#I want to involve the kids (I am a preschool teacher)
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condensing it all into one post, here’s my…
works in progress
i’d abbreviate it to WIP but that looks too close to WAP and unfortunately i have the maturity of a 12 year old boy
this is in no specific order and it’ll be updated as they come in :) if you want to navigate thru the blog, i’ve organised it here and the masterlist is here
request # 1: barbie girl
“Can you do a follow up from chills where Sam does actually wear the barbie hoodie to a training or something?”
request # 2
“cannot stop thinking about sam x popstar reader and having cheesy ass love songs written about her like taylor swift’s reputation and lover albums omggg like imagine sam blushing in the crowd while reader sings to her during her concert i’m literally going insane”
request # 3
"lol what about having to fly with sam? she said it’s like her worst fear. or her getting scared"
lurking p3
social media fic with actress!reader
request # 4
“could you write one where Sam plays through a game but she’s sick? and she’s really struggling so the reader is like super worried?”
request # 5
“writing for this prompt (when the other holds onto their waist briefly as they're passing by and it just send chills down their spine) with Sam Kerr (((:”
request # 6
“i was wondering if you would want to write something with sam kerr and the reader and like they have kids and they watch sam play soccer and cheer her on or something?”
request # 7
“could you write a sam kerr fic where the reader got REALLY badly injured and trampled on in the World Cup and she’s got a bad fear of blood, so when she sees that she’s bleeding she faints on the pitch and sam immediately runs over to her (u can write the rest)”
request # 8
“Could you do one when where Sam an reader are going with Ivf an reader has a miscarriage and then later she gets pregnant if you can’t that’s fine love your writing”
request # 9
“Ok so ik that I've already sent you a prompt but I just had the BEST idea. Close your eyes and imagine this: last 10 minutes of the final, you get subbed on, and the score is 1 all, you are awarded a penalty, after final whistle bc sUsPeNsE. You aim for the goal, line it up perfectly and score, the final goal, winning the match. (Sam x reader bc why not)”
request # 10
"have u considered the other height difference option… i am a 5’11 girlie and i find sam’s aerial shenanigans hilarious like. 😮💨 girl doing all that jumping just to get to wendie renard’s normal height.. if you were taller you’d be jumping 10 feet easily but alas. anyway um. consider this a prompt for a taller gf height difference (no pressure obv!! just an idea if u felt like it lol)"
request # 11
"Heyyy could I request a sam kerr x reader where the reader is prone to like anxiety and during a match they struggle to breathe because of anxiety and the stress of the game and Sam like takes notice and tells the ref and helps them calm down. 👍😊"
request # 12
"it’s just off the back of your “bad idea right” one shot (fan btw)- just cause i’m soft asl, could we have a follow up please where it’s maybe the morning after or even later and sam is being a bit cocky/teasing/flirty and suddenly reader gets genuinely upset bc it feels like this will never end and they’ll never get over sam and sam doesn’t feel the same way. and sam immediately snaps out of it and it becomes all soft and vulnerable and hopefully happy ending?"
request # 13
"oh shiz i need like a straight mans trying to flirt with reader at like a game or an event and sam just coming up and mans is shook"
request # 14
"what about a proposal? would she do it at a game or like would the other tillies get involved? also like wedding vibes? xx"
request # 15
"ok but what about sam dating a preschool/primary school teacher? like idk but like i just thought it"
benched pt 2
"Part 2 of benched where reader goes into labor and Sam is running around like a headless chicken"
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Prelims, Kamen Rider Kuuga
The top 2 results will move on to the main bracket
propaganda and summaries are under the cut (May include spoilers)
1.12 Teacher
Sakurako helps Yusuke's former teacher renew his confidence all while Yusuke works on a new move for Kuuga to defeat the rhino Gurongi.
It shows the motivation and character development behind Godai Yuusuke. When Godai realizes his fight might cause him to miss an important meeting, he begs his historian friend Sawatari Sakurako to go in his place. Godai then focuses on killing the Grongi and stopping its murder rampage with Ichijou's help, while Sawatari meets Godai's former preschool teacher and learns the true meaning of the thumbs up, Godai's signature move.
1.20 Smile
Yusuke catches up with his friends after his death scare as Me·Ginoga·De returns once again.
This is the lightest and wholesome episode of the entire series after following two of the most hopeless and heartbreaking arc of the protagonist having a scare with death, needless to say it was like a breath of fresh air. Unlike all the other episodes this involves the most bare minimum of fighting and instead chooses to follows the daily life of our protagonist seeing all his loved ones who are all just so happy to see him alive and well. It's just full of so much love and warmth that I always go to watch this episode whenever I am feeling especially low. Oh and also you get to see a man being absolutely in love with the protagonist and quickly realizing that he wants to start and family with him, there is no other way to read this I've watched this over a dozen times now.
1.35 Emotion
Unidentified Lifeform #42, porcupine-type monster Go-Jaraji-Da, is given the rule to kill Midorikawa Academy's second year boy students and repeatedly murders.
