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jazziejax · 3 months

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𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲

𝐌𝐬.𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥

Pairings- Black!OC x Abbott Elementary Cast, later Black!OC x Manny (Can be read as x Reader though!)

Summary- Pilot Episode Experience with Naoya Lovel

Warnings- Swearing, kids, mixed race reader( those aren’t warnings really, just what to expect)

Jazzie’sNotes!- let me know what you guys think!! I’ve been really obsessed with Abbott Elementary recently and I’m contemplating if I want to write S1&S2 just to get to the Manny season. I want to get there fast but I know what won’t be possible with two seasons worth of writing. Let me know what you guys think I should do.

Word Count- 6,358

“Okay, so you wouldn't put the number on the bottom because that's what?” The older woman asked, drawing out her words as she stood in front of her fourth-grade class, pointing at the whiteboard behind her with her yardstick.

“The denominator.” The class answered.

“Correct, and what do we call the one on top?”

“The numerator.”

“Yes! You guys are killing this lesson.” She smiled as she placed her hands on her hips. She caught the camera crew in the corner of her eyes and then turned to them. “Or should I say I’m killing this lesson?” She smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she posed. It was silent for a moment as they all watched her just smile.

“Wouldn’t you agree?” She’s asked, looking at one of the guys behind the camera. He nodded, moving the camera along with him, causing her to smile and adjust her glasses. “Why, thank you.”

“Hello! My name is Naoya Lovel. Pronounced Now-Ya, it’s Japanese because I’m half Japanese. Don’t ask why I’m half Japanese in Philly, it’s a long story.” She sighed as she shook her head.

“Well, actually, let me tell you the story because it’s actually kind of crazy.” She chuckled, starting to explain, but it then cut to another clip of her in the class.

“Ms.Lovel, we ran out of paper towels.” A student said, standing in front of her desk with paint on the palms of his hands. Noaya looked up, at him, a slight frown on her face. “Ohh, okay, well I have some in my desk.” She started, pulling open her desk drawer. The camera angled down to catch the empty towel box staring back at her. She smirked up at them awkwardly and shrugged her shoulders. “What, I have a constant runny nose.”

“As a teacher, you teach kids how to solve problems while solving your own. In your personal life and at school. And in this school, there are a lot.”

“Ms.Lovel, I need paper towels too.” Another student said, showing her blue and pink palms to her teacher. Noaya then stood from her seat, looking around her room. “Okay, okay class. Give me one sec.” She said, nervously looking around her room to solve her paper towel problem. She the. Saw a stray beach towel near the window on her small bookshelf. “Oh! Here we are, guys.” She said, rushing over to the towel and snatching it up.

“This could be a lesson too.” She smiled excitedly and grabbed a pair of large scissors from her desk. “I probably shouldn’t have these just sitting out.” She mumbled to herself, giving the camera a sideways glance. “So class, this is going to be a hands-on moment. If there are almost thirty of you, how many pieces would I need to cut this into for you guys to share?” She asked, looking at all of them. There was a moment before anyone said anything, the kids thinking over their answer. Then, some of their hands shot up. Naoya flashed the cameras behind her a quick smile before turning back to the kids.

“Noaya, Jacob, and I came in last year with 20 other teachers. We’re three of the four left so…trauma bonding, I guess?” Janine said, in regards to the other girl.

“Yeah, I taught for two years before I got here, I transferred from Addington to here because those people are a bunch of stuck-up freaks who are just in it for a little extra on their check.” She said with a smirk. “And that’s not what I’m here for, I’m here to change lives.” She boated, folding her arms.

“Hey, Melissa, can you please tell “Ta-Nehisi Quotes” here that “white boy” is a term of endearment from the corner store people?” Janie said as she walked into the break room on the second floor.

“Ooh, cheese steaks?” Naoya questioned as she looked up from her papers, knowing the full situation after only hearing the words ‘white boy’ and ‘corner store’.”

“For Zach Ertz, yeah.” Melissa started, turning around with a fresh cup of coffee in her hands. “For him. It’s an insult.” She smirked, then paused at the sight of the cameras in her face.

“Well, you guys, I need a new rug. Mine is officially done.” Janie said.” Coming take a seat right next to the working woman.

“Mhmm! Me too.” Jacob started, taking a seat on the other side of her. “I shook mine out and all the asthma kids had to go to the nurse's office.” This conversation caused her to raise her head, placing her work aside and adjusting her glasses as she listened.

“Yeah, mine’s busted.” Melissa started. “And you can’t class up a rug like you can a couch with a nice coat of plastic.”

“You guys have rugs? All we have is a little mat.” Naoya started, looking between all of them. They all cringed at her words, but couldn’t say more before someone’s loud voice cut through the air.

“Hey-yo! What it does, baby-boo?” Ava yelled as she walked into the break room and over to where they were sitting. “What yall think about this little film crew I bought in here.”

“Distracting makes our jobs harder,” Melissa said disinterestedly, shooting the crew a glare.

“I wish I would have known this was going to be a video thing, I would have made myself look better,” Naoya mumbled, causing the camera to turn her way. She smiled, making her face appear happier than usual.

“But exciting. We about to be on TV.” Ava said, looking between them all.

“Because they are covering underfunded, loosely managed, public schools in America.” Barbra interrupted in a matter-of-fact tone.

“No press is bad press, Barb.” Ava practically disregarded the woman’s claim, continuing to smile at the camera. “Look at Mel Gibson. Still thriving.” She laughed. “ “Daddy’s Home 2”? Hilarious!” She looked around the room, either expecting people to laugh with or or just so confined in her large ego that she didn’t care if they laughed or not.

“Ava’s the worst person I know,” Noaya stated. “I’ve never seen her show an ounce of care about anything other than money. Which is a terrible mindset to have as a principal because you’re literally in the brokeest position of power.”

“There you are.” Ms.Schwartz sighed as she rushed into the room, spotting Ava. “Ava, can I talk to you?” The woman was out of breath as she stood before the principal, and her attire was disheveled. “I-I need an aid. I’m outnumbered there. The kids are crazy.” She ranted this wild look in her eyes. “One of the kids told me to ‘mind my six’ this morning, I don’t know what that means! I need help!” She ranted. Ava placed and hand on her shoulder.

“Calm down.” The darker woman said, cutting Ms. Schwartz off. “They’re just kids. And, besides, aids cost money, and we don’t have that.” She said before flashing a quick smile at the cameras. “Right, but I just—” Ms. Schwartz started again.

“Do you want to split your salary with somebody else?” Ava asked, leaning closer and angling both of them away from the cameras.

“No.” The other woman said dejected.

“No!” Ava cut her off before she could continue to rant. “No, I didn’t think so.”

“Well, if we can’t get aides, maybe we can get new rugs?” Janine chimed up, standing from her seat.

“All I’m hearing is “new, new, new, need, need, need,” Ava answered. “And yet, Barb, one of our best and most senior teachers here.” She continued, walking over to the older woman who sat at the table with Melissa and drank her coffee. “She never complains. What is your secret, Barb?”

“Knowing there’s not much you can do, Ava.” The woman said with a sarcastic smile. But Ava didn’t care to hear her condescending tone.

“So understanding.” The principal smiled, looking around the room. “Be like Ms.Howard, people.” That was all she said before she left the room.

Noaya shook her head as she started to collect her things, knowing the bell would be ringing anytime soon.

“But, I’m not Ms.Howard.” Ms.Schwartz cried from where she stood.

“Ohh, Tina, look.” Janine started, walking over to the stressed woman. “Try some counting exercises, between one and forty the kids start to quiet down.” The other woman gave a slight nod before she exited the room, still in obvious distress. “You, know, a little support might help make things happen, ladies,” Janie said, turning around to face the older two women in the room.

“My support was gonna do about as much as that five-year-old bra you’ve got on right there,” Barbra said as she pushed in her chair. The camera then cuts to Naoya staring at the camera, her jaw clenched. Janine looked down at her chest for a slip second, before covering it up with her sweater and deciding to ignore the woman’s bra statement. “Hey, it’s not impossible to get things. Melissa asked for those new toy cash registers for her classroom and got them.”

“Yeah, those aren’t toys.” The Italian woman stared as she put on her coat. “I know a guy who wired a Walmart demolition. I got a guy for everything. I know a guy right now working on the stadium build. Need rebar?” She asked, looking around the room.

Noya just shook her head.

“No,” Janine answered.

“Melissa is resourceful, capable.” Ms. Howard started, looking between all the younger teachers. Naoya’shead jerked back at what she was insinuating but before she could say anything, Janine placed a hand on her shoulder and started talking.

“Well, I think the younger teachers are capable.”

“Really? Then why is it that Ms.Schwartz’s hair is falling out? Why does Jacob here need a smoking break every five minutes?” The woman sassed, gesturing over to the male beside her.

“I switched to an herbal vape.” He tried to defend himself.

“And why can’t any of you stick it out longer than two years? More turnovers than a bakery.” She hissed before her and Melissa walked out of the door. Once it shut behind them, Naoya turned to her friends beside her.

“I almost lose my job every day dealing with the people here.” She shook her head, resting her butt on the table behind her, the other two following suit.

“You know what? Hell, I think we should still try for rugs.” Jacob’s said.

“Yeah.” Janine agreed.

“You know, before I taught here, I was in Zimbabwe.” Jacob started, causing Noaya to stand up completely and begin to walk to the door. “I was going Teachers Without Boarders, and what I learned—.”

“Jacob.” Noaya cut in, turning to face the two of them. “What did we say you about, like, not talking about your time in Africa?” She said, gesturing between her and Janine. The boy stuttered, trying to come up with an appropriate answer.

“We told you to stop. Yeah, it’s weird.” Janine finished, looking over at the male.

“I have an immense amount of respect for my elders, including the ones I work with.” Naoya smiled at the cameras. “But Mrs.Howard has a smart mouth on her. A mouth that has never been directed at me.” She continued to smile, although strained, and raised her hands in mock defense. “But the day it is the day I got to prison.” And although she was finished, she was cut off by the sound of quick hurried footsteps making their way around the corner. She turned around just in time to catch Janine with a student.

“Noaya, come quick, there’s a fight.” The older woman got out as best as she could, although out of breath. Naoya ran around the corner, practically leaving the child and shirt woman in the dust.

“Damn, she’s fast,” Janine said, briefing glancing at the kids next to her before rushing to follow the running woman.

“What the hell is going on here?” Naoya yelled as she entered the hectic scene with a bat in her hands. She saw the crazed look the teachers were giving her and she shrugged. “I heard there was a fight, I brought it just in case.”

“Where did you get that? I was right behind you.” Janie asked, out of breath with her hands on her knees.

“I didn’t know she had it in her like that.” Melissa nodded a proud smirk on her lips. “I like her.”

“That’s beside the point, what happened?” Naoya asked, looking at the older white woman standing in front of a child. “He hit me first!” Ms.Schwartz said, pointing at the boy across from her.

“Liar!” The boy yelled back at her, being held back by Ms.Howard.

“I’m a liar? I'M A LIAR?” Ms.Schwartz asked a crazed look in her eyes, her gaze solely trained on the little boy.

“I can’t believe she hit a kid,” Noaya said, shock written all over her face as she folded her arms. “I mean, I threaten that I will but I never actually do it.” She shrugged.

“Okay!” Ava yelled, interrupting the conversation between the small group of teachers. “So, not good. Ms.Schwartz was out of line and clearly didn’t know how to handle her class.” The woman sighed.

“You hired her.” Melissa spat back.

“And fired her,” Ava responded. “They give me a lot of power around here. It’s crazy.” The woman smirked.

Melissa and Noaya both gave the camera a look of disbelief.

“In the meantime, Mr.Johnson will be watching her class.” Ava finished.

“Mr.Johnson the janitor?” Naoya spoke up. “Our conspiracy theorist janitor? Teaching social studies? Do we not see the problem with this?” She asked, looking around at the group.

“I think maybe we should alert the school district to this,” Jacob spoke up, getting spins of approval from the rest. “I mean, a child was harmed.” He tried to finish before Ava cut in.

“Hey! Harmed?” She questioned. “I handled this. No need to let them know that a child was harmed on my wa—” She stopped, remembering that she was being recorded, and looked towards the camera. “On the school's watch, to be clear.” She clarified.

“Ava, this is not handled,” Janine spoke up. “There is a 70-year-old custodian who voted for Kanye teaching social studies right now.” The woman stressed, pointing down the hall. “We need help. Look, I know we don’t have any money—“

“Okay!” Ava cut her off. “Alright. I’ll make a small emergency budget request to the district, and then you guys can get pencils and hire aides or whatever else you need.”

“So, even rugs?” Janine asked her entire demeanor from earlier changing at the woman’s words.

“Sure! Just email a request.” Ava replied.

“Okay! I can- I can write an email.” Janine smiled excitedly.”

“Another day in principal life.” Ava smiled at the cameras before walking away, horribly singing some old song. “I believe the children are our future.”

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“Um…Hello?” An unfamiliar voice called out as she came into the school building, making their way to stand in front of the desk. “I’m looking for Ms.Coleman.” The man said. Melissa looked up at him. “Oh, yeah she’s—“ She was cut off by Ava rushing up next to her.

“Hello.” Again said flirtatiously, looking the man up and down.

“Hi, I’m Gregory Eddie. I’m the sun for the teacher who, uh…” He trailed off, looking down at the papers he pulled from his briefcase. “Pinter a student.” The man said worriedly, looking back up at her.

“Oh! You’re the sub.” Ava said. “Forgive me, I thought one of my colleagues here hired a stripper for me.” Ava laughed off, dismissing the looks Melissa and Barbra gave her. “Okay.” That was all Gregory could say to that, giving the woman obvious judgmental looks.

