, smoky mint and cherry lollipops. When he pulled away from your bear hug, he held your hand and guided you into the room, stopping you in front of the two veteran teachers' desks.
“These two fabulous ladies over here are Barbara Howard and Melissa Schemmenti, basically the moms of the group.” your eyes scanned both of them. The Black woman greeted you with a warm smile and offered a handshake, which you returned. You did the same with Melissa, but the redhead was observing you from head to toe. “Those two lovebirds over there are Janine and Gregory.” they waved, and your smile widened since you had heard a few stories about the couple.
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. Jacob told me a ton of stories about some of you, and it is an honor to put faces to the names.” you kept it short, letting your brother sit back down as you leaned against one of the chairs, your hands on the backrest, holding yourself straight.
“Wish I could say the same,” the redhead muttered, turning her attention back to her phone. Jacob’s eyes closed as he heard what his friend said, hoping his sister would not make a big deal out of it. She did not.
“Alright, Jay Jay, I just stopped by to let you know in person that our rooftop reservations are locked in. I knew you would not see the message in time. I will send you the hotel address later, okay? Have a good lunch.” you sounded more authoritative than you meant to, but it was just your way of letting your brother know he did not have to worry about a thing this weekend. Your attention was now on everyone. “And again, it was a pleasure to meet you all.” that was all you said before you left the teacher’s lounge, leaving a lingering scent of perfume and confidence in your wake.
“They seem cool.” Gregory said, and apparently, almost everyone agreed.
The sun-drenched streets of Philly welcomed you with a soft, inviting warmth. You walked with a smile, nodding to the uniformed city workers who passed by, each one a friendly face. The day felt almost obscenely pleasant, and the city’s embrace felt oddly familiar, like it was welcoming you home. But the weight of Manhattan still clung to your shoulders like a second skin, a constant, low-grade hum of unresolved chaos. This whole trip was a direct consequence of a fresh, raw breakup, a necessary escape to give your ex some space to clear her stuff out of your apartment, a task currently under the watchful eye of your best friend.
Turning a corner, you found a small boutique and ducked inside. You needed something less casual, less boho than the clothes you had packed. A fresh-start outfit.
The hours melted away that afternoon. You got lost in the city, exploring until it was time to head back to the hotel. The ritual of getting ready felt sacred: the steam of the shower, the soft hum of the hairdryer, the meticulous care you gave your skin, the final touch of the new outfit. You had sent the hotel address to your brother earlier and were waiting for him at least twenty minutes before the reservation time. The restaurant was only a block away. Punctual as ever, the intercom buzzed, and you answered, a thrill in your voice as you said you were coming down. You slipped on your dark shoes, grabbed your clutch, and stepped into the elevator, descending to meet Jacob, who was somehow even more on edge than you were. The poor guy’s palms were slick with nervous sweat, a knot of nerves twisting in his stomach. He was praying the night went perfectly, because he ached for the big sister he had not seen enough, the confidant, the protector, the part-time mom who had guided him until their paths took different turns.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, the crew was gathering at Janine’s apartment, a cozy chaos of a space piled high with pillows and blankets. It was their pre-game before heading to a club Ava had gotten them into under some kind of sketchy bargain.
“We are telling you, Ava. Jacob is with his sibling now… And they are nothing like him!” Barbara assured their boss.
Melissa chimed in, settling onto the couch beside the principal. “I just hope they are not a problem… We got to protect our own, you know?”
“The real question is: is this person hot? Or is this another Jacob-ish, twink little boy performance?” Ava asked, taking a long swig of red wine.
Janine shifted, a slight flush on her cheeks. “Hot… Clearly into women, though.”
Melissa’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you talking about? Jacob never said a thing about them, and we did not see anything today that screamed ‘queer lullaby,” she laughed, a casual, knowing rumble.
Janine held up her hands, trying to explain herself to the group while keeping half an eye on Gregory. “They… They do not talk like they’re looking for a guy’s approval. Direct, no time for nonsense, and they look you right in the eye.”
“Decisive people are hot.” Melissa mused, more to herself than the group.
A beat of silence hung in the air, a series of confused glances shooting between them. But no one dared to argue. The silence broke, and the conversation shifted to another topic entirely.
