Work Text:
“Are you sure you’re alright with them coming over tonight?” Melissa bites her lip as she looks at you, clearly anxious at the sudden change of plans. “I didn’t expect them to invite themselves over for a lesson but at the same time, they clearly need more, I’m tired of their sad lunches mixing into the food I’ve taught them already.”
You laugh as you stand and lean over the table, pressing a soft kiss to your girlfriends’ lips. She moves quickly to deepen the kiss, her hands settling on your shoulders. You move back, smiling. Melissa was grinning at you, the dopey, I’m in love with you grin that she only saved for you.
“You do realise that I’m not going to hide in our room, it’s the Mandalorian night, I need my Bo-Katan fix.” She rolls her eyes fondly at you. “Don’t be jealous baby, I’d choose you over her any day.”
“You’re such a nerd.” She snorted. “I’m not worried about you leaving me for Bo-Katan, Unless of course Katee Shackhoff…”
“Sackhoff.” You correct as she rolls her eyes once more.
“Sackhoff, does one of those conventions but I’m more worried about you trying to stow away in her suitcase.” You laugh loudly and look at your girlfriend fondly. “I’m aware you won’t be hiding and I wouldn’t ask you too, my home, is your home now too.”
“I’m so lucky to have you.” You grin.
Melissa watches you fondly as you collect your belongings both of you getting ready to go home. You’d been together for a year now. You’d arrived just after Legendary Charter schools had lost their battle for Abbott. Finally, the school was willing to hire another teacher, so you had taken away the third graders, finally leaving Melissa to just one class of children.
You were younger. So much younger than Melissa had expected her next partner to be. You were just over half her age. She hadn’t expected it to happen. Hadn’t expected to fall in love again after she and Gary had broken up. Then you’d showed up. A kind smile on your face and Cannoli straight from Tony’s for everyone. You’d already been a teacher at another school in Philli. You were young but seasoned and she could tell by the way you acted with the kids.
You’d been upfront with the fact that you dated women. You’d laughed over Ava’s flirting. Telling Ava you liked an older woman and then specified a red head with a wink in Melissa’s direction. She’d thought you were joking at first. Brushing off your flirty Banter until it was Valentine’s Day. You had surprised her with tickets to the Valentine’s day Flyer’s game and kissed her afterwards.
The kiss was shy, like you weren’t sure how she’d react. She’d seen the fear in your eyes when you’d moved away. She knew there were a 101 reasons she could think of in her head for you both to end this right there and then. Age. Your job. Maybe not a 101 but her fear could get the better of her.
But seeing you, in an overly large flyers hoody, face red from the cold, biting your lip and waiting for her to say something. She didn’t give a shit about any of them anymore. All she knew is she wanted to kiss you again.
And she did.
From them on, you’d made sure she knew just how serious you were about her. You’d both decided to keep it between yourselves at work. Though Melissa was noticeably kinder to you than she was to most, apart from Barb. Of course, Barb knew. Melissa would never keep anything like that from her. She was happy and so were you.
You’d walked out of the school together, both getting into different cars even though you were both heading to the same destination. She expected after this you would finally be able to share a ride, maybe eventually get rid of your car. But you knew you were thinking too far ahead.
You soon found yourself pulling up in front of the house you shared with Melissa. Her car soon pulling up behind yours. You got out of the car and headed towards the house, enjoying the sound of Melissa behind you. As soon as you walked into the door you turned around, grabbing her by her leather jacket and pulling her in for a kiss. You laughed against her lips as she gasped in shock before grabbing your ass with her hands and pulling you into her.
“You know, I should of started dating younger women years ago.” She smirks as you throw your head back, laughing and slipping your arms over her shoulders. “You certainly will keep me young.”
“I just like kissing you.” You replied, a grin on your lips. “I don’t know how I’ll keep my hands off you around Janine and Jacob.”
“You will scar them both if you don’t.” She continues to smirk as you wiggle your eyebrows. “I mean, I don’t care but Janine tells Barb everything and I don’t wanna scar Barb.”
“Just what do you think I’m doing to you in front of Janine and Jacob.” You laugh as she blushes slightly. “Babe, you’re so kinky, voyeurism huh?”