“Nice to meet you, young man.” Barbra offered him a kind smile.

“Yeah, nice to meet you, Ryan,” Melissa said, staring at the together papers.

“It’s Gregory.”

“Eh, let’s see how long you’ll be here.” She said, only flexing up after she was done stapling. “Then I’ll remember your name. Okay, Tim?”

Gregory didn’t even have time to fully digest the interactions he just had with the women before him before Jacob came around the corner. “Yes!” He smiled, stalking up to the man. “My dude.” He said, arms open for some sort of hug but was cut short by Gregory putting his hand out. “Oh, yeah,” Jacob said, placing his hand on the one offered out to him. “Keeping it profesh. I like that.” He smiled, leaning against the counter. “I’m Jacob. It’s nice to see another male teacher in here. It’s not a lot of us. Hey, now I got somebody to talk sports with. You like women’s tennis?” The paler man asked, before shooting the camera a sideways glance. “Or, as I call it, you know, regular tennis.”

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Naoya was walking the halls, whistling a tune with her bad over her shoulders when she came across a tall, good-looking man in a gray sweater. Hearing her, the man turned around to see a tall, light-skinned woman with a large, light brown puff ponytail at the back of her head. She had on specs that covered most of her face, enlarging her eyes. She was dressed in a slightly baggy pair of dark wash denim jeans with brown shoes that matched the brown in her green sweater, paired with a white shirt underneath. Seeing the mysterious man, she furrowed her brows at him from down the hall.

“Uh, hello.” The man waved awkwardly from down the hall.

Naoya waved back as she made her way closer to the man. “Uh, hi. Are you lost?” She asked, slowing down when she got in front of him. “In a school building?…And smelling like pee and/or vomit. I’m calling security.” She started to back up and pull out her phone, or even yell before she stopped and frowned. “Oh wait, I am security.” She said, moving her bat to her good hand getting ready to swing.

“Wait!” The man yelled, sticking out his hands in defense. “I’m a sub! I’m here to fill in for the woman who kicked the kid.” He defended.

Naoya visibly relaxed as she looked the man up and down, taking in his formal attire. “Okay.” She said, dropping her defensive pose. “That still doesn’t explain the smell.” She said, giving the man a disgusted once over. Gregory stuttered to get an answer, embarrassed by the cameras and such an awkward situation in front of another beautiful woman.

“It’s a long story. A broken toilet, a student wet his pants, another one threw up.” The man shrugged, a look of disgust crossing his face as he thought it all over. At his words, Noaya nodded with a look of understanding.

“No, yeah. I get it. Well, um, congratulations on being here considering…” She trailed off, gesturing around the school and then to him. “If you need anything at all, I’m at the very end of the hall. I'm Naoya Lovel, and I teach fourth grade. I’ll be here to help any way I can, I am known for having everything anyone might ever need, so.” She shrugged and began walking away, pat him, and to her class. The man nodded, a sliver of a smile on his face as his eyes stayed trained on the spot she just left. Catching the camera out of the corner of his eye, she quickly straightened up and then turned the opposite way to face her. “May I ask why you’re carrying a bat?” He asked.

Naoya stopped walking, the bad still in her hand as she angled her body slightly to look back at him. “No, you may not.” She said with a smile before continuing to walk away and into her classroom. Gregory just nodded and walked into his room as well.

“Today was utterly disgusting, but she and Janine seem nice.” He smiled slightly.

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“I got a good feeling about this,” Jacob smirked at Naoya and Janine as they and the rest of the teachers gathered outside at the entrance of the school. It had something to do with Ava needing them to see the improvements she made to the school. “Right? Me too!” Janine said excitedly. Naoya rolled her eyes, stuffing her hands in her pockets due to the cold weather.

“I wish I could live in the blissful ignorance you guys call optimism.” She said, looking between her two friends. They only rolled their eyes at the girl, who was usually a pessimistic person, so they didn’t take her words too seriously.

“Good morning!” Ava said to all the teachers before her, who were obviously in no good mood. “Good Morning!” Janine was the only one to respond.

“Gregory.” Ava finished, giving the man a look. Noaya furrowed her brows slightly, throwing the man a sideways glance.

“The district was so moved by my plea that they approved the emergency budget and sent us the money right away,” Ava said to the group. The crowd started clapping, Jacob and Janine were genuinely happy while most were in shock that the district pulled through.

“Okay, we could have hired aides, we could have got rugs.” Ava continued as the clapping died down. “But then I thought, “No. We need something more immediate.” She said, her words causing Naoya to nod her head as she began slowly making her way away from the group. She knew this wasn’t going to end well, and this was her stopping herself from throwing her loafers at Ava’s head.

“Oh, no, no. The rugs are immediate.” Janie spoke up. “They’re like instant Xanax for kids. I explained it all in my email.” She told the group as she made her way to extract her phone from her purse.

“Girl, who told you to send an email?” Ava asked, looking down the steps at the shorter woman. Jannie stopped what she was doing and glared at Ava. “You did.” She hissed, looking at her confused.

“Anyways, I always feel better when I get my hair done.” Ava continued, not caring for what Janine had to say, as she showed off her new blonde number. “Thus, I do better work, like I’m doing now.” She smiled at them. “You know, fix the outside, the inside takes care of itself.” She then gestured up to the giant tarp over the building, the man pulling it down to show a sign.

It was a giant Willard R. Abbott Elementary sign with Ava on it, leaning onto the letters. The teachers just stood there and looked up at the sign, no words were said between any of them. But they all had the same thought.

What the fuck?

“Yall seeing this?” Ava asked, copying her pose that was on the sign.

“A plastic sign?” Janine asked, looking between the woman and the sign.

“Thank God for the school district, because they gave us $3,000 and I had to spend all of it.” Ava said as if she didn’t care about the severity of the words she just said.

“You spent all of the money on this?!” Janie asked in disbelief.

“Rush job, can you believe this quality?” The terrible principal continued.

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“This is fucking ridiculous, she has gone too far,” Naoya said as she, Jacob, Janine, and Gregory rushed back into the school.

“Somebody needs to do something before I get my bat back out. Actually, Forget the bat, I’m gonna go get a gu—.”

“Okay! Yes.” Jacob cut her off, trying to ignore the scared look Noaya received from Janine and Gregory, while she just continued to sit in her anger, not even seeing them. “Somebody, anybody but you, should do something.” The man said to the angry woman.

“You know what. I’m gonna do something.” Janine said, as stored up and Naoya. Well, maybe not as much but still fired up.

“Okay, alright. Whatever you do, I will co-sign it.” Jacob encouraged. “Yes!” Janine said. “That is how change works. Someone does something and somebody co-signs it.” He finished.

“I want Jannie to succeed in what her plan is because Ava needs to be out in her place, “professionally”, or whatever Jacob said,” Naoya stated, rolling her eyes. “But I also want her to prove something to Barb. For her sake. Because Janine really needs a mother figure in her life and the constant groveling for Barb’s praise is starting to make me want to choke.” She finished with a shrug. “That’s my girl though, I love her.”

“Hey, you two, wait up! I’m going out to lunch too.” Janie called out to Melissa and Bard as they walked down the hall. The camera caught Naoya, who rolled her eyes at the situation she was just talking about making an appearance as she walked after Janine.

“Oh yeah, where are you going for lunch pip-squeak? Bird feeder?” Melissa joked, putting her purse over her shoulder.

“Thought you’d be working on your next miracle from Saint Ava.” Barbra pushed.

“Ha ha, No.” The shorter woman defended herself. “I don’t think I’ll need anything from Ava ever again.” Janine smiled, her words causing the other three women to look confused.

“What does that mean?” Naoya chimed in from behind them, ready to go out for lunch as well.

“Well, I emailed the superintendent and told him everything Ava has done today. No way she doesn’t get fired.” Janie bragged.

“Oh, for the lives of God.” Melissa groaned.

“Janine,” Noaya said in disappointment. “This is why I told you to tell me.”

“What?” She asked, looking between the three women.

“The superintendent never sees our emails,” Barbra told her. “He has them bounced back to the person in charge of where they came from.”

“Wait, I’m sorry.” Janie stared. “Person in charge? That means the emails go back to…” She trailed off, the dots connecting. Just in time for said person to come in the intercom with an announcement.

“Teachers, it’s come to my attention that some of you—one of you—.” Ava clarified, looking through the glass of her office at the group of women standing at the door, her eyes trained on one in particular. “Think it’s okay to go over my head. So, during lunch break—this lunch break—we’ll be having a trait workshop so that we can learn how to become a woke family.” The woman was clearly pissed off, glaring at Janine from where she sat. “It’s gonna be fun!”

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“We are at a crossroads, this is a crisis,” Ava stressed as she stood before the hired group of teachers.

“No, a crisis is eating the cafeteria pizza for lunch.” Naoya chimed in from where she sat in the back.

“Uh, why are we here, exactly?” Gregory asked his seat right in front of hers.

“Well, chocolate drop.” Ava started, causing Naoya to snicker at the name. “I learned that someone here doesn’t respect me. But it’s not about me. Because if you don’t respect me, how can you respect this school?” She continued, causing them all to look at her confused as such a stupid correlation. But, it looks like Ava took that as a look of confusion due to her question.

“You can’t. It’s mathematically impossible.” She finished.

“W-Whoa. Who doesn’t respect you, Ava—I mean, the school?” Jacob asked.

“Me,” Naoya said but seemed to be completely ignored.

“It’s not important. We’re gonna make this a group matter so as too not to single any one person out.” The woman answered him. “Let’s try an excuse where we say whatever we want out loud to each other, no matter how critical. It’ll be fun, let’s start with Janine.” She said, looking over at the short woman who was practically shrinking in on herself.

“Janine?” She asked, smirking evilly.

“Yes?” Janine asked dejectedly, knowing that this whole situation was her fault and knowing that Ava did the exact thing she said she didn’t want to. Single her out.

“You’re pushy, squeaky and annoying,” Ava stated.

Collective disagreement was heated around the room.

“Excuse me?” Melissa piped up.

“Thaya just…” Gregory said.

“When is it my turn?” Naoya asked, starting to take her earring out of her ear.

“No, it’s not bad. No.” Ava defended. “We’re shaking to make us all better. Constructive. Hershey kiss, why don’t you try, start with Janine.” She pushed.

“I don’t want to.” The man sighed.

“You’re right, it should be someone who knows her better. Noaya, Jacob, Barbra?” She asked, looking between the two.

“When is it your turn? I wanna go when it’s your turn.” Naoya stated, folding her arms to keep herself at bay. Gregory glanced back, seeing the look of pure hatred on her face.

“Well, her hair is—“ Jacob started before getting cut off.

“Not!” Noaya and Barba said at the same time, the younger more so talking to her friend next to Janine, who gave the man next to her a look of disbelief.

“Ava, no one’s doing this to anyone.” Melissa started, looking at the woman before her.

“Hold on, I came prepared for this. Sheena, come on in.” Ava said, looking behind her to a student who was sitting behind the library desk.

“Ava, that is my student, she should be at lunch right now,” Janine complained, as everyone in the room looked at the little girl, trying to see what Ava's plan was.

“I am kinda hungry.” The little girl sighed, begrudgingly walking closer to the woman.

“Sheena, remember what we talked about? What was the thing that you wished was different about Ms.Teagues?” Ava asked the little girl. She just stood there, not knowing what to say as the whole room waited on her.

“She got some big feet.” Mr.Johnson chimed in from the very back of the children’s library where he was sweeping.

“Okay.” Janine sighed before standing from her seat. “Everyone, that’s enough. I am the person who disrespected Ava. I emailed the superintendent to tell him that she spent the school's money on a sign.”

“And got her hair done,” Naoya said, Janine, gesturing over to her in agreement.

“I’m sorry, Ava.” She continued. “And I’m sorry everyone missed lunch, especially you, Sheena. But I didn’t it because I care about the kids in this school, and that shouldn’t be a bad thing.” She ranted. “I—Okay. You know what.” She sighed, done talking. She felt as if no one was listening anyway and just wanted to leave. She was on her way out before turning back around. “Sheena, you should have this. I’m sorry.” She said, handing the school pizza over to the girl.

“Uh, no thank you.” The girl said, shaking her head. Janine just sighed again and turned to leave.

Ava chuckled as she watched the girl walk off, shaking her head. “Not a compelling speaker.” She smirked as she shook her head. “Charisma vacuum, am I right?”

Noaya cracked her neck as she stood up. The teachers in front of her filmed a little at the sound and her sudden movements. But she ignored that. “You know what, Ava? I was going to whoop your ass in the parking lot, and as much satisfaction as that would bring me, I don’t want to lose my job. Because I care about these kids. Just like Janine. And she may be a lot of things, like naive, a bit clingy and too cheerful—.”

“Ooh, this is good stuff, let me call her back in here,” Ava smirked as if she didn’t hear the first part of the girls’ speech.

“But she is also right.” Barba cut in, standing up with Naoya. “You know, actually wanting to help the children at this school shouldn’t be a bag thing.” The older woman finished for her. Afterwards, both her and Naoya walked out, letting Ava sit with their words.

They walked out to find the girl in front of her classroom, looking through the window. “Janine, ignore Ava. Big feet are a sign of fertility.” Barbra stated.

“I’m telling you to just give me the signal, I can have her framed for mur—something.” The light skinned girl said, catching herself in front of the cameras.

“Every lunch period, guys.” Was all Janine said before stepping out of their way to show the inside of her class. They both looked in seeing a little boy napping on his jacket, as the library door sounded again. “Every single one, Amir comes and naps in the rug.” She said, informing the whole group as Melissa, Jacob and Gregory joined.