This person said it best here and someone else in the notes of that post counted that Godai only missed two (2) punches out of over twenty (20). He is nowhere in the vicinity of fucking around because this is an especially cruel Grongi that stalks and murders children. Godai is frustrated he couldn't save the kids and doesn't even give this Grongi the chance to fight back. This is one of the times when we see him fight with the power of hate. This is the point where Godai knows, deep in his heart, that this is one tragedy he can't smile in spite of. And it's killing him.
(Most of that description comes from that post anyway)
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any tips on potty training/how you potty trained your bubba?? struggling mama vber here
hey!! i was not looking forward to potty training :( we're getting better, but its still a struggle (yes, i know she's young, but every child is different)
i started putting her on the potty just after her first birthdya when she kept waking up from her naps and from sleeping at night dry and clean. i didn't think she'd understnad what was happening when i did but if i could save myself from cleaning poop out of a cloth diaper, i was going to do it. she went on the potty, but i didn't think she'd do it again, i thought i just caught her in time.
we started doing it with all the toddlers at the daycare, and shes about to be in the toddler room, so i thought why not get her into the routine. i also brought her to the bathroom with me and let her see what i was doing (i wasnt too graphic, and would put her outside the bathroom when i wiped, i just wanted her to understand). as i learned her bathroom cues, i would bring her to the bathroom and we'd try. each childs cues are different, but i noticed she'd stop walking on the balls of her feet and curl her toes up (i am aware this is a trait of autism, no need to tell me, this is the only trait that she currently has) and whine. she rarely went, but i praised the shit out of her when she did.
i would also recommend a potty chart. it doesnt have to be fancy - just a piece of paper. i started potty training one of our preschoolers because her mom was struggling with it and working a lot, so i decided to help. i wrote "[her name]'s potty chart!" and let her decorate it. we hung it up in the bathroom, and everytime she sat on the potty (whether she went or not) she'd get a sticker on her hand, and a sticker on the sheet. after she was going more consistently, we only gave her stickers for actually using the potty. she was scared at first, so we let her pick out a toy!
i know some parents are against that, but we bring our phones to the bathroom, so why should we tell them they can't take a comfort item with them, esp if their young and learning?
praising is a big thing too. praise them. whether they go or not, praise them. tell them you're proud, and how they're such a big girl/boy/kiddo. what i usually say is "good job [name]! i am so proud that you went on the potty/sat on the potty! [other teachers name] is going to be so proud, and mom/dad/grandparent/etc is going to be so so so proud of you! do you want to put a sticker on your chart before we tell [other educators name]?" obviously this doesnt work in every situation, but i find success when i involve the other educator in it as well, so the child feels loved and their accomplishments are being recognized.
underwear over pullup works well too. they get to have the feeling of being a big kid wearing big kid underwear, while still having that safety net of the pullup. eventually, you can take away the pullup when they're ready, and you could even do it for small amounts of time, working up to them wearing just the underwear during the day.
validate their accidents. dont get mad at them for them. they're still little, and they're going to make mistakes. tell them it's okay, you're still proud of them, and you still love them - most teachers/educators dont tell the kids that, but i think its important - so they know that they don't have to earn your love and pride. also, don't use words/phrases like "did you have an accident" "did you poop/pee in your underwear/pullup", try to use phrases like "lets go try on the potty" or "lets go for a little walk, okay?" and be oblivious to the fact they had an accident. if you draw attention to it, especially in public, it will just hurt them. the less attention you draw to it, the less attention others will, and the less ashamed they will feel.
don't wipe for them! i haven't done this with bubba yet as she's not even two, but i do do it with the daycare kids. i'll show them how the first time, and remind them how to each time after that. i always put a fresh pull up on even if its dry because of germs, so i just double check that they wiped properly. if they didn't i tell them, and we correct it. i don't make them feel ashamed.
and just remember, every child is different. i wasn't potty trained when i started kindergarten and didn't talk until i was almost 3, but i was walking at 10 months. children excel in different areas at different rates, and thats okay!
good luck lovely! <3
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I Am Published In over A Dozen Works …
As a small baby until the age of four I lived next door to the YMCA in Hammond of Indiana and played outside by it and would go learn & do crafts there and learned & did gymnastics there all under four years of age
I was at about four or five years of age in a first southern baptist church of Hammond Indiana church play reciting psalm 23
As a child about four or five years old at first southern baptist church in Hammond Indiana I drew a large poster on a large poster board of a dog to put up to get kids to vacation Bible school and won the contest & got a $5 bill & they used the poster for vacation Bible school
I was in a newspaper on Santa’s lap at about four years old in around 1980 as a child in Hammond Indiana
I was in a preschool Cinderella play in Hammond Indiana playing the evil step sister at about four years of age
I was when in elementary school in summer school at Franklin School in Griffith Indiana on how to make commercials
I was in Brownies in grade schoo at Eldon Ready Schooll in Griffith Indiana which is a form of Girl Scouts
I participated in Eldon Ready school spelling bees & art shows in elementary school. I got ribbons for the art shows of my art I made under instruction of an art teacher in art class . I did not get ribbons or awards in the spelling bees though but did good and participated.