“Oh, shut up you gabortz.” You gasp in mock horror. “Oh, you’re horrified at that but not what I call you in bed?”
“You are terrible, Melissa Schemmenti.” You smile at her. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Y/N, more than anything.”
The kiss you share is tender. You lean into Melissa afterwards and she holds you. Both of you stood in the hallway to your home, still in jackets, work bags slung over your shoulders, holding each other. You’d never been in love like this and you were sure she hadn’t either. You didn’t know what you had done to deserve Melissa Schemmenti but you would always be thankful.
“Come on kid, lets get ready for the children.” You watched amused as Melissa kissed your nose before placing her bag on the floor and her jacket on the hooks by the door. “At least you’ll get a decent dinner tonight.”
“You cook for me every night, its always decent.” You respond and watch as she walks up the stairs.
Gods, how you loved her.
You were upstairs when the doorbell rang. You could hear the door open and the excited voices of your work colleagues. You went into the closet and pulled out one of Melissa’s denim shirts that you were sure she’d had since the nineties. They were so comfy though, you constantly found yourself stealing them. Throwing on a pair of old jeans you wandered down the stairs towards the kitchen.
You found Melissa talking to both Janine and Jacob. She wore an older green flannel shirt and black jeans, her hair was tied up in a messy bun, to get it out of the way of the cooking. She looked beautiful. A domestic goddess.
You watched silently as Jacob began to talk about the wine he had brought over and Janine excitedly told Melissa about all the ingredients she had brought over for the Pollo alla Cacciatora they were going to make tonight. She turned to the doorway and smiled as she saw you leaning there, watching her.
“Enjoying the show?” She winked, as Jacob and Janine quickly turned to see you. “Jacob bought us wine.”
“Jacob bought you wine.” You corrected but still walked over to the man, smiling as you grabbed the bottle out of his hands. “Thank you Jacob, I’ll open it and we can drink whilst you two follow the boss’s instructions.”
“I wasn’t aware you needed lessons too?” Jacob looked confused as Janine’s eyes shot between you both. “Or are you here to hang out, is Barb here too?”
“No, just me.” You answered as you grabbed glasses out of one of the top cupboards of the kitchen and poured each of you a glass of wine. “Friday nights are usually just us.”
“Oh?” You turned and handed out the glasses, watching as it clicked in Janine’s mind and she began frantically turning your head to you both. “Do you have separate days for each of your friends?”
“Jacob..” Janine caught his attention and motioned between both you and Melissa, both of you looking amused as it finally occurred to the man.
“You live here!” He put his glass down and threw up his hands. “You’re roommates.”
“For…” Melissa looked exasperated as you laughed. “Yeah I suppose we are, they would of called us roommates between the 20’s and likely the 80’s.”
“Just like you and Zach.” You sip your wine as Jacob’s eyes go wide and he looks between both of you. “Very good friends, gal pals.”
“We’re very close.” Melissa walked over to you and threw her arm around your waist. “Aren’t we?”
“Super.” You leant your head against her shoulder and sighed happily. “Best of friends.”
“How long has this been going on?” Janine shot forward, a beaming smile on her face and you couldn’t help but laugh. “You live together so it must be a while?”
“Just over a year.” Melissa answers. “It wasn’t that we didn’t want anyone to know, we just wanted to remain professional.”
“You go into a fist fight with a parking attendant yesterday at school.” Jacob deadpanned. “You could have told us.”
“In her defence.” You looked at Jacob. “She had no right to ticket my car, I was well in the lines.”
“Gotta protect my woman from the law.” You laughed before pushing Melissa away slightly. “Hey, I was content there.”
“You have to teach them to cook, I’ll be right here, don’t miss me too much.” You tease as Melissa’s eyes grow soft. “Don’t look at me like that Schemmenti, you’ll make me get down on one knee.”
“Not if I do first.” She says it so softly, your breath catches in your throat. “Right, both of you stop staring at my girl in wonder and pay attention, I want to be able to go to bed at a decent time, we’re going to the farmers market tomorrow.”
“Gotta love the artisanal jams.” You raise your glass as you watch them begin to cook.