“Mm-hmm. He was in my class.” Barbra said with a fond smile on her face. Mom’s got a lot of kids. Dad’s not around and when she is, the parents fight.”

“Right, so he doesn’t get much sleep. I told him to sleep at his desk, but she says that rug is softer—.” The shirt woman paused, trying to get emotional over the whole situation. “Softer than his bed at home.” There was a moment of silence as all the adults sat with her words. It’s hard hearing about the life of the kids you see everyday, knowing they live lives no one should. And knowing it’s on you to create a better life for them at school.

“You know what? I don’t care I you think I’m good at this or not anymore. I care about whether or not I can make a change.” Janine told Barbra as sternly as she could, which wasn’t a lot.

“Janine.” The woman started. “Teachers at a school like Abbott— we have to be able to do it all. We are admin, we are social workers, we are therapists, we are second parents. Hell, sometimes we’re even first.”

“Mm-hmm.” Melissa agreed.

“Why?” Barbra continued. “It sure ain’t the money.”

“Yup. I can make more working the street, easy.” Melissa chimed in. Causing Jacob and Naoya to look at each other in concern.

“Prostitution?” She mouthed over to the man, who shrugged.

“Look, we do this ‘cause we’re supposed to.” Melissa said to Janine. “It’s a calling. You answered.”

They all looked at eachother fondly, before Jacob started.

“I believe it was Brother Cornel West—“

“No.”

“Don’t.”

“Not right now, white boy.”

They all told him, causing the man to retreat back to his corner.

“You want to know my secret?” Barbra asked, ringing the subject back to where it was. “Do everything you can for your kids.” She smiled. “We’ll help. Hey, I suggest we put our money together and buy Janine the rug.” The older woman encouraged. “What yall think?”

“Absolutely.” Melissa said, pulling out her wallet.

“Guys, you can’t.” Janine started, looking between them. “You don’t have it. I know because I have the same salary as you and I overdrafted on a doughnut hole this morning.”

“Don’t tell me how much money I have.” Noaya stated, holding her hand out as a halt to the girl's words. “I do not claim that broke energy.”

“Well, why are you gonna do?” Barbra asked. “Steal a rug?”

“Not me, but I know a guy who knows a guy?” Janie trailed off, looking between Noaya and Melissa. The light skinned girl raised her hands. “I don’t know a cute guy that can steal that many carpets that fast.” She shrugged, a hopeless look on her face as she glanced at Melissa.

“Way ahead of you.” The woman said as she started typing into her phone. “I’m gonna have to bake a ziti.” She said, holding the phone up to her ear. “Hey, Tony, ya big strung, listen, you still working that stabiuk build?” She said into the device as she walked away from the group.

Sometime later, a guys pulled up in a truck around back with a bunch of rugs for them. They all celebrated, going one by one to grab a rug. “Yay! I finally have one! My room was so depressing.” Naoya said as she waked down the hall with her rug.

“You’re on a mission.” Gregory stated, looking at the shorter girl in between him and Noaya. “It’s cool to see.”

“Thank you. Just a day in the life of being a teacher here. You get used to it.” Janine smiled.

“And that smell in the walls?” He asked, pointing.

“Oh no, you’re never gonna get used to that. Sometimes I wish I had a bad nose like Naoya.” She joked, elbowing the girl next to her. The taller woman lightly groaned. “Janine, you know that’s a big insecurity of mine. I have a fear of smelling bad.” The half Japanese girl tried to clarify to the male. “You’re subbing to go full time right?” She asked, wanting to change the subject.

“Um, we’ll see.” He said as they all briefly stopped in the hallway. “This job definitely surprises me.”

“Well, I hope you stay.” Janine said. “For the kids.” She clarified. Naoya shot a quick glacé to the camera, a small smirk on her face. She then decided to walk away. The camera caught Gregory’s eyes jumping from both women walking away, a small smile on his face. He then looked in the camera and dropped his expression.

“I’ll stick around for a while.” He said. “You know, for the kids.”

“Look guys!” Naoya said as she rolled out her shakes rug for her students. They all celebrated, clapping excitedly at the fact that they had a rug now.

“Ms.Lovel, I hate the egales.” One student said, standing next to the woman.

“Yeah, me too, kid. But don’t tell anyone I said that.” She said, patting the top of their head as Ava walked past her door. She paused at the sight of the rugs. Naoya placed her hands on her hips and cocked her neck, making Ava glare at the woman for a quick second before walking away.

“And that kids, is how you get rid of the enemy without fighting.” She said, pointing around the room to make sure they were watching. “Now that we have a rug, let’s watch that nature documentary!” She said excitedly, causing all the students to yell with excitement well.

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ilovehugslikealotalot · 7 months

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ever since you mentioned a fix with ava and reader having a kid i have been FIENDING for it. it would be so cute😭

SO EXCITED FOR THE FIC. HERE’S A LIL’ SAMPLE!!

“I even cut your strawberries into hearts!” Ava exclaimed placing a plate of pancakes in front of Hallie, she also put some fruit on the plate and a placed a small glass of orange juice on the table. “Tank you, mom!” She smiled, she ate her breakfast quickly, throughly enjoying her strawberries and taking little nibbles of her pancake at a time. Y/n was upstairs getting ready, already having eaten. Ava was packing the little girls lunch, making sure to put her water bottle in the pocket of her backpack.

“Good morning to my two favorite girls!” Y/n smiled, placing her bag down on one of the chairs placing a kiss on Hallie’s bunny cheeks. “Good morning, Mama!” “Good morning, baby”

Y/n also placed a small peck on Ava’s lips, she might’ve been stubborn and might not do her job sometimes, but she really cared for the kids, she always wanted to be a mom.

Now, that dream had came true and, lucky her, was now the mom to the cutest daughter, though, she might not be hers biologically that didn’t stop the little girl from calling her Mom. The best part was she gets to help raise this little girl with the love of her life. She may have been a player but she knew when she saw y/n that she was the one. As cheesy as it sounds, Ava couldn’t have fallen faster or harder. Falling for y/n was like falling face first into pavement for Ava.

They all got into Ava’s car, Hallie sat in her booster seat and happily played on her iPad as they drove to the school. Her backpack, sat next to her the sequins shining in the sunlight.

SO EXCITED FOR THIS.

#open requests #ava coleman #abbott elementary #ava coleman x reader #melissa schemmenti #barbara howard #jacob hill #gregory eddie #janine teagues

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afterschoolcrewz · 4 months

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i got curious so here’s an abbott fics bar chart i made for funsies! i didn’t exclude fics that have multiple pairings, so keep in mind that the totals may not actually equate to the amount of fics within the tag. i also combined all the melissa/reader tags into one for convenience.

extra numbers below!

Exact Totals

Barbara/Melissa - 454

Melissa/Reader - 236

Gregory/Janine - 153

Barbara/Gerald - 58

Ava/Janine - 52

Jacob/Zach - 37

Ava/Barbara - 30

Ava/Melissa - 26

Joe/Melissa - 15

Other - 31

Individual Totals

Melissa - 731

Barbara - 543

Janine - 207

Gregory - 167

Ava - 119

Jacob - 44

Other Pairings

Ava/Reader - 9

Gregory/Taylor - 7

Gregory/Jacob - 4

Amber/Gregory - 3

Jacob/Mr. Morton - 3

Ava/Taylor - 2

Janine/Tariq - 2

Barbara/Ms. Inez - 1

#abbott elementary #work wives #barlissa #melissa x reader #teddie #avanine #melissa schemmenti #barbara howard #janine teagues #gregory eddie #ava coleman #jacob hill #the way hilleddie isn’t even on the list #this is so tragic #also for the pairings with less than ten i can’t guarantee that i was able to find and list all of them in the others section

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elliotsgrl · 2 years

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how is the cast of abbott elementary majority black yet the fanfictions in the hashtag are for the white character in the show when they're the minority in the cast. make it make sense. y'all ain't even tryna hide y'all racism anymore i'm crying

#abbott elementary #abbott elementary x reader #gregory eddie #janine teagues #ava coleman #x black reader #yikes #melissa schemmenti #looking at u melissa.#GREGORY IS RIGHT THERE #VINCE STAPLES???#HELL EVEN TARIQS BUM ASS #YALL COULD EVEN WRITE JANINE X READER FR LIKE WHAT #chelsea come on now

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outoftheseine · 1 year

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mini misc. rec list!

you've been gone so long, baby • matt murdock x pregnant!reader

→ by @bellaxgiornata (angst, so much angst, hurt but no comfort, but happy ending)

as if you are still here • thomas shelby x reader

→ by @speckledemerald (very angsty, hurt no comfort, character death)

love drunk • miguel o'hara x spidergirl!reader

→ by @bruisedboys (grumpy x sunshine, so much fluff)

you're losing me • gregory house x reader

→ by @imaginesfordifferentfandoms (angst, house is a dick but what is new, age gap)

ethereal • jim halpert x reader

→ by @happyhalpert (this is series is literally chef's kiss but it hasn't been updated for a year)

treat me like a lady • steve harrington x fem!reader

→ by @hey-barnes-stole-a-jeep (enemies to lovers, angst, fluff)

one spoon for two • remus lupin x reader

→ by @dwindlinghaze (very shy!reader, veryy fluffy)

duty • geralt of rivia x reader

→ by @cinebration (princess!reader)

hook, line and sinker • harry styles x reader

→ by @adore-styles (dad!harry, angst)

a new campaign • infituated dad!eddie munson x mom!reader

→ by @luveline (fluff, comfort, tw: ppd)

main masterlist

#matt murdock x reader #thomas shelby x reader #miguel o'hara x reader #gregory house x reader #jim halpert x reader #steve harrington x reader #remus lupin x reader #geralt of rivia x reader #harry styles x reader #eddie munson x reader #den's recs

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cyarsk52-20 · 9 months

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Happy birthday 🎁🎈🎉🎊🎂 I can’t wait for more episodes of Abbott elementary

#Quinta Brunson #rachel sennott #gregory eddie #danielle brooks #tyler james williams #sheryl lee ralph #Abbott Elementary #jacob hill #barbara howard #janine teagues #abbott elementary season 3 #abbott elementary x reader #abbott elementary spoilers #abbott elementary fanfiction #abbott elementary fic #ava coleman

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gwennybriggs · 5 months

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Pick and Choose Ch. 4

I would like to apologize in advance, here’s chapter 4.

#abbott elementary #melissa schemmenti x reader #melissa schemmenti #barbara howard #jacob hill #janine teagues #ava coleman #gregory eddie

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gnderissues · 8 months

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YALL WHERE CAN I WATCH SEASON 3 OF ABBOTT ELEMENTARY IN THE UK???

#abbott elementary #melissa schemmenti x reader #melissa schemmenti #abbott elementary x reader #janine teagues #barbara howard #gregory eddie #ava coleman

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meowmeowhissss · 4 months

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My friend X Gregory Eddie forever

#wlw post #sapphic #abbott elementary #lisa ann walter #melissa schemmenti x reader #gregory eddie #tyler james williams

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cloveroctobers · 1 year

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CARMY BERZATTO — x BLACK! Reader — spring prompts 🕊️

A/N: happy for season two! OC/Reader Cambria” is intended to be black and of color. Not fully described but she’s got textured hair. I also incorporated characters from two other shows for this bit: Abbott Elementary and Power Book II — Ghost — mostly a character is mentioned from Power…lurking at best! and it all takes place in the same setting for story purposes 😬

Using this prompt list and number 3.) spring fever + [gif belongs to user: @heardchef]

SYNOPSIS: Carmy’s got a teeny crush and when he’s invited over…he’s not really expecting this to lead elsewhere. It’s only some fluff and humor y’all!

❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗

Carmy’s late by the time he’s pulling up to her condo downtown. Todays in the low fifties so he has to pull the collar of his jacket up around his neck to protect himself against the spring breeze. He’s a bit jittery with a few other thoughts on his mind but he’s quickly pulled out of that anxiousness as his shoulder is bumped.

“How the fuck is she paying for this shit?” Richie questions, cigarette perched in between his lips while he cradles a juice jug underneath his arm, “what did you say she does for a living again?”

Carmy can’t help but to roll his eyes and thinks about ignoring the taller man. He didn’t even invite him nor did Cambria but yet here Richie was in all of his brash glory.

“Why do you feel like that’s your business, Richie?” Sydney spoke what Carmy was thinking, now exiting the car behind them.

“Damn! I can’t make conversation and be curious about my cousin’s girl—

Carmy interrupted the bearded man, “Shut the fuck up will you? And let’s just get inside, we’re already late because of your bullshit.”

“My bullshit? You’re the one sneaking around Chicagoland—

“It’s the bear now Richie.”

“Whatever!—Making meals and thinking you can just ride off into the sunset with your sidekick here to this undisclosed location as if I don’t know Cambria. A pretty customer.” Richie argued while Sydney shook her head at the “sidekick,” insult.

Carmy flared his nostrils in annoyance, “it doesn’t even fucking matter. I went over this already. I was doing something for a friend and Sydney showed up and decided to help. There was no sneaking around because we’re currently closed, are we not? Also Weren’t you supposed to be with the kid this weekend?”

Richie grumbled to himself at that, not caring for the topic switching over to his child and it wasn’t Carmy throwing a jab back per say but it was genuinely a question on his part. When Carmy received a text from Cambria telling him to slide through when he had the chance, he didn’t want to show up empty handed so yeah he entered the bear (yet again) to whip something up. Sydney showed up while he was waiting on the prime rib to finish and she got to work preparing the grinders for the meat to go on, then together they dressed the sandwiches and wrapped them to go.