I was a narrator and memorized and recited a long script before a large crowd in various Eldon Ready Griffith Indiana school plays
I was in church Awanas in elementary school and earned badges and medals in Highland Indiana Calvary Baptist Church. I was in Chums & Sparks for Awanas.
I was in VBS Vacation Bible School at many churches and learned and did the Bible and arts and crafts in elementary school
I was in choir for Highland Indiana Christian school in sixth grade
I was in the choir for Highland Christian School ‘Sound Of Music’ play in Indiana in sixth grade
I modeled a dance outfit for Jeannie’s dance academy in front of a small crowd at the dance academy
I was on free tv for a Jeannie’s ET dance recital at the Holiday Star at the Raddisson of Merrilville Indiana dancing with my class of dancers and doing cart wheels. It was ballet and jazz and acrobats. I did all that in the recital.
I did piano competitions and recitals in Griffith Indiana and won awards for playing the piano in elementary school.
In elementary school my grandma came to grandparents day at Eldon Ready School in Griffith of Indiana and she won an award for youngest grandma. This is my mom’s mom
I was on Childers & Austin softball team. They are both heating & air conditioning company’s for softball and I played softball & won trophies in Griffith Indiana. I played on the Griffith of Indiana softball field.
I volunteered in the Franklin Field softball concession stand when in softball in elementary school and made tips & sold candy bars for softball and made the team money and ate at a Villa Pizza celebration in Griffith of Indiana
my third grade teacher bought me a book on cats at a book sale when I had no money. She had me write and make books for the students to read. I would write Jenny books about a girl named Jenny that was poor and wanted to make money to buy her mom a coat. I came up with the idea and books myself. Around fifteen years later that teacher won the country radio station US 99 best teacher award.
Was involved in scavenger hunts & snipe hunting and went on many camping trips with the church while in Elementary school
5th - 12th grade I cleaned houses and babysat for money
In fifth grade I volunteered for the cafeteria during English class and made a little money and ate free food and learned how to work in their kitchen and cook and serve their food
I was a Cheerleader in 6th grade Highlamd Christian school in Indiana
I got in a magazine about what I would do if I was president when I was in sixth grade at Highland Christian School
I did Calvary Baptist Church in Highland Indiana track relays relays and won ribbons
I was on the fifth & sixth grade Griffith Eldon Ready School basketball & volleyball team in Indiana
I in fifth and sixth grade won ribbons and medals for science experiments on wisdom teeth and getting out stains with laundry detergents at Eldon Ready Elementary school in Griffith and at Purdue University both in Indiana
In sixth grade I won the cheerfulness award at our sixth grade graduation dinner at a nice banquet hall where we had to learn to dress nice and professional and we were graded on the whole thing and yes I got the cheerfulness award
I got the sparkle and shine award in seventh grade cheerleading camp cheer competition
I did a cheerleading competition in the center of southlake mall in Merrilville/Hobart Indiana for Griffith Highschool Cheerleading
I was on free tv for Griffith Highschool Grease play doing choreography on top stage in Indiana
I ran long distance in track my freshman year and won various ribbons at track meets for Griffith Highschool at Various schools in Lake County Indiana
I took tennis lessons and played tennis for the freshman tennis team in Griffith Highschool
I played the piano as a substitute for Trinity Fellowship church in Highland Indiana
I modeled a fancy red dress for Rosalee fine clothing store at southlake mall when about 15 years old in Hobart/Merrilville Indiana
I dressed runway models for a Rosalee fashion runway show at the Star Plaza Radisson in Merrilville/Hobart
I was a Cheerleader in 7-9 th grade Griffith Junior High in Indiana
I was in Griffith and Highland Christian school choir and Griffith elementary school and junior high choir in Indiana
Went on a couple skiing trips and camping trip in highschool with a couple churches in Northwest Indiama
I won a dating award for best date in Suburbam Bible church dating seminar in the state of Michigan around the mid 1990s
I marched with virgins in Washington DC in DC/LA Christian seminar in Washington DC in about 1994 when i was about 17
I was in DECA my senior year of highschool learning across the disciplines and working as a filer for a sports doctor Dr Brown through that program. He did that knee surgery on hall of famer motorcycle stunt man Evil Kanieval. I was in a competition at the end and got a plaque for the Dr Office. This was around 1995.
I was a Student Ambassador at Purdue University and got a plaque awarded to me at a dinner for donating the most hours in Hammond Indiana. This was around 1998.
Gave tours of Purdue and the brand new computer lab they built as a Purdue Student Ambassador. I gave the tour to prestigious to foreigners working on computers and revolutionizing computers.
I was at the Wrigley Brothers Circus in around 1999 where I was called in the ring and participated in a stunt before a very large crowd and on tv.