The dinner flowed as if no time had stretched between you at all. It was a seamless continuation of a childhood conversation, the clinking of silverware on plates, and the low hum of the restaurant, a quiet backdrop to your shared smiles. Jacob’s laugh was a sound that always warmed your heart, and being with him here made you think about the future. You longed to share your lives again, to exist in the same orbit, but you had built your true life two hours away in the city. It was a two-way street, you realized; if he did not make the effort to move toward you, you would both be stuck. Maybe that thought was what had been consuming your mind. Until now.
“Why would you never come to Manhattan?” you finally asked, the question that had been eating at you all night slipping out. He took a slow sip of his white wine, his gaze fixed on the table before he finally sighed.
“Because... You accomplished this beautiful life over there. A killer job, friends who are like your sisters, and—”
“Is that jealousy? Of the girls?” you burst out laughing, reaching across the table to grab his hand. “Jay... For the love of everything holy! You are my little brother, my baby! My life, as different as it is from yours, does not mean I want you any less. You are my life too... Despite our issues, that never meant I did not want you. I am not her, Jacob. You are never, ever going to get rid of me.”
A smile bloomed on his face, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. For him, it was like taking a breath after years of holding it, of drowning in a feeling he would mask with holiday calls and birthday texts. Just then, his phone buzzed on the table. He picked it up, a silent apology in his eyes as he read the message.
“Okay... Gregory is asking if we are done here and if I want to hit the dance club with them,” he informed you. “You want to make this a sibling night out?”
Without a moment of hesitation, you agreed. You grabbed the check and paid the bill, throwing in a final jab with a wink. “Tell them the drinks are on the best history teacher.” you smiled.
“They are here.” Barbara announced, nudging her work-wife with a subtle elbow to get her to straighten up. Melissa did just that, taking stock of the masterpiece Jacob called sibling. In those lights, with that outfit and their hair artfully messed up, they had an air that Melissa was used to fawning over but was completely inexperienced with, given she had only dated boring men and her encounters with women had not gone beyond a few stolen kisses at clubs. And you were… Something.
“Ladies... Gregory,” you greeted, a small, effortless smile on your face as you slid into the booth beside Jacob. “I believe we have not been properly introduced.”
Ava extended her hand and took yours in a firm, intentional grip. “Coleman, Ava. School principal,” she replied, a charming smile on her face as she met your gaze directly. You noticed her knee brush against Melissa’s under the table.
The fiery-haired woman was uncharacteristically quiet. You could tell from Jacob’s stories that this was not her usual state. You also knew that Melissa was probably the protective one for your brother in this city, and you could feel her analyzing you from the moment you walked in.
Barbara, meanwhile, was all smiles, making it clear she was open to including you in the group. Jacob was the first to grab drinks for everyone, raising his glass to toast your arrival.
Your attention kept snagging on Melissa. Every time she glanced your way, your eyes locked with an undeniable precision. The hum of conversation and the thumping of the surrounding music faded into a blur. Then, the group started getting up to hit the dance floor.
“Oh, no. My brother and I are exactly the same when it comes to dancing,” you commented, standing up to smooth out your tailored trousers. “The only difference is I am not brave enough to embarrass myself in front of this many witnesses. I am going to hit the bar for a refill. You all have a blast out there on the dance floor without me, please.”
On your way to the bar, you could feel someone following you. You had just placed your order when the low, husky voice of the teacher who had consumed your thoughts invaded your hearing.
“Are you really here to do clay masks with my guy over there, or do I have to be worried?” she leaned against the counter, not looking at you, raising a finger to order another old fashioned.
Your margarita arrived. After a long sip, you turned to face her, tracing the defined lines of her jaw that told you she was being completely serious.
“Honestly? That is the last thing I want to do, but if Jacob wants it, I will do it to see him happy. And do not you worry, it is not going to be at your place... He told me you do not take kindly to strangers. Speaking of which,” your green eyes met hers, so full of curiosity and heat that you momentarily lost your train of thought. “I need to thank you for taking care of my boy. From the bottom of my heart, that means the world.” you held up your glass to toast her.
“No need to thank me. Jacob is one of the best friends I have ever had in… No one cares how many years.” she clinked her glass to yours and smiled, a little more relaxed now. Then she laughed to herself.
“Care to share what is on your mind, Miss Schemmenti? Guess it is just us now.”
Melissa raised a brow, her tone dry but not dismissive. “Seems that way. Hope I do not bore you to death.”