Richie caught them just as they were gathering the sandwiches and of course gave them a hard time about it. Now here they were with Richie stalking off to the gates of Cambria’s condo.

“I think you hurt his feelings.” Sydney muttered as she held the back car door open.

“The both of you can fuck right off!” Richie yelled on the front stoop of the condo, alerting them that he heard what was said even if there was a increase of distance between them.

Carmy scoffed, “he’ll get over it. He wasn’t even invited.”

“Neither was I.” Sydney pointed out.

Carmy slightly dipped his head, “true but I sent out a text to Cambria to let her know and she didn’t get back to me. I’m sure she won’t mind, she actually likes you.”

Sydney gave a small smile at that before Carmy followed through the gates and walkway to Cambria’s home.

“What’re you five?” Carmy and Richie were in a mini slap fight, the long-haired one out of the two yanked Richie’s hand away from repeatedly ringing the door-bell.

Richie mocked Carmy, sending him a nice middle finger in response followed with a squat.

“Wow I’m surprised your knees still work, Richard.” Sydney tossed in with a laugh, which Carmy snickered at.

Richie’s round blues widened in irritation and before he could spew something misogynistic, the front door was pulled open.

At the front door stood a brown skinned man with broad shoulders, lean but fit frame, low-cut fade, large brown eyes, and some facial hair.

“Hey, Carmy right?” He spoke first to Carmy on his left.

Carmy dipped his head, “yeah?”

“Oh. I’m Gregory, friend and co-worker of Cambria’s. She gave me the green light to let you guys in…but she didn’t say there would be a third person coming too.” His large eyes shot to Richie who put the unlit cigarette back behind his ear.

Richie than held out his hand for Gregory to shake, “yeah I guess my cousin forgot to mention that the life of the party was also comin’ through! I’m richie, man. Nice to meet ya!”

Gregory shook his hand with a slow nod of his head, blinking quickly, probably at how loud Richie was.

“If you or Cam need to kick him out, please don’t hesitate to do so.” Carmy added while Richie blew a raspberry, “it’s cool to finally put a name to the face, Gregory. Cam’s told me a little about you.”

“Same man.” Gregory smiled making Carmy start to wonder what exactly Cambria shared and hope it wasn’t his depressing life story, “Come on in…oh also as a fair warning to you guys, Cambria’s a little bit on one.”

“How so?” Sydney asked from behind, “also I’m Sydney by the way.”

Gregory nodded his head silently letting her know that he was aware due to the text messages, “Nice to meet you. Oh it’s nothing too bad just something to be prepared—

A soul beat became prominent as the group of four now stood in the industrial living room with bright lighting. There Cambria stood on top of the square coffee table, fuzzy feathered scarf wrapped around her neck as she sauntered across the table on her tippy toes to the lyrics.

Cause you’re a cool cat ♪

She spun just in time to hop down from the table, snatching the swifter handle back up to her lips as she mouthed the lyrics:

Tapping on the toe with a new hat ♪

She began to sway:

Ooh, just cruising

Driving along with the swing of the king ♪

Carmy watched in amusement as Cambria carried on, walking on her toes as she swung the scarf around along with her head, her now chopped soft waved hair glistened from the natural night, while she went to slap the scarf against Richie’s chest.

Feeling the beat of my heart ♪

She walked the line, singing that into Gregory’s face, making herself almost his height while he gave her a nod and a smile. He then shot a look to the three, hinting at this was what he was talking about as he closed the front door to the home.

Once she got to Carmy, she grabbed one of his hands to place right against her chest, alarming him as she continued the lyrics.

Feeling the beat of my heart ♪

Ooh, you’re a cool cat ♪

She shoots a wink at Sydney who gives a equally awkward thumbs up.

Coming on strong with the chit chat ♪

She turns back to Carmy, stepping back from him with a wiggle of her hips as she sung:

Ooh, you’re alright

Hanging out and stealing all the limelight

Messing with the beaaaat of my he-aaart

She lowered the mop as she actually attempted to hit Freddie’s high note.

Ooh, messing with the beat of my heart, yeah ♪

Cambria brought it back up slow as she clutched her chest, before letting out a smile and bowing as the instrumental played on. Richie was the first to clap it up for Cambria who grinned over at him while Gregory sped-walked away to the kitchen.

“Hey guys,” Cambria greeted as she lowered the music then turned back to them, “glad you made it. Come make yourself comfortable.”

Carmy cleared his throat, “hey uh, we brought some steak and pepper grinders. You know your favorite, from the spot.”

“With prime rib?” Cambria stared over at Carmy underneath her eyelashes, anticipating his response.

“The one and only.”

Cambria squealed, doing high-knees that Richie couldn’t help to chuckle and shake his head, looking over at Sydney who was still wide-eyed at Cambria’s antics.

The short haired woman tossed her arms around Carmy, squeezing him tightly to her chest and pecked his cheeks with kisses, further making Richie smirk at his cousin who seemed to be folding.

“Where’s Syd and I’s kisses? We helped too!” Richie boasted as Cambria turned to Sydney first to also give her a tight squeeze and rocked her from side to side.

And saved Richie for last, who purposely made the hug last a little too long for Carmy’s liking.

“Okay, back off.” Carmy shoved the taller man away from Cambria, who laughed and took the bags of food from Carmy and Sydney to take to the kitchen.

Sydney moved to sit on the mustard couch, followed by Richie who didn’t excuse himself as he crossed over Sydney to sit right beside her, arms stretching along the back of the couch.

“I hope we made enough.” Carmy started, eyes scanning the place.

He’s been here once or twice before but it’s clear Cambria did lots of updating since then. It felt much bigger than before with Cambria deciding to transform the walls to eggshell compared to the dark gray they once were.

“I’m sure you did.” Cambria commented, smiling over her shoulder at Carmy.

A door to the right creaked open, revealing a very short brown skinned woman with curly short hair, she was probably the shortest in the room smoothing down her long-flowy skirt as she entered the space. Carmy watched as Gregory’s eyes seemed to immediately lock on her before she even spoke, her gaze setting on Cambria instead.

“Whew! Cambria, I see you’ve decided to finally take a break. Good for you.” She swiped her fist through the air in a supportive nature, that Carmy wondered if she was really as happy go-lucky as she put out.

Cambria shook her head, leaning back against the counter as she looked over at the woman, “absolutely not! There’ll be no rest for the wicked. This is just a brief intermission Janine and you should know this. Also say hi to the new guest who just arrived.”

“You should have just gone with the flow and let her stuff her face then we wouldn’t be in this mess.” Gregory hissed before yanking the fridge open to bury his head inside.

Janine was a gaping fish as she slowly turned to the new faces in the room before glancing at the crew that were to the right of Carmy then back, “oh, my apologies! You guys sure did get here quick! Not as fast enough to help prevent the bruises on my back but nonetheless you made it!”

“What happened to your back?” Sydney sat up on the couch.

Janine awkwardly rubbed at the sleeve of her cardigan, “I’d rather not say—

“She tried to secretly do the running man in my bedroom to ‘Put Your Records On,’ tripped on my moss rug and broke part of my bookcase.” Cambria informed, making Janine clench her eyes shut in embarrassment.

“So that’s what happened?” Gregory peeled out of the fridge, “I warned you about that rug earlier.”

“I know! But I love that song and you can’t say Cambria doesn’t have a solid playlist. It’s so broad. And I’m going to do my best to help you rebuild the shelves.” Janine clasped her hands together in sincerity.

Cambria fanned her hands at the woman, digging into the bag to retrieve a sandwich, “Don’t worry about it. I can’t tell you how many marks I got on my body from almost breaking my neck to my jams. My playlists are fire and I’m glad you acknowledge that, bestie.”

Janine grinned at the mention of being considered someone’s friend. She soon cleared her throat realizing the crew was probably zooming in on her face, considering one of the men stepped closer to her and whispered, “I thought you guys left with Jacob and hope you consider deleting that footage from a few hours ago.”

Soon Janine moved into the living room to greet the new faces she had yet to officially meet, “Hi! I’m Janine Teagues. Cambria’s bestie and a fellow teacher at Abbott Elementary.”

richie sized Janine up and held his hand out, “Richie, hun. Are you sure you’re not one of those kids?” Before letting out a obnoxious laugh, elbowing Sydney who shook her head at him, ready to whack him with the diffuser that sat on the table.

Carmy pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Please don’t pay this idiot any mind. Hi, I’m Sydney. That’s Carmy,” She pointed back at him who stepped a little closer with a wave of fingers, “and we all work down at the bear.”

Janine bounced on her toes and seemed to smile a little brighter as she put Carmy’s name to his face, “Cool! What’s the bear?”

Richie chatted with his hands, “It’s originally called the original beef of Chicagoland, sweetheart. We’re rebranding right now but if that helps jog your memory that’s what it’s called. We own a restaurant.”

“You don’t own shit.” Carmy huffed, “its mostly a sandwich shop but we’re getting more variety of items coming soon. The restaurants been in my family for years.”

“Am I not your family, Carmen?” Richie placed his hand on his chest, while Carmy simply looked at him, “wow! Okay! I’m gonna eat!”

He squeezed himself by Janine, heading over to the kitchen where Cambria teared into the sandwich, cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk as she danced next to Gregory, who appeared as if he wanted nothing more than to leave already despite his expressionless face.

A small smile of satisfaction appeared on Carmy’s face before he brought his focus back to Janine.

“Oh, is he—

“He’s fine. He’s always like that, real dramatic.” Sydney assured Janine who pursed her lips glancing over her shoulder just to make sure Richie didn’t decide to explode, but she was sure she would probably hear it if he did.

Janine turned back to face the two and smiled with her signature gap, “hey, you know you look kinda familiar.”

“Me?” Sydney questioned, pointing to herself and peeking back at Carmy who lifted his shoulders.

“Yeah…what did you say your last name was again?”

“I—I didn’t?”

“It’s funny because you kinda remind me of my sister. The resemblance is almost pow! In your face you know?” Janine slowly sat down where Richie previously sat.

“Really?”

“Yes,” Janine nodded her head and called behind her, “Cambria, Gregory! Doesn’t Sydney remind you of Ayesha?”

Cambria lowered the music again and titled her head as she stared hard at Sydney who hated that the attention was on her now, “She does!”

“I don’t see it.” Gregory disagreed, taking the sandwich Richie handed to him.

“What?! I’m gonna find my phone and FaceTime her.”

“That’s okay. A picture would be fine.” Sydney tried to suggest but Janine was already up on her feet, searching the room for her purse.

Sydney looked back at Carmy who smirked and raised his hands in surrender. He left Sydney despite her calls for him not to do that as he entered the kitchen. Carmy eyed the updated stainless steel appliances and dark almost gray wood cabinetry. He then leaned against the large island, focusing only on Cambria who had her back to him, now fumbling with her phone; probably looking for the next best song to play.

“You’ve got something on your face Carmy and it ain’t the ugly.” Richie yelled with a mouth full of food.

Gregory’s large eyes went back and forth between the two, watching as Carmy unconsciously rubbed at the corner of his mouth, making Richie smirk. Gregory’s also noticed that Carmy’s been eyeing his friend real hard since he’s got here and it was evident that he felt something for her…possibly more than platonic.

Yet it wasn’t his business so he didn’t bother speaking on it like he knew Janine wanted to…if she got around to it that is.

Carmy sent two middle fingers his way and before he could spike up a conversation with Cambria, she slammed her hand on the counter in front of her. “Oh shit!”

“What was that for?” Gregory flinched but also asked calmly.

Cambria stared off into space thinking, “what time is it?”

“Four thirty.” Janine told as she tried to call her sister.

“I’m late!” Cambria disappeared from the kitchen for a moment.

Richie waved his hands about, “For…?”

Gregory shrugged his shoulders, “there’s no telling with that girl. Man, this sandwich is something.”

“Good something or shit something?”

“That doesn’t make sense but good something.” Gregory replied, “super flavorful, colorful and tender. It’s a well made sandwich. Where did you guys get it?”

“From our spot: The bear. You should check it out when we reopen in a few. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” Carmy felt pride that Cambria’s friend was also enjoying something he made.

Gregory snapped his fingers in acknowledgment, “that’s right! Cambria did mention she’s got a potential chef husband but i of course didn’t take that seriously. You must be it.”

“Potential husband? This guy?” Richie jabbed a thumb at Carmy who tried not to roll his eyes.

“Let’s not go there, Richie.”

Richie scoffed, not saying anything more.

Smart choice.

Carmy can be lethal with his clapbacks when he wanted and Richie was always talking shit. He couldn’t help it, it just seemed to be in his nature for as long as Carmy’s known him.

“Meech, where’s my bag?” Cambria entered the room again.

Richie frowned, “Who the hell is meech?”

Gregory just shook his head, silently telling the older man not to further question Cambria’s mind.

Carmy sat up from the island, “uh, what color is it?”

This wasn’t his first time looking around for lost bags thanks to his disheveled mother.

“Aw, Ayesha can’t answer right now. She’s about to board another flight to some place tropical. Must be nice being able to travel the world whenever you please.” Janine thought out loud before zoning back in on the conversation, “what’s happening?”

“My bag, Janine.” Cambria notified, “it has my birth control in it and it was in the chartreuse bag that Jacob was modeling—he stole my bag.”

That’s the thing with Cambria, she wasn’t too private about much. She was a open book and Carmy found himself also being somewhat open with her when they had the chance to hold one on one deep conversations. So this wasn’t much of a shock to him whereas Richie choked a bit on his sandwich and Sydney patted at the back of her braids.