I was in a Psychology journal on research I did with a research team on adolescents and self esteem with body image in the media for Purdue University in Indiana. We presented the research before a crowd in Indiana and it ended up in a psychology journal
I was a research assistant at Purdue University and made the Headstart Directory in Hammond Indiana
I acted in a skit for a video for my fellow student male cohort friend in college at Purdue. I will call him bear. The video was made for a grade in his communication class and he showed it to me at his house on his tv and shows it to his friends on his tv.
I volunteered. at Eads and Winfield school at various events in Munster and Crown Point of Indiana
I put in job applications at Brookfield, Lincolnpark, and Michigan City zoos taking my daughter to the zoo regularly. I ended up my daughter and I in a lion den of a raped female lion with her male pride at Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City of Indiana. I was like a foot away from them live in the den giving my thoughts of the whole situation.
I supervised and walked with about a hundred elementary students and teachers down downtwn Crown Point of Indiana streets from the bus and took them on a field trip to the library and fire station. Students got to go in and learn the real downtown Crown Point Indiana fire truck and jail. I learned the Crown Point fire truck and police station a little
Supervised about one hundred students with a few other teachers on a bus field trip to the challenger center in Hammond of Indiana. It is an outer space center for children
I worked at TGI Fridays in Hobart/Merrilville in my early 20s where it was the motto back then that when you are on the floor you are on act and show. I was a server with personality acting in Merrilville/Hobart for a few years. This was in around the year 2002.
Got a letter in the mail as an alumni from Purdue University from a professor to help a research team with cancer of the brain research about the links of cancer to cell phones. He gave me a tour of the research lab and showed me a vial of cancer. Be careful not to have your phone to your ear all the time. Can cause brain cancer
I was in the newspaper commentary on the war in my early 20s at Barnes & Noble in Merrilville/Hobart Indiana
I volunteered at many reiki healings doing hands on reiki at reiki shares for Linda Rosenthal at Insight out. I have a reiki I, Ii, & Reiki Master certificate from there.
I was in around 2005 in a topics in physics one-on-one course with professor Megan Pickett a Purdue University professor who was writing a book getting ready to do a sabbatical and she did work for NASA
I was with my favorite girlfriend at the time. She is a probation officer. We were invited VIP to Zentra nightclub in Chicago and they put our pic on their website
I volunteered for the free tv show Jeffrey Kraft’s Painting Secrets in various places in Indiana
I did a reiki art display for hobby lobby in Hobart/Merrilville Indiana
I was in “Earth of Aquarian Skies” poetry book with my poem I wrote “Timeless Voices” by editor Howard Eli on the front page
I have a poem published in a cd as baroque music
I sold and used arbonne beauty and vitamin products and hosted one party and earned unlimited arbonne natural vitamins and beauty products I used for years and earned $300 profit in around the year 2005 when that was a lot of money & eventually got my dream arbonne car from an arbonne client that was my mother
I delivered the free Aspectarian magazine volunteer
I have an article I wrote on pet habits in a magazine after submitting the article to helium.com
I displayed and sold art I drew at the Porter County Fair in Porter County of Indiana
I was awarded around thanksgiving one Veterans Day around 2016 for my help with the veterans
I volunteered as secretary for former 1990s hbo televised boxing hall of famer and champ Angel Manfredy in 2018 and was on tv and radio with this former 1990s boxing champ Angel Manfredy and have two professional YouTube videos and shows up of us on YouTube with me as his secretary in Hammond Indiana and Illinois
In October 2018 I went up in the baptismal with former Mr Indiana Mike Otano a pastor now at CRC church in Merrilville of Indiana and got baptised before the church and born again
I was in “ Turning the Corner” poetry book I have a poem titled “Only You” I wrote in it
I was in “Great New Songs 2022” cd with my song I wrote ‘That Smile Just Don’t Got It Now’ and I have a contract with that song on a single cd too
I have a single cd ‘That Smile Just Don’t Got It Now’. I have a contract and wrote the song,
And I am in a few other poetry books…
I am on the cover of 2023 December Edition of Fashion Republic magazine with pics and interview inside
Currently 2024 & upcoming I will be on the billboard on Broadway in Times Square New York, New York. Then in March Fashion Republic magazine.
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BLOG 4
UNDERSTANDING OF INNOVATION
Innovation in the educational system is important to forecasting the future. In order to make a change in the upcoming uncertainties, educational policy makers are eager to create and implement new policies in schools for school administrators and teachers to implement them in the school and classroom. My worry is with how well teachers comprehend how to apply this change in classrooms. Are the teachers involved and trained in it for them to be able to implement this change? Many innovation initiatives fail because it is difficult to get teachers to consistently commit to and embrace change.(Greany and Maxwell 2017). I agree with this and think that in order for a change to be effective, the implementers need to have in-depth knowledge and the finest application methods. (Winch et al cited in Greany & Maxwell 2017 p.151) defines one aspect of professional knowledge as:
‘’Technical ‘know how’: the skilled application of this ‘know how’, for example the content of the curriculum and how to mediate it, helps teachers to exercise sufficient control over the contingencies of their work to be able to achieve goals and define standards for success and measures of progress.’’