You turned to her fully, chin resting in your hand, studying her face with the kind of focus that made most people squirm. Melissa, though, did not flinch. If anything, she met your stare head-on, daring you. “Somehow I doubt you are boring,” you said softly.
Her lips twitched, not quite a smile, more like she was trying not to give you the satisfaction. “Keep talking like that, and I will start thinking you’re flirting.”
“And what if I am? Come on, what is on your mind?” you tilted your head, feigning innocence.
“It is just... Earlier we were wondering if that “queer-gene” runs in your family, but I guess that little flirtation with our principal answered my question.” she murmured the last part, her eyes dropping to the drink she took a long swig of. It was clear Melissa felt a hunger for you; you were a new figure, a mystery she would love to unravel.
“Cut the crap, Schemmenti. We both know you got that ‘ah-ha’ moment when I caught you undressing me with your eyes, and I undressed you right back.” you responded with a playful smirk, your bodies close enough to feel the heat radiating off of them.
That earned you a real reaction. Melissa leaned back, a low laugh rumbling from her chest, raspy from whiskey and decades of Philly grit. She looked at you like she could not quite decide whether to shut you down or pull you closer.
“You are something else,” she muttered, shaking her head. But her eyes… Her eyes lingered.
The song faded, the DJ blending it into something sharper, louder, pulling the small crowd back into motion. But neither of you moved. Melissa’s hand was still in yours, her thumb brushing absently over your knuckles like she had not realized she was doing it.
“Looks like your brother got some good taste in company,” she said finally, voice low, almost drowned out by the bass.
You arched a brow. “Is that your way of saying you like me?”
Melissa snorted. “Do not get ahead of yourself,” but the way her gaze lingered on your mouth betrayed her.
You leaned in just enough for her to catch the challenge in your tone. “I think you are not used to being the one chased.”
Her laugh was short and sharp, but it cracked at the edges, like you had struck a nerve. “You do not know a damn thing about me.”
“Then tell me,” you shot back, steady, unflinching.
For a heartbeat, she froze. Caught between the instinct to push you away and the heat building every second, she did not. Then she let go of your hand, but only so she could grab her drink from the bar, finishing it in one rough swallow.
“You really do not quit,” she muttered, setting the glass down harder than she meant to.
You stepped closer, voice a low murmur only she could hear. “Not when the reward looks like you.”
Her head snapped toward you, eyes narrowed, jaw tight. But instead of pushing you back, she laughed again, this time softer, almost disbelieving. She shook her head, muttering something in Italian under her breath.
Then she leaned in, lips brushing your ear as she spoke: “Careful, tesoro. You play with fire, you are going to get burned.”
You smiled, turning just enough that your lips nearly grazed her cheek. “Maybe I like the heat.”
The silence between you was charged, the kind of silence that stretched tight like a wire, ready to snap. Melissa’s eyes flicked down to your lips again, quick, involuntary, but obvious.
And that was all you needed.
You did not kiss her. Not yet. Instead, you pulled back with a knowing smirk, grabbing your clutch from the booth. “I am heading out.”
Melissa blinked, caught off guard. “This is it?”
“I am heading back to my hotel,” you said, grabbing a napkin and a pen from your purse. You scribbled your room number and the hotel initials, then slid the paper to her. You finished your drink in a single gulp. “But if you are curious… Here is my room number.”
Her fingers hovered over the napkin, her face unreadable, but her eyes betrayed her. Dark, hungry, alive.
Melissa gnawed on her bottom lip, her gaze fixed on the dance floor where her friends were having the time of their lives. She was caught in a crossfire between feeding her hunger and having the decency not to kiss her friend’s sibling without his blessing. But given the situation, she knew she would only see you sporadically, if ever again. So she decided to take the risk, a secret she would never let spill, not even to Barbara. You seemed to read her thoughts.
“If you want to make those thoughts happen, I am more than willing to help.”
You left her standing there and made your way back to the group to say goodbye to your brother, claiming you had to head out early to get some rest. He did not need to know that everything was already planned and that you would possibly be in the company of the most beautiful woman that city had to offer. As always, he was extremely understanding and seemed excited about the surprise you had for him tomorrow. You told him to be careful and to text you when he got home or if he ended up crashing at someone’s place.