Gregory stopped eating, saying with a dry tone, “Nooo, not Jacob.”

“Who’s Jacob?” Sydney asked.

“Another co-worker of ours. He was here earlier dealing with Cambria’s spring fever. I mean cleaning.” Janine slightly stumbled over her words.

“I’m gonna call him and if he doesn’t answer then I know he took it. That’s the only place where I keep my pills.” Cambria snatched her phone up from the counter while Janine got to her feet, ready to ease the tension.

“If jumping to conclusions was a person, am I right?” Richie joked.

“We all know that you have a very active brain so maybe you decided to put them somewhere else.”

“Or jacob put them somewhere else.” Gregory added, making Janine widen her eyes at him.

Janine defended the man, “Jacob isn’t a thief! If it was Mr. Johnson here…then that maybe a different story but Jacob wouldn’t do that. We don’t steal from our friends.”

“I don’t know…Cambria did say he was modeling with it.” Sydney said, “could it be a possibility?”

“Jacob can be easily impressed. He was trying his hardest to get me to help him determine what color the bag even was.” Gregory stated.

Sydney hummed, “So he brought the bag to your attention? Did you see him leave with it?”

“I can’t say for sure…when he gets to going I learn to tune him out majority of the time. There’s a lot going on in this house if you haven’t noticed.”

“Gregory!” Janine hissed.

Cambria shushed everyone in the room, making all eyes turn to where she stood behind the couch, phone raised in the air.

“I might have taken the bag with me, forgetting that it was attached to my body after getting some pics…and I realized I was all the way on the other side of town by then. So I’m borrowing it for now. I will return it if not by tomorrow then definitely on Monday at work. Oh wait…you quit. You know, the bag would also work quite well with my dinner date outfit with Zach tonight so it all works out. Sorry for the inconvenience, love you bye!” Cambria lowered her phone as the automated message carried on after the voicemail.

Janine gasped and dropped her head, “Jacob is a thief! And I was ready to go to war for him and he let me down.”

“Mhm. Can’t defend someone who committed the crime.”

“That’s circumstantial.” Richie argued making Gregory frown back.

Janine deeply sighed, “Don’t do Jacob like that.”

“Jacob did Cambria like that.” Gregory fired off.

Cambria’s fingers went flying over her phone screen, sending Jacob a lengthy text as she began pacing the floor and abruptly stopped after pressing send. She then let out a wiggle, shaking her body about, “enough of that low vibration! It’s over and done with, if I end up pregnant or with a period then Jacob will be held accountable. Let the festivities resume!”

Richie mouthed, ‘who the fuck are these people?’ As he walked by Carmy, then Cambria before tossing Sydney a sandwich.

“Any requests?” Cambria asked.

Gregory was quick with it, “Reggie Becton, Stevie Wonder, or Victoria Monet.”

Janine also added, “Maybe VanJess, Whitney Houston, or Otis Redding.”

Cambria settled on a Doechii track, proceeding to vogue towards Carmy before grabbing his hand and pulling him away to her bedroom. Richie noticed this, ready to yell out something but Sydney shoved the remote into his gut.

“Or not…” Janine sighed as she moved towards Gregory.

Cambria welcomed Carmy into her spacious bedroom, placing her phone onto the night stand. Carmy hopped up onto her bed, spotting the few broken shelves that were once built into the wall and was knew that Cambria loved a good book resulting in many that covered the entire wall.

“Love what you done with the place,” Carmy complimented, as Cambria kicked the door to her closet closed.

Cambria smiled as she crossed over Carmy, her scent lingering in the air that he knew he had to fight within to contain himself. She pulled herself up beside him and picked up her buzzing phone, “why thank you Carmy, mhm no cane we’re not dealing with your back and forth today. Decline and on officially do not disturb for him specifically.”

“Cane…” carmy started, curious.

She shook her head, “nope! He didn’t show up for me so therefore he doesn’t matter. Only my real friends do so…how’re you today?”

Carmy raised his brows with a smirk playing on his lips, “Jesus you’re gonna give me whiplash how quick you’re able to switch everything up…but I’m good how are you? Finally slowing down for the evening with this spring fever?”

“No. You’re taking me to your apartment tonight so I can get to planning what needs to be organized with yours.” Cambria beamed sweetly at Carmy, hands clasped in her lap as she lifted her shoulders in happiness at the thought.

Carmy asked with a curl of a smile, “are we? When was that decided?”

“My place is done so it’s time to move onto the next and don’t say you can’t because you’re taking a break from the bear.”

“It’s not really a break. There’s still plenty that’s being done behind the scenes: lots of planning and brainstorming recipes, budgeting, taking inventory and figuring out what needs to stocked with those new and old recipes, paying off debts, possibly getting some new appliances, utensils for the place—

There he goes rambling but that’s what happens when you’re so passionate about your craft. Cambria admired that, she used to be like that with teaching but…we all know how that worked out.

She quit, if you missed that earlier.

Cambria briefly massaged her fingertips against Carmy’s temples, attempting to calm his mind, “Yes but you can’t fully do that without a clean space. A clean space helps the mind breathe better.”

“Ah, okay. Whatever you say.” Carmy scratched at his brow in thought after Cambria placed her hands back down. He was feeling a bit tingly? Just from her briefly touching him…was that norma?

Anyways, Carmy knew Cam wanted to help his mental the best way that she knew how and if it was anybody else he was positive he would have shut this idea down.

“So that’s a yes? I get to stay at your place tonight?” Cambria asked.

Carmy stammered then, “I—um. I dunno everything is kinda all over the place and I’m not prepared to have you over?”

“Are you being shy on me? I don’t care what you have going on, we’ll take care of it. I only need two to three days tops.” Cambria expressed.

Carmy rubbed at the back of his neck. He hasn’t shared a space with anyone in a long time, especially with someone that he was fond of. Was he making a mistake or would this be a bonding moment?

To be closer to Cambria did actually sound nice and before Carmy’s mind could berate him about not being good enough to even be in her presence, he answered.

“Okay.” He decided.

Cambria clapped it up, throwing her arms around Carmy’s shoulder to squeeze his cheek against her’s. “Great! Let me get my bag together and we can go.”

Carmy rubbed at his face in nervousness as Cambria went into her closet to grab her things. His eyes zoned back on the buzzing phone and figured this cane guy was trying his hardest to get a hold of her but Carmy didn’t know anything of their relationship. So to avoid the curiosity, he got to his feet and walked through the bedroom while Cambria danced to herself in the walk-in closet making Carmy scoff out a laugh, as he went by standing in front of her wall of a bookcase.

His fingers trailed over the spines of books in a daze that it seemed mighty quick that Cambria was ready to go with a duffel bag.

“You have everything already?” Carmy was surprised.

“Of course!” Cambria shoved her phone charger into the bag, then put the phone into her coat pocket, “this energy is unmatched baby, let’s go.”

Carmy walked by Cambria as she shut the door to her bedroom along with the lights before following after him. The house echoed with the tv rather than music and only Sydney and Richie remained.

“Where’s the other two?” Carmy asked.

Richie uttered, “They snuck off as soon as they got the chance and I don’t blame them.”

“They’re probably off to elope.” Cambria sighed, “love that for my friends.”

Sydney eyed the bag Cambria had in her hand as she went around shutting off the kitchen light, “are you going somewhere?”

Carmy cleared his throat, “um…Cam’s gonna crash at mine for a day or two to help out with my place.”

“Ohhh…” Sydney drawled out, peeking back at Richie with a knowing look, who was all snickers.

Carmy snapped his fingers at the two, “aye, dont do that.”

“You got it, Chef. Sorry, Chef.” Sydney stood up, brushing her jeans off as she shut off the tv for Cambria who walked around the home placing the swiffer into a closet, turning off the diffuser and shoving in the chair at the oak table off to the side.

Cambria called out after double checking the side doors, “alright, everybody ready?”

“For what…you and Carmy to play house?” Richie groaned with a stretch, his arms raised high in the air.

“Only if you be his best man.”

Richie’s mouth formed into a o-shape while Carmy gripped the roots of his hair, glaring up at the ceiling and fighting his brain to not think about alters and wedding attire. It’s not something he ever thought about.

Ever.

“I’d be fucking honored.” Richie said into Cambria’s face as he went to the door, winking over at Carmy.

Sydney and Carmy followed Cambria to the door, her allowing them to exit first before she locked up her place and set the alarm through her phone then followed them to the car.

Carmy pointed, “get to the back, Richie.”

“With these legs? Hell no.”

“Sorry, I am a passenger princess.”

“What about a pillow—

Richie started just for Sydney to shove him away from the passenger side. He grumbled to himself as he awaited Carmy to unlock the door but he was preoccupied taking Cambria’s bag from her to place in the trunk.

Soon everyone piled into the car with Cambria pulling the aux cord to Sydney, “let’s see what’s on your playlist, girl. I’ve put in enough overtime today with mine.”

“Okay, sure.” She smiled, pulling her phone out.

Richie folded his arms as Cambria pulled the seat up as far as comfortability allowed for them both, “This ought to be good.”

As soft upbeat tune began to fill the car, with Carmy beginning to pull off from the curb and kept glancing over at Cambria.

“Hey…I forgot to mention earlier…I like the um, the new look. You look great. Really great.” Carmy chewed down on his lips.

Cambria ran her fingers over her slicked down 4C hair for the day, still getting used to the processed hair being gone, “thank you Carm…yeah I did the thing since you last saw me. The big chop and got shitted on for it.”

“From who?” Annoyance was clear on Carmy’s face, “Not from Janine and Gregory I hope.”

“Oh no! They’re very encouraging when it comes to life changes for the better. I thank them for that especially when I quit a few days ago, they were really there for this change of course for me. It’s just worse when it comes from people that claim they love you. The ignorance is so hurtful especially when it comes to my appearance.” Cambria vented before reaching to crack the window open, welcoming some spring air.

Carmy peeked over at Cambria sensing she felt a way about her new do. “Fuck them then. It’s your life and if you want to adjust some shit and they don’t like it then that’s their problem. You don’t need anyone’s validation but your own.”

“What Carmy said. Fuck them and tell ‘em to go scratch.”

That earned some laughter from Cambria, followed by the rest in the car.

“Really richie?”

“Well yeah! I don’t play that bullying or verbal abuse shit. Not saying that’s the case but no one should make you feel low because of what they say. Which I know might be a shocker coming from a guy who doesn’t know how to shut their own trap but I stand by what I said.” Richie ranted and it was clear he meant that.

Carmy was glad Richie was being serious about this.

“How ironic is it that the shuffle is playing India.Arie right now? You’re so much more than what anyone says…remember that Cambria.” Sydney quickly added, making the woman smile as she settled into the passenger side.

It was a joy to be accepted when there’s been multiple decades full of trauma. Cambria only hoped she could do the same for everyone in the car, including herself.

The ride consisted of uplifting songs thanks to Sydney reading the room— or rather car which provided a sense of contentment for everyone even if it was only for a little while.

Carmy dropped Sydney and Richie behind the bear where Richie’s 1998 Toyota Corolla sat, the blue eyed man patiently waited for Sydney’s response on if she wanted to take Richie’s offer on getting her home this Saturday evening. When Richie turned his back after kissing both of Cambria’s cheeks through the window and attempted to lightly slap Carmy’s face, Sydney held up her phone mouthing that she’d text Carmy later to let him know she made it alive.

Doing the honors of waiting for Richie’s car to start, which was shaky mind you—Carmy let Richie lead the way from the alleyway, both turning right towards the lights. The ten minute drive to Carmy’s apartment was more nerve-wracking for him than it was for Cambria who seemed like this was the most normal thing.

Going home with him.

And little did they know, the high beams that followed them to Carmy’s apartment contained Cane, watching their every move since they left Cambria’s condo.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Carmy stood at the entryway of the kitchen as Cambria sat criss-cross on the floor, pulling off the sweater she had on underneath her discarded jacket in Carmy’s room, leaving her in a hot pink tank top.

“Gatorade?”

“As if you need anymore sugar. What about some water?”

Cambria tossed her head back letting out a groan, “you’re killing me. Yes, anything is fine, Carm.”

The water bottle slips from his shaky hand, making him let out a few curse words before he retrieved the dented bottle and made his way to the living room. The itchy couch is pressed up against the wall, a glass table is in the center, a floor lamp is tucked in the corner in between the couch and where his small black bookcase sits, which is what Cambria is currently preoccupying herself with, and the tv sits on a stand Carmy scored for a bargain at a flea market back in Fordham.

If it was one place Carmy didn’t mind to be in at his apartment, it would shockingly be his living room opposed to his kitchen. Although he spent the least time at this apartment, Carmy didn’t feel pressure just simply sitting in the center of the home. He didn’t like to get attached to places and he wasn’t sure if this was even that but there was so much surrounding him in the living room that it didn’t feel suffocating like the other rooms.

“Your bookcase is solid,” Cambria mentioned as she flipped the pages to one of the many cook books Carmy’s collected, “not as speculator as mine though. You could use a bit of variety but A- for effort.”

Carmy scoffed out a laugh as he sat back on his couch, “I’ll take it but until you recommend me something just as inspiring, I’ll take that with a grain of salt.”

“Oh I have plenty, just name your genre.” Cambria placed the book back, before sitting back on the floor to almost chug the water.

“Non-fiction.”

“Type?” Cambria almost panted from the water.

“Memoirs.”

“Locked in.” Cambria tapped her temple to remember it.

“So what’s your analysis of this shitty place?” Carmy questions after moments of silence.

Cambria almost whips her head back to look at him, not liking him taking down on this place but said, “just a few tweaks. Nothing that can’t be handled with the power of Cam and Carm.”