Reflecting on this statement from Winch et al has drawn my attention on how important it is for educators to understand the changes before they can bring about and looking at the school system factors and individual teachers. It also drew my attention to the amount of engagement between professional and collaborative work where professionals share knowledge, work collaboratively, and critically reflect on their practice for continuous professional improvement. As far as I'm aware, bush kinder has been implemented in Australian kindergartens, and the majority of the children have participated. Frances was inspired by her experience with nature in her childhood. Listen to her discuss her outdoors experiences as a child.
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Nature brings endless opportunities to children, this is what most educators say but l have seen children searching for these opportunities with no avail. Nature pedagogy was started in Australia as an innovative way for children to play and learn in the natural environment outside the classroom and today most kindergartens have adopted this .The Bush Kinder Place is one answer to the Australian Government's policy requirement that four-year-old children receive 15 hours of "excellent" preschool per week, according to those in charge of kindergarten provision (Campbell and Speldewinde 2019) . Is a new way of learning in Early Years and children enjoy being in the natural space and great opportunity for children to connect, learn, create and take care of the natural environment. Children can benefit greatly from nature, but how can teachers help them in a natural setting? Most teachers are unfamiliar with Bush pedagogy; they don't even know what it means. Educators lack the information necessary to ensure that kids make the most of their time in nature. In order to support children, I think teachers need to be aware of these opportunities outdoors. To effectively support their young students, teachers must possess an in-depth understanding of bush kinder.
All creative ideas in our educational system require curriculum policy makers to educate teachers on the best approach to put them into practice in the classroom; else, they will be useless.
Certainly, there are countless opportunities for children in nature, and I'm committed to coming up with new ways for my young learners to take use of these opportunities. I am interested about how children may learn about engineering and technology in the natural environment while also recognizing teachers' full understanding and participation. I want to develop fresh approaches for Pre service teachers to study nature pedagogy as one of their subjects in school and professional learning for teachers about nature pedagogy.
In all, innovation is something that everyone, including teachers, should embrace and practice. However, we must first understand the change, how we will bring about the change, and how important it will be for society, the economy, and the environment, which l believe to be very important.
References
Campbell, C. and Speldewinde, C., 2019. Bush kinder in Australia: A new learning ‘place 'and its effect on local policy. Policy futures in education, 17(4), pp.541-559.
Greany, T & Maxwell, B 2017, ‘Evidence-informed innovation in schools: aligning collaborative research and development with high quality professional learning for teachers’, International Journal of Innovation in Education, vol. 4, no. 2/3, Inderscience Publishers, pp. 147–170.
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Transcript: NY Mayor Eric Adams on Face The Nation, 9 January 2022
MAYOR ADAMS: You know, and it's so important that you laid out the things that we put in place because COVID is a formidable and moving target and we have to pivot, and shift based on that. And our policies have been rooted in, I need my children in school. And if my medical professionals tell me, Eric, we have to do a mandated vaccine, we're going to do that. But right now, we have brought over 1.5 million tests in our schools, as you indicated, N95 masks as well as other resources and tools. And we have been doing an amazing job because of one thing: coordination and communication with our UFT and other agencies involved, and I believe we're doing the right thing for our children, having them in the safest place and that is in a school building.
MARGARET BRENNAN: [...] How do you get someone to take a job as a teacher right now in the middle of a pandemic at a low wage?
MAYOR ADAMS: Well, we need them in, and our teachers are paid accordingly to a great union contract, and they get the support that they deserve. And we need to attract people to do what I like to say: teaching is a calling. We're not just trying to make sure we fill a job applicant. No, we want the best in front of our children. And what we have done successfully here in this city is pivot and shift based on the needs and how COVID is changing. We must learn to live with COVID, and we have to do it in a safe way.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, we may have to live with it, but for the infection rate, when I look at the New York State Department of Health report, which I just did, it said potential increased severity of the Omicron variant may also play a role in increased rate of hospitalizations for children under age 11. What makes you confident that Omicron isn't causing bad outcomes in kids when the state makes this point?
MAYOR ADAMS: Well, let's look at something else the state and city is stating, a child is four times more likely to be hospitalized if they're not vaccinated. So, I am saying to my parents and the people of New York, get vaccinated and get booster shots. We don't have to feel helpless like the beginning of this virus in 2020, science and global communities came together. We now have the tools that we need.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But some parents are just not vaccinating their five to 11 year old's at that younger demographic. But what about kids who are four and under? They don't have an option to take a vaccine, and that is where you're seeing the fastest growing infection rate, according to the New York State Department of Health. Are you going to keep daycare facilities open or are you going to keep preschools open when those kids can't be vaccinated?