An hour later, you were in your hotel bed, a glass of wine in your hand, and wrapped in a fluffy white robe. Your hopes were dwindling, and you just needed sleep to arrive. The movie on TV was so captivating that you barely heard the knock on the door. You had to turn the volume down before you walked over and opened it, revealing the redhead standing there with nothing but a trench coat covering her curves. A smile bloomed on both your faces.
“Melissa,” you said, pulling her in by the coat’s lapel. You locked the door behind her, pressing her against the white wood.
She whispered your name like a prayer, her eyes meeting yours with a hungry look, wanting to see your reaction to the matching lingerie and garter belt she had worn just for the occasion.
The room was suddenly charged with heat, a slow, deliberate tension that had been building all night now ready to ignite. Every glance, every small touch. The brush of a hand, the tilt of a hip. It was a conversation of its own.
Melissa’s lips grazed your neck, a whisper of a kiss that made your breath hitch. You melted against her, one hand threading through her hair, pulling her closer, savoring the way her body fit so naturally against yours.
“You are trouble,” you murmured against her mouth, your voice husky.
She smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. “Only the good kind,” she countered, pressing another kiss against your jawline, lower this time.
Every inch of hesitation you had carried all night dissolved. The trench coat fell to the floor, followed by your robe, leaving only the two of you in the soft glow of the hotel lamp. Your fingers traced her spine, her hands memorizing the curve of your waist, and the world outside ceased to exist.
It was slow at first, exploratory, a careful dance of lips and hands mapping each other. Then urgency took over, a fire neither of you wanted to put out. Melissa’s mouth found yours fully, deep, claiming, testing, while you wrapped your legs around her, pulling her closer.
Time did not exist. Only the heat, the pulse, the closeness, the shared breath, and whispered names that felt sacred in the quiet of the hotel room. Every sigh, every shiver, and every stolen moan became a language only the two of you understood.
Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and a single heartbeat, you pulled back slightly, foreheads resting together, gasping in unison, grins spreading despite the flushed heat.
Melissa brushed a strand of hair from your face. “Damn, baby. You are perfect,” she whispered, her voice low, satisfied, and entirely yours in that moment.
“Melissa… You are unforgettable,” you replied, lips twitching into a wicked, content smile.
The night stretched ahead, endless and yours, full of whispered secrets, laughter, and a newfound closeness that neither of you wanted to let go of somehow.
this work was written on september 10th, 2025 and previously published on october 25th, 2025 under the account @lawolsonlover but due to some changes to the text and moving accounts, i have decided to publish it again.
𝙼𝙸𝚂𝚂 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙴𝙼𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸 ∶ to her students αt 𝑎𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑦 ( melıssα αnn cαterınα schemmentı )， ⠀ ıtαlıαn-αmerıcαn， ⠀ proudlч south phıllч， ⠀ 𝑑𝑦𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑐ᅟ﹠ 𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 not lookıng for love ⸻ but don't test her heαrt .ᐟ shαrp mınd， ⠀ shαrper tongue. 𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒚 .ᐣ unshαkαble.
𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂𝙷𝙾𝚃𝚂 ∶
𝟎𝟏. tɯısted sıblıng， ⠀𝟎𝟐. mıstress of the dαrk / smut pαrt
ı ɯrıte for fun or to dıssocıαte， ⠀not mαkıng α lıvıng from ıt， ⠀ so pleαse be understαndıng ıf there ıs αnч tчpos， ⠀or ıf ıt tαkes me α ɯhıle to publısh.
reαder ınserts ﹙αfαb， ⠀ αmαb， ⠀αıαb﹚ αnd orıgınαl chαrαcters. reαder ɯıll be descrıbed phчsıcαllч αmbıguous. requests αre open， ⠀ ıf αnчone hαs some ıdeα for me; just be cleαr ɯıth the chαrαcter， ⠀ dчnαmıcs etc. pleαse， ⠀ do not request ɯeırd content. be respectful.
αntı-AI， ⠀ αntı-Trump， ⠀ ıf чou support AI “ αrtısts / ɯrıters ” ICE， ⠀ MAGA， ⠀ TERF’s or zıonısm， ⠀ do not ınterαct ɯıth mч posts. cıs men ɯıll be blocked αs ɯell. ıf some of чou αre under 18， ⠀pleαse be cαreful αnd αɯαre of ɯhαt чou αre consumıng. ı do not check everчone’s blog for theır αge.