Watching Melissa like this, in her element was something you’d always love about her. She was so calm, so patient with them as she taught them how to chop properly, what ingredients go best with each other. It warmed your heart. You fell in love with this woman just a bit more every day.
“Hon, could you do me a favour and tell Alexa to play some music?” You chuckled and you could hear her huff. “I know I can do it but she never listens to me, she’s got a problem with me.”
“The AI in our house does not have a problem with you.” You shake your head and raise your voice slightly. “Alexa play Melissa’s Jams playlist on apple music.”
You continue to watch your love teach your friends how to cook when a particular song comes on the playlist that you can’t help but dance to. You shook me all night long by AC/DC floats out of the speakers and into the room. It starts with you just moving your head side to side before you begin move your hips, closing your eyes and losing yourself in the music.
“Enjoying yourself?” You open your eyes and see Melissa watching you with smirk on her face as Janine and Jacob continue to cook, both politely ignoring you.
“Of course.” You smirk back before dancing over to her. “You shook me all night long.”
You begin to sing along to the lyrics, not caring how terrible your singing is, watching as Melissa laughs as you throw your arms around her forcing her to dance with you. Both laughing as she span you round the room. Jacob and Janine long forgotten until the song ended and you turned around to find Janine filming you both.
“Delete it.” Melissa began to threaten as Janine’s eyes grew wide.
“Do not delete it, send it to me please.” You smile, still holding onto Melissa’s shoulders. “It’d be nice to have proof of how soft my girlfriend can be.”
“You aren’t kidding.” Jacob’s eyebrows are raised and he doesn’t even flinch at Melissa’s threatening glare. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this unguarded, I’m not even worried that you’re hiding switchblades in your hair.”
“Well, she brings it out in me.” She shrugs before her eyebrows furrow. “Wait, you’re worried I’m hiding switchblades in my hair?”
“How’s the food doing?” You ask, refusing to release the hold on your girlfriend as you look at the other two. “I’m starved.”
“It’s cooking away now, so should be done soon.” Janine replies, as Jacob sips his wine. “You guys are like super cute together.”
“Thanks.” Melissa’s blushes in your arms and you press a kiss to her cheek before releasing her from her hold. “We’re happy, you know?”
“Until Bo-Katan comes along.” You mock sigh happily, pretending your mind wanders. “Until that day, we’re very happy.”
“Haha, you damn nerd.” She huffed, shaking her head. “I’m surprised you aren’t catching up.”
“I’m not watching it without you, don’t stand here and pretend you don’t love Grogu and that you don’t have a thing for the Armorer, her voice does it for you, I just know it.” You arch an eyebrow and watch as Melissa smiles cheekily at you.
“You gonna dress up as her for my birthday?” She wiggles her eyebrows and you delight in the blush that covers both Jacob and Janine’s cheeks. “Helmet and all?”
“I won’t take it off, she doesn’t take it off.” You point out and watch as Melissa’s smile falls slightly. “Maybe I could be convinced but you know, this is the way.”
“This is the way.” Melissa replies back before snorting. “You’ve turned me into such a nerd.”
“I seem to remember Jacob telling me about your Scarlet Witch costume.” You state, before turning to Jacob. “You did tell me she wore one right?”
“I did.” Jacob admitted, smiling at the banter between you both. “Of course, this was after you confessed to having a massive crush on Wanda Maximoff.”
“Oh really?” She leant against the counter, folding her arms, a smirk once again on her face. “I still have the costume.”
“Okay!” Janine said, as the timer went off. “Perfect timing.”
“Something wrong Janine?” Melissa asks as she cocked her head. “We making you feel uncomfortable in my own home?”
“No, of course not, I just, I, this is a lot to take in, I didn’t know you were dating anybody, either of you, but no wonder you turned down the new sub.” She looks at you and your eyes widen, you hadn’t told Melissa about Danielle, the newest sub asking you out. “Oh..you didn’t…”
“Didn’t tell me the new sub had hit on her?” Melissa doesn’t look impressed, as she arches an eyebrow at you. “No, she didn’t.”