MAYOR ADAMS: Yes, we are. We're going to continue to do what we're doing, coordinating with our health care professionals. When you start to disrupt the stability of childcare, of daycare and education, it has a rippling impact throughout our entire city. Parents not allowed- can't keep their children home, they have to work. The economy is also part of this crisis that we are facing. And with the proper balance of creating a safe environment inside our daycares, our schools, in other locations, our parents can go and do the jobs they need to do, and that is what I must face in the city. We have to ensure the financial ecosystem is healthy as well as our children and our families are healthy at the same time.
Chicago Teachers Union vote clears way for in-person classes to resume Wednesday
A proposal for Chicago Public Schools to resume in-person classes Wednesday has been approved by the Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates following a contentious weeklong standoff.
The delegates also voted Monday night to suspend the union’s work action that saw teachers refuse to give their lessons in person, prompting the cancellation of the last four school days. There will be no Tuesday classes though teachers will report to schools for planning.
In addition to a return to in-person teaching Wednesday, the plan the House of Delegates approved will set conditions by which an individual school would return to remote learning, determined by the rate of staff absences and students in quarantine or isolation, as well as whether it’s during a period of high community COVID-19 transmission, where a lower threshold would apply.
[...] “We can never forget the impact on the lives of our children and their families. They must always be front and center,” Lightfoot said. “Every decision has to be made with them at the forefront.”
The mayor also downplayed talk of winners and losers in the dispute, saying “No one wins when our students are out of the place where they can learn the best and where they’re safest.”
“That’s why I said early on, ‘Enough is enough.’ This was not necessary to happen. ... Three work stoppages in three years? Of course people are frustrated,” Lightfoot said, referencing the 2019 teachers strike and a similar CTU vote last school year to refuse in-person work.
“I’m hopeful this is the end, at least for this school year,” she added.
[...] “CPS officials often state that schools are safe when proper mitigation strategies are in place. We agree. However, in far too many schools, the resources for mitigation are not in place,” reads the statement from the principals group. “Roughly half of participating administrators run schools that have staffing, cleanliness and ventilation issues so severe that those administrators deem their schools unsafe.”
Lightfoot, whose administration has repeatedly asserted that schools are safe for students despite record numbers of COVID-19 cases, had said Sunday her administration “categorically” rejects a districtwide return to remote learning.
“To be clear, what the Chicago Teachers Union did was an illegal walkout,” Lightfoot said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “They abandoned their posts and they abandoned kids and their families.”
Asked about the Chicago schools stalemate at a briefing Monday, President Joe Biden’s press secretary, Jen Psaki, said the White House is in regular touch with the mayor and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over the situation.
“We have been very clear. … We want to see schools open,” Psaki said.
Covid may raise the risk of diabetes in children, C.D.C. researchers reported.
Children who have recovered from Covid-19 appear to be at significantly increased risk of developing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday.
[...] The researchers found increases in diabetes in both data sets, though the relative rates were quite different: they found a 2.6-fold increase in new diabetes cases among children in one, and a smaller 30 percent increase in another.
“Even a 30 percent increase is a big increase in risk,” said Sharon Saydah, a researcher at the C.D.C. and lead author of the study. The differences likely result from different ways of classifying children as having Covid, she added.
Dr. Saydah said it was not yet clear whether post-Covid Type 2 diabetes would be a chronic condition in these children, or a transient condition that resolves. (Type 1 diabetes is not reversible.) Most of the children were only followed about four and a half months.
Number of Hospitalized Young Children Who’ve Tested Positive Is Jumping, C.D.C. Says
The number of young children admitted to the hospital who test positive for the coronavirus rose precipitously last week to the highest levels since the beginning of the pandemic, according to data released on Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The increase was observed in children aged 4 and younger, who are not eligible for vaccination, and the data include those admitted to hospitals for reasons other than Covid and then tested positive.
[...] More than four in 100,000 children aged 4 years or younger admitted to hospitals were infected with the coronavirus as of Jan. 1 — double the rate reported a month ago, and about three times the rate this time last year.
By contrast, the rate of hospitalized children aged 5 through 11 years who were infected was 0.6 per 100,000, roughly the same rate seen over the past months.
killing or permanently maiming children is a touch worse for their long-term academic performance than remote schooling, but that doesn’t seem to sit well with the imaginary outraged voter that democrats have constructed
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Los Guardianes | Part II [Nestor Oceteva x Fem!Reader]
In which Nestor needs a bandaid and we learn more about you.
Also, my apologies for any mistakes/errors. I was trying to edit this while surrounded by other people, so...
Warnings: mentions of blood, violence, and injury; language; mentions of alcohol | Words: 1,600+
Taglist: @chibsytelford @megapeacelovemusic-blog @broiderie
Part I of Los Guardianes
You had assumed, in your little flirtation with Nestor, that he was joking about coming around injured. So, when he showed up two days later, a little late for afternoon pickup, with a large piece of bloodstained gauze taped to one side of his face, you were shocked.