“Oh shit, really?” Carmy snorted, “you’re making this out to be like some sort of sitcom.”

Cambria smiled at him, chin tucked into her shoulder that he almost forgot the usual fatigue that was starting to set in, “Cam and Carm has a little spice to it, don’t you think?”

“What’re we a new seasoning now?” Amusement was in his bright blues.

Cambria nodded her head in satisfaction as she popped her collar, “let me cook, chef.”

“Heard.” Carm raised his hands, water bottle in one of them as he gave her a crooked smile before placing the bottle to his lips.

Cambria got to her feet, moving to sit beside Carmy as he placed his feet onto the table. The look she shot him made Carmy roll his head over to meet her burning stare.

“What?”

“It’ll be your task to wipe that down.”

“Fine.” Carmy sighed, making no move to put his feet down as Cambria scooted closer to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder.

Carmy hoped his heart wouldn’t burst right out of his chest at Cambria’s comfortability. So he played it cool, switching on the tv, which illuminated the dim room as he flipped through the channels, settling on some survival in the woods show, which put Cambria right to sleep.

And he followed suit, not long after, with his head gently resting against Cambria’s and her squeezing his tatted arm tighter and locked with her own.

That turned out to be the best sleep Carmy’s received in awhile.

❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗

Continue along with my anthology works I’ve written during this spring season here.

259 notes · View notes

jazziejax · 3 months

Text

𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲

𝐌𝐬.𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥

Pairings- Black!OC x Abbott Elementary Cast, later Black!OC x Manny (Can be read as x Reader though!)

Summary- S1E1-Light Bulb with Naoya Lovel

Warnings- Swearing, kids, mixed race reader( those aren't warnings really, just what to expect)

Jazzie'sNotes!- let me know what you guys think!! I've been really obsessed with Abbott Elementary recently and I'm contemplating if I want to write S1&S2 just to get to the Manny season. I want to get there fast but I know what won't be possible with two seasons worth of writing. Let me know what you guys think I should do.

Word Count- 5,680

“Ten seconds!” Jacob yelled over his shoulder at the people in the room. Melissa and Barbra rushed over to the sitting area in front of the television that played the action news. Naoya sitting the opposite of them on the small couch.

“Oh, we love Action News! Get in early just to watch it.” Melissa said to the cameras. “It just really calms you down after wanting to take a wrench to someone's side mirror in traffic.” She beamed as if what she said was totally normal.

“But the Philadelphia region continues to suffer, temperature in the mid-90s with a heat index approaching 100…” The television said as they all sat and watched.

“Now I’m a proud married Christian woman and I love my husband. But there’s something about that Jim Gardner.” Barba gushed to the cameras. “That non-regional diction.” The woman was practically blushing just at the thought of the man.

“It is so important to support and acknowledge local journalism, okay?” Jacob started. “There’s no agenda here. This is—This is one going, in the streets, powerful stuff.” He explained seriously.

“I get in early just to see my aunt Magnolia on the screen. She’s a news anchor and I like telling her what I like and dislike about her outfits every morning.” Naoya nodded nonchalantly.

“Wouldn’t want to see that dog in traffic.” Jim Fardner said as they all laughed while watching a little Pomeranian dog drive a toy car.

“Yes, Jim.” Barbra agreed, not seeing the confused look Noaya gave her from the side.

“I like the news because that’s when I can say whatever I want and nobody asks any questions.” Mr.Johnson told the cameras with a smirk.

“I’m taking a personal day.” The old man said as he entered the room, looking at the backs of everyone’s heads as they continued to watch the morning news. “Going fishing with my friends. Anyways, toilet papers in the closet.” He said before walking out.

“I hear him.” Naoya nodded, giving the people behind the camera a small smile. “I hear everything. Plus he is a hilarious old man and I wanna know all his secrets. I am this close to cracking him.” She said with an evil smirk making its way into her face as she lined her fingers together to indicate a small amount.

“I saw Jim Gardner once. At the Chipotle.” Barbra smiled bashfully, not taking her eyes away from the television. “Ooh, he orders a bowl so handsomely.” She gushed. Naoya gave the older woman another look, this time more concern than confusion.

It was only a moment later that Jacob was going through the break room fridge, poking around for something. “Who’s branzino is this?” He asked, holding the fish dish in his hands. “This is a very powerfully smelling fish to put in a shared fridge.” The boy complained as politely as he could, closing the ice box with a disgusted look on his face.

“Don’t touch it,” Melissa said looking up from her phone. “I’m making it right at my cousin Annette’s.” She made her way over to have a seat in her usual spot next to Barb. “She thinks she’s the best cook in the family. I’m gonna show her in a non-threatening way. Imma look cuter than her too.” She smirked.

“I have a distant cousin named Annette,” Naoya said, finishing up the delicious breakfast sandwich that she had every morning. “She was psychotic though, used to put poison in the condiments at restaurants.” The younger woman stated, looking off in thought as the rest stared at her in disbelief. “I haven’t seen her in ages. Don’t want to either, she was butt ugly.” She then took a sip of her orange juice.

Just as she finished, Janine walked into the room, putting her bag down on the table in front of Melissa and Barbra. “Guys, the lights in the back hallways have been out for weeks.”

“Thank you for the update,” Melissa said as she applied more makeup.

“What are you wearing?” Barbra asked, looking her up and down.

“And we need to do something about it. Okay?” The short woman tried to sound demanding but it didn’t come off that way. “Uh, Melina, from your class.” She started, pointing at Melissa. “Yeah, she was afraid to come to school this morning. Said it looked like “The Shining.” And I don’t even get how she knows that reference.”

“She loves “The Shining,” Melissa stated.

“It’s a classic movie.” Jacob chimed in.

The camera panes Naoya’s way, who looks at them at their movements. ‘Never seen it.’ She mouthed with a shrug of her shoulders.

“This isn’t okay, alright?” Janine stressed. “And I already talked to Mr.Johnson and he said that there isn’t anything he can do.

“What do you want us to do about it?” Barbra asked the girl tiredly.

“I mean, it can’t be hard. It’s just screwing in a few new bulbs.” The small woman stated.

“Janine, just worry about what can be controlled.” Barbra cut her off.

“Exactly.” Melissa agreed. “All we can do on a hot day like this is our own jobs, anyway.”

“I know what’s right,” Ava said as she barged into the room and made her way over to the coffee machine. “Why is it February and hotter than the devil’s booty hole outside?” She asked.

“Climate Change.” Jacob and Naoya said at the same time, causing them to point at one another in recognition while Ava shot both of them a tired look. “We are living in the middle of its disastrous effects. The permafrost in Russia—” He was about to rant before Ava cut him off.

“Nerd.” The woman said between coughs, which sounded more like a laugh. Naoya rolled her eyes while Jacob just turned back to what he was doing.

“Ava.” Janine started, walking up to the woman who was still laughing from her childish joke. “Can someone from the city come and check on the back hallway lights?”

“Girl, no.” The woman answered, her usual judgmental look on her face. “Do I look like the Kool-Aid man?” She asked, halving around the room. Her eyes stopped on Naoya, who raised her eyebrows in question. “Don’t answer that.” She pointed at the woman, who just shrugged it off. “I don’t have enough juice to manipulate the inner workings of city hall.” The principal continued, looking back at Janine and scoffing before making her way out. “They’ll probably come in the summer.” She said as the bell rang.

“I’m the summer?” Janine asked after doing a double take at her words. But the woman was long gone and the others were making their way out of the room to their classes.

“Tough break. Want some egg white bites?” Jacob asked, easing closer to Janine and holding out a plate. The solemn woman looked up at him with a new determination. “No. I don’t have time to eat.” She said before walking out. Jacob was mid-bite when he turned and faced Naoya, who was putting her bag over her shoulder. And before the man could even speak, the woman stopped him. “No, I don’t want your peasant food, Jacob. It’s insulting that you would ask someone as cultured as myself such a question.” She started before strutting out of the break room. Jacob stood there in disbelief.

“It’s just egg white bites, you put them in the microwave.”

▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣▣

“Janine, what on earth are you doing on that thing?” Naoya asked as she rushed down the hall to the smaller woman who stood on a ladder. She had just come from using the restroom and leaving a class of a bunch of nine to ten-year-olds unattended for even a few seconds could lead to chaos. She didn’t know that chaos would be the grown woman who was the height of a nine to ten-year-old.

“I’m going to fix this broken light.” The woman said determinedly, only a step above the floor in the heightening tool. Naoya made it next to her, seeing the woman wasn’t doing much movement. She placed her hands on her hips, a smug look on her face. “Janine, you are not meant to go to those heights. God gave you your stature for a reason. Plus you’re terrified.”

“I am not terrified.” The woman said, shooting a glance at her. At that, Naoya gave her a knowing look before ushering the woman to go ahead. Janine nodded and looked back at the matter, fear gripping her. She gulped looking back at Naoya. “Okay, I am terrified but I’m gonna do it because I’m on a mission.” She said before carefully making her way up the ladder.

“If this backfires, you buy my dinner,” Naoya asked, after checking in on her classroom through the glass door, seeing them still doing their reading time. At that, Janine gave a confused look to the air, since she was too scared to look down. “Uh, no. This bet is not in my face, at all.”

“Well, at least have some faith in yourself, goodness gracious.”

At that, Janine continued, taking the cover off the lights and continuing to tweak at the wires. “See, look at this. It was just a loose wire.” The woman said, briefly glancing down at the people below her. She then connected the wire with another one, watching as the light stopped flickering. But it didn’t stop for long, the bulbs brightening before bursting in her face.

“Oh!” The woman screamed as she ducked:

“Janine!” Naoya yelled from below her, hosing her arms out in case the woman fell. Instantly, all the rooms were filled with the sounds of confusion and discomfort. The doors opened as the teachers exited.

“Oh, God! Can someone please help me down?” Janine asked, her voice shaking from the fear of the height she was at and the bulb exploding before her.

“And why would we do that since you caused this situation?” Melissa asked as she propped her door open.

“Okay, I didn’t know doing this would cause all the power to go out.” Janie tried to justify, still clutching onto the ladder.

“Well, the power is not all out,” Barbra stated. “It’s on in some places and off in others.”

“It’s off in my room,” Gregory said.

“On in the gym.” The coach said tiredly, slugging up to the group.

“Yeah, it’s off in my room,” Melissa spoke back up. “Thank God we got the A/C or we’d all be meltin’ already.”

“Okay, well before anyone freaks out, the best thing to do in these situations is just stay calm and—” Naoya started as she looked around the group but was silenced by the frantic voice of their terrible and terrified principal.

“Okay! This is it, y'all! The End Times!” The woman said as she rounded the corner in a hurry, a light strapped to her head. “It’s three months early, but it’s happening!” She said, as she closed in on them, giving the closest thing to her a tousle, which happened to be the very thing that was holding Janine up.

“Aah, don’t shake the ladder.” The smaller woman yelled from up top.

“Gregory is the only person that can stay in my bunker, so stop asking.” The crazed principal continued. Naoya’s head jerked back at her words, shocked at the woman’s blatant advancements that were harassment at this point.

“Ava,” Barbra started, holding her arms out in a non-offensive manner to calm the woman. “It is just a partial power outage. Alright, listen up everyone—.”

“Listen to Barbra, y'all!” The doomsday woman yelled, still latched into the latter out of fear.

“Are you kidding me?” Janie asked, clasping at the top of the ladder for support as it shook again.

“This is what we’re gonna do.” Barbra started again. “Everybody without power, please, head to the gym.”

“Head!” Ava chimed in again.

“We will conduct classes there until this is all fixed. It is not ideal—.” She stressed, looking up at the culprit on the ladder. “But it will work.”

“You hear her. Let’s go!” Ava demanded with a nod.

“Guys!” Janie called from the top of the ladder, causing them all to look up at her. “I-I just wanna I-I’m sorry, everybody.” The woman said nervously. “I just thought if I could get up here and get this done then we wouldn’t have to wait and..”

“And look where it landed us, baby girl.” Barbra cut in. “Everybody please head to the gym. We’ve got bigger fish to fry now.”

“Oh, Jesus! My branzino! Everybody out of the way. Out of the way!” Melissa yelled as she sprinted down the hall filled with children.

“Well, if someone can please help me! I feel like I’m one wobble away from death!” Janie begged from where she fluted the top of the ladder. At that, Naoya walked closer, raising her hand to help guide the woman down but was intercepted by Gregory's large arms. The two people glanced at each other, unexpected by the other one's move. Naoya waved her hand, signaling him to help instead. “Thank you,” Jannie said, too spooked to even pay attention to the odd interaction before her. “Okay, give me your hand. Take your time.” Gregory soothed, his large hand latched onto Janine’s. When he was turned away from her, she gave the camera an odd look, scratching the back of her ear. “Whenever you're ready.”

“Okay.” Janine sighed. There was a moment of silence between them all as they waited. “Am I doing it?” Janie asked, just standing there.

“No, honey,” Naoya spoke up, raising an eyebrow at such an odd question.

“Okay, let’s do a count of three.” Janine reiterated, adjusting herself to prepare.

“Okay,” Gregory started. “One, two…three.” He finished and the woman still wasn’t moving. “One more time.” He said.

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“This is all my fault,” Janie said as she looked around the gymnasium at all the students. The shock clock then went off, the constant noise startling Gregory, who paused his class to speak to the woman. “Yeah, you probably shouldn’t have tried to do the job of a newly graduated DeVry student, but this is okay.” The man sassed, with an awkward smile as she gestured around the room. Melissa was teaching her kids the best she should with something in flashcards, while Barbra was teaching her students to tell time.