“I didn’t feel the need to, she asked me out and I said no, I’m sorry, I’m not interested.” You moved to stand in front of Melissa as Janine and Jacob prepared the food further. “I love you, you know this, next time someone hits on me, I will tell you.”
“I love you too.” Melissa moved forward and pressed her lips to your softly. “I’m not mad, I just would have preferred to have known, you’re my girl.”
“I am.” You move your hands to cup Melissa’s cheeks. “I’m yours, sweetheart.”
She smiles at you and you press a soft kiss to her nose before Jacob clears his throat, signalling that the food is ready. You move away from Melissa, giving her one last smile before you prepare the dining table for you all.
You sat across from Melissa, watching as you all ate the meal. Melissa offering a head nod of approval as Janine and Jacob rejoiced. There would be more than enough for all of you to have some for work tomorrow. You watched as they all laughed and joked, eventually finishing the meal and you made sure to clean the table for them.
Eventually you hugged both Janine and Jacob goodbye, telling Jacob you would be sure to pick him up some jam tomorrow and you would look for a specific cheese that Janine had been dying to buy. You were soon curled up on the sofa, a blanket a top of you and Melissa and you cuddled into her.
“Did I ever tell you how good you look in my clothes?” She asked as she held you close, your back pressed against her front as you cuddled. “You look so good.”
“Did I ever tell you that you look so good in everything you wear?” You smiled as she laughed. “You laugh but I mean it, you look fantastic, a domestic goddess.”
“You are too kind to this old lady.” You turn in her arms until you’re looking at her, the Mandalorian playing in the background. “You’re missing your space wife.”
“I don’t care about my space wife right now, you’re not an old lady, you’re my lady and I love you.” The softness you’d seen earlier comes over her again and your heart swells. “I want you to marry me.”
You swallow nervously as Melissa laughs but stops when she see’s the look in your eyes.
“Hon?” Her voices cracks slightly. “You’re joking right?”
“I actually went ring shopping with Barb a week ago, it’s sitting in my drawer by the bed, I was going to take you to a game and then propose outside of Tony’s or something but, I don’t think I can wait, wait here.” You quickly got up off the sofa and ran upstairs leaving a shocked Melissa laying on the sofa.
You scrambled to find the ring, finally finding the Emerald ring right at the back in a small box. You quickly hurried down stairs to find a still shocked Melissa now sat up on the sofa waiting for you to return.
“So this isn’t how I planned this but, I know it’s like soon and you’ve talked about not being sure if you want to get married again and that’s fine we don’t have to but I want you to know its an option and wow this is like terrible huh?” You cringed at yourself but were encouraged by the smile Melissa was currently giving it to you. “I love you, I love everything about you, the way you smile, you laugh, the fact that you’re so fierce when it comes to the kids and your friends, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
“Sweetheart, are you sure I’m what you want, we’re..our ages..” You cut her off.
“I am so very sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I went to Nonna, I asked for her permission, I don’t care what anyone thinks, I love you, I want you, Melissa Schemmenti, will you marry me?” You bite your lip as tears begin to show in Melissa’s eyes. “I love you, Mel, I love you.”
“You went and asked Nonna?” You nod and she lunges forward, knocking you on the floor and the ring box clatters down to the ground and she holds onto you. “Yes, yes, I will marry you.”
You hold her on the floor, her face buried into her neck, wet from the tears flowing from her eyes. You hold her tight. You want to curse anyone that could of dared to hurt this woman. To not love her how she deserves to be loved.
Eventually, she gets up and smiles down at you before kissing you softly and moving to grab the ring box from the floor. She hands it you back and you sit up, finally sliding the emerald ring onto her finger.
“I love you.” You say again, firmly. “I love you so much and I will love you for the rest of our days together.”
“I love you too, Y/N, always.” She smiles down at you before looking down at her finger. “I gotta send a picture to Barb.”
You watch as she gets up and runs to find her phone, shouting a couple of times when she realises she can’t find it before eventually you hear cheering. You listen to the snap of the camera before eventually, Barbara’s ringtone sounds on Melissa’s phone. The excited squealing coming from the older woman is something you’d never thought you’d hear.
Just like every day, you fall a little bit more in love with Melissa Schemmenti with every passing moment.
You’ve never been happier.