Your classroom was empty, and your aide had left for the day, leaving you to hang out with Cristóbal while you waited for Nestor to arrive. You were sitting at your desk with Cristóbal beside you, each of you scribbling away with crayons on coloring pages. Movement registered in the corner of your vision and you glanced up to see Nestor standing in the doorway, his face bandaged and the arm of his dress shirt covered in dried blood. His normally immaculate dress pants and shirt were covered in a layer of silt. You inhaled sharply as you rose from your seat, your feet carrying you quickly to stand in front of him. Cristóbal went to Nestor immediately, wrapping himself around Nestor’s leg in a fierce hug. Nestor sagged against the door frame with a grimace and your fingers reached for him instinctively, pausing when he met your gaze. But there was something encouraging in his glance, so you placed your cool hand softly against the feverish skin around the gauze. His eyes closed for just a moment, leaning into your touch, before you spoke.
“You know, I didn’t think you were actually going to take me up on my offer… I’m not sure I have any robot bandaids big enough for all this,” you teased quietly, tracing the bloodstained dressing. Nestor’s eyes opened and he smirked. You pulled your hand away, exceedingly aware of your rapidly increasing heart rate.
“Are you ok?”
His nod was slight, but it made you feel a little better. “I’m sorry I was late,” he mumbled, wincing as he took a breath. “I hate that you had to stay on my account.” He tapped Cristóbal and motioned for him to collect his backpack out of his cubby. Cristóbal did as he was asked, leaving you standing there alone with Nestor.
“Nestor, it’s really fine. Besides, if someone else had come to pick him up, I probably would have assumed you were dead, and that would have been worse.”
He studied you seriously for a few seconds, his expression giving nothing away. You tucked your arms behind your back nervously, rocking back onto your heels, but you managed to keep your eyes locked on his.
“Still,” he said finally. “I’d like to make it up to you. Can I take you out for a drink?” Cristóbal lumbered over, his backpack comically large on his small frame.
You smiled softly, trying not to appear as flustered as you felt on the inside. “Yeah. I’d like that.”
Nestor grinned, and underneath the blood and filth, his face lit up. “I’ll text you,” he said with a quick nod, his stare raking over your body briefly before turning and ushering Cristóbal to the car.
Nestor had texted you that same evening and asked you to grab a drink with him the next day, which was how you found yourself at a low-key, dimly lit bar on the outskirts of Santo Padre on a Friday night. Your inclination towards promptness meant you had arrived fifteen minutes early, so you headed inside and took a seat at the bar, ordering a gin and ginger.
You glanced around you, trying to hold back the nervousness fluttering in your belly. You fiddled with the hem of your black dress before laying it flat against your thigh. In your classroom, you rarely wore anything other than pants and leggings. Working with preschoolers meant that you were always prepared to be crouching, crawling on the ground, sitting on the floor, bending over, carrying kids on your hip, cleaning up various bodily fluids, getting things spilled on you. So, it was always a treat to get to dress up and you felt extra cute tonight.
Shortly after the bartender returned with your drink, you heard Nestor’s low, familiar voice near the shell of your ear.
“I was supposed to buy that for you,” he murmured, and you shivered just slightly at the fanning of his warm breath on your neck. His hand grazed your lower back as he passed you to take the stool next to yours.
You ducked your head to hide your grin. “You can buy the next one.”
Your smile faltered as he faced you completely and you got a clearer look at his injuries. He had forgone the gauze on his face, instead opting for a series of butterfly closures running down the jagged cut along his cheekbone. He was sporting a shiner on the eye on that side, but he seemed like he was in one piece otherwise.
“How’s the face?” you asked with a grimace.
“I’ve had worse,” he told you before ordering a beer from the bartender.
“I guess a life of crime would do that to you,” you said, and he glanced over at you with a raised eyebrow, perhaps trying to gauge how you meant it. You tossed him a wink and he smirked, shaking his head slightly.
“So,” you asked casually, “how did you end up being a security detail to the little man?”
“Big man’s mad at me.”
You laughed. “What?”
Nestor sighed, smoothing his facial hair with a hand punctuated by scabbed knuckles. “I, uh – fucked up, a while ago. Caused a lot of issues for Mikey. He put me on school duty as a punishment, I guess.” He paused, tossing back his beer. “But things are really tense right now, too, and I think it helps Mikey to have Cristóbal with someone he trusts. So, he kept me on it. And it’s fine, you know? They’re my family.”
He met your gaze meaningfully. “And it’s a nice way to start the morning,” he added.
“You’re really good with Cristóbal,” you commented warmly, heat rising on your cheeks. You hoped he couldn’t tell just how much you adored that about him.
Nestor’s lips curled into a small smile. “I’ve been around his whole life. Plus, he’s a pretty great kid.”
“Can confirm.” You paused around a sip of your cocktail. “So, I would imagine that you can’t share too much, but what does being the head of security for a cartel boss entail?”