Naoya was on the other side of the room, all her students sitting in rows with their eyes closed and taking deep breaths, with her in the front as a group meditation process. She chose this alternative instead of their gym scheduled gym activities, so the kids weren’t accidentally hitting four-year-olds in the head with basketballs.

Janine sighed, going to pick up her phone that pinged. She read the messages she got from Tariq, and that pissed her off even more. Well, it wasn’t helping her attitude for today.

“I made this mess, and I need to fix this.” She said again, looking around at the distressed room of teachers.

“Okay, but fix this how? Gregory asked her. “It seems very outside of your skill set. You should probably just wait for somebody to get to it—.” He tried to reiterate what Barbra had been saying all along and Janine was not having it.

“I don’t want to wait for someone to get to it!” Janine hissed. “You know, our children have needs that deserve to be met. And I’m going to fix this. Nothing is going to get in my way.” She said determined.

“What if you have to climb another ladder?” Gregory finally asked. “Those seem very tricky for you.”

“No.” That was all Janie gave him. “Not today.

Sometime later, the bell rang, signaling to everyone that it was much time.

“Aren’t you going to lunch, Janine?” Melissa asked as she, Barbra, Gregory, and Naoya made their way to the gymnasium doors.

“Uh, no, I’m actually gonna stay and help the lunch ladies with lunch.” The shorter woman tried to find a reasonable excuse.

“The lunch ladies don’t like you, Janine. They never say hello back.” Naoya said, crossing her arms as she looked at the woman across from her. “So, is that what you’re really doing?”

“Yes!” She answered. “And maybe trying to get the lights back on.” She rushed out at the end, hoping no one heard. At that, the two older women groaned.

“Would you give that a rest?” Melissa started. What do you want? To make the whole school blow up?”

“No!” The woman said as she folded her arms. “Plus, I can’t. Luckily the school was built as a bomb shelter in WWII, so…”

“Let it go.” Barbra practically begged the girl before her before she and the rest of the teachers started walking away.

“Okay, I will.” The woman told them, watching them exit. She and Gregory held long eye contact, both knowing the truth deep down. After they were gone, Janine looked back down at her phone, not paying attention to her friends next to her.

“You’re not gonna let it go, are you?” Jacob spoke up.

“No, I’m not gonna let it go, Jacob, okay?” She said, giving the two of them a look. “I need to right my wrongs.”

“Okay, we’ll count me out.” He said, waving her off.

“I never counted you in,” Janine said to him, confused about where he got that from.

“Well, then count me in.” He restated. “Because I don’t have any lunch plans.”

“Okay.” She sighed. She then looked at the woman next to him, her purse on her shoulder. “Weren’t you going to lunch?” She asked.

“You owe me lunch, remember? Your plan backfired.” She reminded the woman from earlier with a shrug. Janine sighed, turning away from them and walking, knowing they would follow. “That’s not how bets work, Naoya. Both people have to agree.”

“That’s how my bets work and you owe me food, woman!”

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“This is just like the one in my apartment, this is going to be easy,” Janine stated as the three of them made their way to the breaker box that was in the custodian closet. “Me and Tariq have to go in that thing like three times a month.” She said them behind her, Jacob holding the flashlight above her head.

“Maybe you should move.” The man suggested.

“Yeah. Tariq says he is “practicing” his credit score.” Janine struggled out and she pushed to get the metal box open. “Apparently 380 isn’t a good—.” She continued to struggle, her words getting lost in her. “Let me try,” Naoya said as she softly nudged the smaller woman out of the way. She gave the box a pull and the thing popped open. She turned and smiled at the two. “I loosened it,” Jannie said, trying to save face.

“Sure, Jan,” Naoya said, going back to looking in the box. “Oh..” she said, looking at the jumbled mess of wires and switches.

“Oh, no,” Janie said, looking at the same thing. “Don’t touch. Not even a little bit.” She read out loud, giving the camera a certain look. “Uh, okay. What’s that say?”

“End of the Road? It’s so hard to say goodbye?” Naoya read out loud, looking at the labels next to some of the switches. “What? Motownphil—These are Boyz II Men songs.” She deadpanned, turning to the rest of them.

“Why?” Jannie asked, moving to stand in front of the box herself.

Jacob chuckled. “It’s ironic ‘cause I’m on Bended Knee.” He joked, giving the camera a brief look. Naoya genuinely snickered while Janie just laughed awkwardly. “Heh. Okay.” She said before going back to the wires. “Oh God, why is that one hot?” Offering them a glance of concern. “Let me try this one.” She said and just a flip of a switch caused a giant spark to erupt, the trio screamed and jumped back to dodge the sparks as best as they could.

“What in the world.”

“What going on?”

Melissa and Barba exclaimed as she entered the hot and dark school building with children running around. “It’s so hot I’m gonna frizz.” Just then, Janie and Jacob came out of the appliance closet, their hair a mess from the static they endured. The three teachers who left for lunch automatically knew who the culprit for everything was.

“Janine! What did you do?!” Barbra asked, quite fed up with the younger woman. “Looking like ‘who shot John.’”

“Barbra, look, I know you told me to let it go, but I couldn’t. Jacob and Naoya—.” At that, she looked back to see where the woman was but she was nowhere to be found. “Jacob helped me open the breaker.” She was quick to accuse.

“I ran away as soon as the sparks started flying. I was looking out for myself.” The woman shrugged as she leaned against the wall next to her. “Plus, I wasn’t about to get yelled at by Barb for this whole mess.”

“It was a chance to support a strong Black woman.” The man next to her breathed out, in a state of shock, quite literally.

“The breaker?!” Melissa asked. “Janine! You can’t do this stuff! What had you come to work today and lose your mind?”

“Look, I—.” She tried to find something to say. “I just have—she gulped—I feel lightheaded.” She said as she swayed.

“Ohh, okay,” Barbra said worriedly as they all closed in on the smaller girl.

“Did you eat today, because I know you didn’t have lunch,” Melissa asked the girl worriedly.

“And you didn’t have any breakfast,” Jacob stated, his tone showing his concern for the woman’s wellbeing. Janine couldn’t even say anything, her balance was off and her mind was delirious.

“Okay, we’re losing her,” Melissa yelled, easing up on the girl. “Do I have your consent to slap you?” At that, Janine fell backward into Gregory’s arms just as Ava and Naoya rounded the corner. “There she goes,” Melissa said over the shocked screams of her colleagues. “She’s out.”

“Yall feel this heat?” Ava asked, just now seeing the sight of the woman on the floor before her. “Oh my God! She’s pale like a zombie! You know, they eat the hottest people first, let me back my tasty ass up.” Ava said, going back to where she came from down the hall. At her stupid words, Naoya was tempted to follow her but snapped out of it when she saw Janine on the floor.

“Uh, okay! I’m gonna go see if I can get some water out of the fridge. Hopefully, it’s still cold.” Naoya said before running off.

“Oh my God, my branzino!” Melissa yelled, moving to push Barb back.” “Excuse me, Barb. She’ll be okay!” She yelled as she pushed the older woman out of her way and jumped over the unconscious woman.

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Once Janine woke up from her little coma, the coach told her that all the kids and teachers were outside. She walked out to see all of them playing in the water that was sprouting from the fire hydrants while the teachers lunged in chairs. “Oh, look who’s back in the land of the living,” Melissa said once she saw the small woman exit the school.

“Who opens the fire hydrant?” Janine asked

“Well, as Melissa would say, snitches get stitches,” Barbra said.

“It was Naoya,” Jacob whispered to his shorter friend, pointing over at said woman who was playing in the water with the children. She had her bat at her side, leaning her weight on it as she splashed the kids who came near her to throw water her way.

“That is correct.” Melissa started again. “But I am not talking to you on account of you killing my branzino.” She said, before leaning back in her seat. Barbra gave her a look and cleared her throat. Melissa looked at the woman from under her shades and sighed a little before sitting back up. Barbra then got up from her seat, allowing Janine to take it.

“So that’s it, huh?” Janine asked, looking around at the kids. “I , uh, gave it my all, passed out, and ruined the school day?”

“Oh, you tanked,” Melissa told her. “You tanked Janine. You took the whole school down with you. It was impressive.” She pressed, knowing she was pushing the woman’s buttons.

“Look, I know. I should’ve stopped. I’m sorry.” Janine sighed. “I just felt so bad when I saw that look on Melina’s face this morning.”

“You don’t think it kills us to see those faces in the morning?” Melissa asked her. “What, are we made of stone? You’re not the first person to feel things, kid. We care.”

It was silent for a moment as Janine thought over the woman’s words. “How do you and Barbra stop yourselves from caring too much if that’s a thing.”

“Because it’s the opposite.” Melissa smiled at the girl as she took off her shades. “We care so much we refuse to burn out. If we burn out, who’s here for these kids? That’s who you gotta take care of yourself.”

“Yeah, what’s with you today Nini?” Both women jumped at the sound of Naoya’s voice, while the woman just stood behind them with her bat. “You’re normally bananas, but…” She trailed off, waving at the girl's aura.

“Uh, I don’t know. Just some stuff at home, I think.” Janine shrugged with an answer.

“Oh, okay,” Melissa said with a nod. “See, that’s the other thing me and Barbra learned. All that at-home stuff—you gotta leave it at the door. Otherwise, you open up a whole nother Panera’s box of problems.”

“I think you mean Pandora’s box,” Naoya told the woman sitting in front of her.

“Nah, I’m pretty sure it’s Panera’s box.” She nodded, while Janine and Naoya both gave the camera a look.

Later on that day, Naoya was in her room in the process of changing the clothes she had on into some that she kept in her closet. She enjoyed playing in the water with the kids but she was not going to go home wet. As she was in the process of changing, she got a phone call. Looking down at her phone, she saw the contact and quickly answered the phone.

“Hello, Adona.” The girl sighed into the phone as she pulled a new shirt over her head.

“Oh, well don’t sound so pleased.” The feminine voice over the phone said to her. Naoya rolled her eyes, as she opened the drawer of her desk and pulled out a plastic store bag. She offered the camera a glance, knowing they were probably thinking as to why she kept so many plastic bags in her drawer. But all she could offer them now was a shrug as the voice over the phone continued.

“Anyways, how are you?”

“What do you want, Adona?” Naoya spat, stuffing her semi-wet clothes into the plastic bag.

“What? I can’t see how my own sister is doing?” The woman said over the phone, the hurt in their voice obviously sarcastic.

“No, but I know you. And I know that you only call when you need money. Money for something other than your child.” The younger girl snapped over the phone. All she got in response was a sigh and some shuffling from the other end.

“You know, you don't have to rub it in.” Adona started, and Naoya rolled her eyes at the woman’s words, knowing this conversation was about to go to the argument they always had. “This all would have been so much easier if the rest of us weren’t left out of her will.”

“That’s not my fucking fault, Adona. I tell you that every time you call. Do you think I want the burden of you and the others calling me every month for some fucking bill for me to pay? Not to ask how I’m doing?” Naoya spat at her sister over the phone. She could feel her eyes start to sting, she was never the best at arguing when it came to her family. She’d been called sensitive all her life and it rang true every time she talked to her siblings.

“ “The others”? That’s what you call us? You’re family?” That was all Adona could say back. Naoya rolled her eyes and let out a scoff, pulling the phone away from her face as she sniffed and held her head back, trying to stop her tear flow. After only a few quick seconds, she brought the phone back to her face. “Uh, I can already see where this is going, so I’m gonna end it here. Just send the amount and I’ll talk to you some other time. Take care.” She said before pressing the red button on her screen to end the call.

She placed her phone in her back pocket and moved around her room to gather her things, trying her best to occupy her mind from what just ensued. She was so in her head that she forgot the cameras were there. And she didn’t hear the voice of Gregory at her door.

“Naoya?” He called out to her.

She looked up at the sound of his voice as she placed her things into her bag. “Oh, Hello Gregory.” She smiled, her face showing none of the emotions she was feeling.

“You’ve eaten?” He asked, just standing in the doorway of her classroom.

“Uh, no, actually. Janine was supposed to buy me lunch because I bet that her plan would backfire.” The woman said as she placed her things in her arms. At that, Gregory gave her a questioning look. Naoya raised her hands in surrender. “I know, I sound like a terrible friend. But it’s not that I don’t believe in Janine, I just know how to black a bet. Get it from my father.” The girl shrugged. She and Gregory both laughed lightly. And when it died down, they just started at one another, the air between them oddly peaceful.

“But, uh, are you offering?” She asked, looking at the man before her.

“Uh, yeah. I was going to ask Janine too.” He said, pointing his thumb in the direction of the said woman’s room.

“Cool! Let’s go.” She said with a genuine smile, causing the man to smile at her as well. They walked out and over to Janine’s room, where it looked like the woman was doing something on her phone. Gregory knocked on her door to get her attention. “Hey.” He said.

“Hey,” Jaimie said, looking at the two.

“Have you eaten?” He asked.

“Oh. No. The um, lunch lady gave me that can of peaches but no can opener, so, no.” She chuckled, pointing at the can on her desk.

“What? No fair! You’re so lucky. Well, besides the whole can opener situation. ” Naoya said jokingly.

“Alright, we’ll, you wanna go get something to eat? With me?” Gregory said before Naoya lightly cleared her throat. “With us?” Gregory was quick to reiterate. Naoya nodded, offering the slightly flustered older man a brief look.

“Oh,” Janine said, looking between the two. “I was gonna wait for my boyfriend to finish his show to eat…” She said. Naoya nodded at her words, understanding where she was coming from. Well, understanding as best as she could because she’d never wait to eat for a man. But maybe that was love. She caught the way Gregory’s posture changed at Janin’s words out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t say anything but she did give me a crazy side-eye, hoping he noticed.

“But…no.” The shorter woman started back up with a laugh. “I’m hungry now, so I should eat now, right?”

“That’s typically how hunger works, yeah.” Gregory played along.

“Right! Normal people eat at normal times, like…4:00.” She said, pointing over at the clock on her wall.

“Yeah. All true.” Gregory said with a nod before smiling. “So, let’s go eat.”

“Let’s. Okay.” Janine said with an equally large smile before moving to grab her things. At that, Naoya turned around to head out the door, not wanting to be in the middle of an obvious love fest. She gave the cameras outside a knowing look, a large smirk on her face.

Seconds later, the two of them walked out of the room, Naoya joining them to go down the hall. On their way, they ended up meeting Jacob.

“Oh, hey guys, what up?” The man said.

“We’re just headed to get something to eat,” Gregory answered.

“Oh, great, I’ll join.” The man just inserted himself, not catching the looks thrown his way by the three. “After school crew.” He continued.

“Ooh, “After School Crew.” I like that.” Janine smiled. They all ended up stopping at the lights coming on within the school. They looked over to see Mr.Johnson in the supply closet, standing next to the breaker machine in his fishing gear.

“You touch the lights, didn’t you, Janine?” He asked, shooting an accusatory look the woman’s way.

“Yes,” Janine answered with a defeated look.

“Good thing I got me a system.” The man told her, flicking the breaker box closed. “I’ll make love to you. Like you want me to.” He continued to sing. This caused them to all sigh and continue walking. Naoya stayed behind, a fond smile on her lips as she watched the old man. When he caught the sight of the woman still there, he paused and looked at her.

“You have a good fishing trip?” She asked the man, crossing her arms over another. The man looked at the girl kind of shocked that she asked and that she knew.

“Yeah. Yeah, I actually did.” He said, offering her a smile of his own. Naoya nodded at his words before walking away, following the crew that left her. Mr.Johnson looked at the spot she left, a fond smile on his face as she continued to sing the song.

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defectivevillain · 2 years

Text

the fiction of our love

pairing: gregory x male reader

author’s note: y’all abbott elementary is a masterpiece. i've been watching quinta’s videos since she was at buzzfeed,,, and it’s so amazing to see her flourishing and getting the recognition she deserves!

anyway... i love gregory so. much. so i had to write a lil something. hehehehe.

word count: 2.2k [ao3 version here]

You’re not having the best day. Your car nearly got towed—despite you being parked in the right spot—and you tripped walking up the stairs in the school. Safe to say, it’s just one of those days. The moment you begin to forget the morning’s grievances, however, one of your students is throwing up.

“Let’s get you to the bathroom, Jadah” you say, leading your student by the hand to the women’s bathroom. You pray that no one is in there right now. Jadah walks into the bathroom and you hesitantly follow her, intent on making sure she doesn't throw up again. You’re certainly not expecting to run into another man in the women’s restroom. The two of you stare at each other for a few moments.

“Um, I don’t think you’re supposed to be in here-” You say, staring at the stranger. He doesn’t appear to be threatening in the slightest, but protocol regulates that strangers shouldn’t be on the school premises.

“I don’t think you are, either.” Okay, fair point, you concede. “I’m the male stripper that Principal... Coleman hired.” You freeze and stare at the man in disbelief. He stares back with a blank expression and it takes you several moments to recover from the statement.

“The what?” You choke out. Male stripper? Surely, Ava wouldn’t stoop to such levels. You’re brutally aware of the two young students in the room, but thankfully, they both seem to be preoccupied or distracted to hear the remark.

“I’m just joking,” the man says, an awkward smile on his face. “I’m the new substitute teacher.” Of course, that is the very moment you finally notice the identification badge looped around his neck. You take a second to truly look at him, now that you know he isn’t a random stranger standing in the women’s restroom. The substitute is tall and lanky, with wide eyes that suggest that he’s a bit overwhelmed. You decide to help him out.

“Oh, great,” you smile in relief, putting aside the strange stripper comment. Ava probably said something weird to him. Poor guy. “Can you hold her hand for a moment? I can grab some pants for Jaylen here.” Jadah walks over to the substitute and you walk over to the supply closet to grab a spare pair of uniform pants. Jaylen changes in one of the stalls and you send him back to his class. Next, there’s your student. Ironically, you’re pretty sure that this new substitute actually engaged in conversation with her, which is rather impressive considering the fact that she threw up and that she doesn’t know him. Thankfully, after waiting several minutes, it seems that Jadah is feeling alright. It must’ve been something she ate.

“Alright, you should be good, Jadah; let me know if you feel funny again,” you smile, watching as she leaves to return to your classroom. Now, it’s just the substitute teacher and you standing in the wrong restroom. You stare at him for a second, before realizing that you’re forgetting your manners. “Hey, what’s your name, by the way?” You ask, making sure to introduce yourself before you forget, “I’m one of the teachers here.”

“Gregory,” the man answers. “Nice... to meet you.” He sticks out a hand and then evidently realizes that it’s dirty and abandons the gesture. You smile and wash your hands alongside him. A smile grows on Gregory’s face and you can’t help but think it's rather charming.

“Well, I hope you stick around,” you blurt out, before you can control yourself. Gregory raises an eyebrow at you, evidently confused. You grab some paper towels and dry off your hands, steadily avoiding eye contact. “Not many teachers do... But, hey. We’re doing important work here. The kids deserve the world.” With that, you leave and walk back to your classroom. After all, you left the kids with Mr. Johnson. He might be teaching them about Kanye West again, you sigh.

Admittedly, your interaction with Gregory soon falls to the back of your mind. You don’t see him for the next few days and it seems like he’s only stopping by on a temporary basis. You exchange greetings in the halls, but that’s about it. You try to pretend that you’re not disappointed about that. Nearly all of the new ones leave. You really shouldn’t expect any different.

You’re thinking about the rather high turnover rate as you walk into school one sunny morning. You mechanically make your way to the teacher’s lounge, fully intent on talking with Melissa and Barbara. They’re both fun to talk to and you enjoy getting to know them more. You walk over to their table, ready to take your seat and bemoan the nature of your existence. You quite nearly move to sit down, until there’s a hand on your wrist and a confused Gregory staring at you.

“Sorry, force of habit,” you grimace, lingering awkwardly. You’re about to walk to the other table when he pulls out a chair for you. You thank him and sit down, giving into the urge to ask the question that first came to your mind when you saw him. “Anyway, Gregory! Looks like you’re staying.”

“Yeah,” Gregory answers. He picks at the part of the table where the coating is beginning to come off. “I figured I should stay. You know, for the kids.” For the kids, you nod. You’re unable to keep the happy smile from your face. Chancing a glance at Barbara and Melissa, you find that they’re looking at Gregory and you with knowing gazes. You raise an eyebrow at them. Melissa sends you a wink and Barbara smiles, before expertly turning the conversation to something else.

After that conversation, you see Gregory a little more often. Even so, the two of you are both busy with your classes, so you don’t get much time to talk to him or the other teachers. The opportunity to get to know your coworkers soon presents itself a few weeks later.

The district requires monthly “team meetings,” which are just glorified wastes of time. Ava seems to think the same, as she remarks that she’d rather die than talk to her coworkers more than she needs to. Unfortunately, the lot of you are forced to stay together and do something during the time because of technicalities. Jacob suggests that all of you play Two Truths and a Lie. Ava suggests that he go back to ComicCon “with his nerdy self” and you have to resist the urge to laugh. Even with that insult, though, all of you are playing Two Truths and a Lie before long.

“I’ve been on a mission trip to Africa, my favorite television series is Star Trek Into Darkness, and I have a boyfriend.” Ava mumbles something about not caring about his life story. Barbara guesses that he doesn’t have a boyfriend, and Jacob spends the next ten minutes joyfully describing his boyfriend.

“What about you, kid?” You freeze and turn to look at Melissa. Suddenly, everyone turns to look at you. “Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Partner? What’dya got?”

“I’ve never dated anyone,” you mutter, before you can think about the consequences of doing so. You’re horrible at lying, though; you’re sure that your coworkers would have noticed if you lied to them.

“That just explains so much...” Barbara of all people remarks. You frown at her and she smiles apologetically, clearly joking.

“Are you Mormon?” Ava asks, squinting at you for a moment. Dread coils in your chest. This is about to be a vicious burn—you can feel it. “’Cause you need more men.” Sure enough, she absolutely decimates you with that one. You take a deep breath and try to manifest a serenity that you’re not quite feeling.

The group—and by the group, you mean mostly Ava—just won’t change topics. You stick it out for a while longer, but after nearly ten minutes of “playful” insults, you have to leave the room. There’s a tightness in your chest and your eyes are burning. You furiously swipe at the tears falling down your face and stride out towards the front landing. Unsurprisingly, the universe seems dead-set on spiting you, because it is absolutely pouring rain. You don't have an umbrella of any sort and you’re about to get drenched when there’s a sudden shadow over your head.

“Hey,” Gregory stands next to you, an umbrella in hand. He holds it over the two of you. There’s a concerned expression on his face as he looks at you. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” you say, leaning back against the door. Gregory moves the umbrella back ever so slightly. For an immeasurable amount of time, the two of you stand quietly. You feel mortified and humiliated, despite the fact that you knew your coworkers were joking.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve dated anyone or not.” Gregory voices, breaking the tense silence. You bite your lip and try to keep yourself from crying more.

“I know,” you answer. “It’s just... funny, I guess,” Gregory raises an eyebrow, waiting for you to continue, “I don’t think anyone realizes that I wasn’t exactly given a choice in the matter.”

“I grew up in the suburbs and it took me a long time to even realize that I didn’t like women that way. I got busy with school, then busy with work... You know, all that stuff. Never had the time or interest in romance, I guess. It started to seem like a pipe dream.

“Plus, I missed out on the whole.. high school dating experience—although, arguably, there was nothing to miss out on. Still, I got so wrapped up in everything and now I’m here and... I don’t know. I just don’t think it’s realistic.”

“Why?” Gregory asks, breaking the silence after your explanation. “Just because it hasn't happened yet... doesn’t mean it won’t. Besides, if people haven’t realized that you’re, you know, an option... That’s everybody else’s loss, not yours.”

“Thanks,” you choke out, feeling strangely emotional at the reassurance from your coworker. Gregory nods, his eyes focused on some point in the distance. You push past the burning feeling in your throat. “That’s nice of you to say.”

“It’s just the truth.” Gregory turns to look at you, an unreadable expression on his face. “If you’re interested in being with someone, I'm sure you'll find them. Whoever they are.”

You pause for a moment at hearing the uncertainty in his voice in that last statement. You chance a glance at Gregory, only to find that he’s already looking at you with an unreadable expression.

“Maybe... you’ve even already found him.” Gregory’s remark is so quiet that you have to strain to hear it. It takes you a few seconds to process his statement but, once you do, you look at him. There’s no trace of dishonesty, pity, or anything else in his expression. Suddenly, something unbelievable dawns on you. You stare at Gregory and he looks askance for a moment.

“You?” You murmur quietly. Gregory swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion. He looks conflicted. Time stretches on painfully and you can’t get rid of the anxiety prickling along your skin.

“...Me,” Gregory finally responds, just before you can frantically apologize for misinterpreting everything. “I- Sorry. That wasn't why I came out here. I just wanted to say that it doesn’t matter what they say about you. In the end, the only person whose opinion matters is yours.”

“I really didn't mean to say that. Well, I did mean it, I just didn’t mean to say it right now-” You don’t give Gregory the chance to apologize any more, instead leaning in to kiss him. He goes comically silent and for an awful moment, you think that you have once again misinterpreted things. You’re able to dismiss that notion rather quickly, though, because Gregory’s hands rise to cradle your cheeks. A moment later, the two of you break apart and you smile. Just before you can speak, the five-minute bell rings; it looks like lunch is almost over.

“Let’s go inside before lunch ends,” Gregory grimaces, opening the door for you. You wait for him to close his umbrella before the two of you walk down the hall. As you walk side by side, your hands brush up against each other and you can’t quite hide a smile. For a quick moment, Gregory clasps your hand in his and grips it reassuringly. Somehow, the moment isn’t quite quick enough, because Ava rounds the corner and sees the two of you holding hands. For a moment, the three of you just stare at each other. Gregory and you practically tear your hands apart in an attempt to look authentic. Ava doesn’t seem convinced and she shakes her head disapprovingly.

“Thin ice.” Ava shakes her head, motioning to the two of you and dragging her finger across her throat in a threatening gesture. She then walks straight towards the two of you, forcing you to step aside so that you don’t crash into her. Ava walks down the hallway towards the entrance, procures an umbrella out of seemingly nowhere, and then walks out into the rain.

“Where’s she going?” You can’t help but voice aloud. “Pretty sure she still thinks school ends after lunch,” Gregory responds. The two of you look at each other, let out annoyed sighs, and continue walking down the hall. Despite the sudden interrogation by Ava, you’re still happy. Gregory seems to be happy too, if the soft smile on his face is any indication. You clasp his hand one more time before returning to your classroom, the smile refusing to fade from your face.

endnotes

I couldn’t remember the names of any of the kids (I've only watched s1 of the series) so I just made them up, lol. I chose two j names cause it sounded cute.

i love the idea of gregory just standing in the women’s restroom, looking entirely lost, and just saying “I'm the male stripper Principal Coleman hired.” LMFAOO like what a picture

#defectivevillain #abbott elementary #Abbott Elementary x reader #Gregory eddie x reader #Gregory Eddie x male reader #Abbott Elementary x male reader #male reader #masc reader #transmasc reader

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