Nestor’s eyes darkened broodingly, and you wondered if you’d overstepped, although you’d tried to acknowledge that you realized there were things you weren’t allowed to know. He leaned onto the top of the bar on his elbow, studying you again. “A lot of illegal shit. A lot of violence.” He paused thoughtfully. “But it’s also just a lot of… waiting. A lot of phone calls, researching, driving, babysitting – and not just babies.”
You chuckled at his sardonic choice of words. “I don’t know how you do it,” you joked. “I’m only okay with the babysitting involved in my job because they’re actual babies.”
“What made you decide to be a preschool teacher?” he asked, his shoulders relaxing a bit. You were distracted for a moment by the way his floral dress shirt pulled taut over his biceps and you swallowed hard.
“Uh – I got my degree in elementary education, and I started out as a kindergarten teacher. I was working in LA, but I had sort of a… rough patch, and needed to start over somewhere else. When the director, Maria, opened New River, she offered me a spot so I could come down to Santo Padre and get my shit back together.” You took a long pull on your drink, trying to swallow down your nerves.
Nestor’s head was tilted to the side curiously and you waited to see if he would inquire further. You let out the breath you didn’t realize you had been holding when he stuck to easy questions.
“How long have you been in Santo Padre?” he asked, tapping his fingers against his beer bottle.
“About two years. You?”
“Most of my adult life. I grew up with Mikey. And then I was in the Navy, moving around a lot. When I got out, Miguel offered me the job and I’ve been here ever since.” He shrugged slightly.
You studied him thoughtfully for a moment, the question you’d been wanting to ask him since you first met him resting on the tip of your tongue. He held your gaze steadily, so you went for it.
“Is it lonely?”
In the brief silence that followed, you wondered again if you had overstepped, if maybe it was too personal of a question. But you also felt strongly that the way Nestor answered would give you some indication as to his intentions with you.
His eyes narrowed on you, his head cocked to the side. “It can be.” He shifted on his barstool, his clothed knee knocking gently against yours, the touch sending electricity directly to your heart. Before you could respond to his statement, he asked, “Are you lonely?”
You were immediately annoyed at yourself for not anticipating that he would turn the question back on you; that was followed by the rush of embarrassment at your answer. Your mind reeled. Should you be honest with him? If you told him about your past, would he feel sorry for you? If you shared how and why you ended up in Santo Padre, would he pity you? You didn’t want that.
But.
You also desperately wanted to trust him. There was something about Nestor that made you feel safe, and while you supposed that was a side effect of his job, his interest in you represented a connection you hadn’t had with another person in years. And that alone pushed you towards the truth.
Your eyes found the bar top as you answered. “Yeah. I am.” You waited nervously for the follow-up questions, but they never came.
Instead, you felt Nestor’s knee knock softly against yours again and you looked up to meet his eyes. “Maybe you don’t have to be anymore,” he offered, leaning to bump his shoulder into yours, making you smile.
Part III of Los Guardianes
#mayans fx#mayans mc#mayansmc#nestor oceteva#nestor oceteva imagine#nestor oceteva x reader#mayans mc imagine#nestor oceteva x you
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mostly I want to parent because:
I am interested in parenting as a huge, transformative, multi-year, multi-stage learning experience that will radically reshape my understanding of who I am.
I am fascinated by how living beings learn and grow and change over time. also there are few things I find more rewarding than being involved in creating learning environments for others and offering non-directive, non-prescriptive guidance and feedback as people learn how to grapple with difficult experiences and solve problems on their own. I also really like being involved in the process of helping people articulate their values and priorities and then work to more closely align their actions with those values. I feel like some (or maybe a lot?) of that would overlap with the work of parenting.
I think that the work of parenting is probably a way more intense, emotional, and all-consuming version of the work of teaching. I feel like parenting will most likely make me a better teacher and teaching will make me a better parent.
I am interested in learning and thinking about parenting as a practice. I think I will find the challenging aspects very challenging indeed, but I also think I will (with some distance, maybe) find them to be productive and fascinating sites for reflection. I like studying my mistakes to try to see what I can learn from them, and I am sure that attempting to parent will give me plenty of mistakes to analyze, lol.
relatedly: I am interested in pursuing difficult learning experiences that push me out of my comfort zone and force me to spend a lot of time operating right on the edges of what I know & know how to do. also, I’ve found that often the slight apprehension I feel about giving myself over to those experiences is the surest indication that I need to embrace them in order to keep growing as a person. I have lots of legitimate fears about giving up my free time, my independence, my ability to wholly control my own life/environment, my emotional stability, etc etc and those are real fears that will absolutely be realized lol. but I want to hold in mind that the fear itself is not necessarily an indication that this is the wrong path for me.
I really genuinely love children, and all of my favorite jobs have involved working with kids (from preschool to elementary school to high school to college). I’ve been spending so much time thinking through the parts of parenting that will be most challenging, frustrating, and stressful. but I also think I am someone who will find a lot of genuine and transformative joy in building a loving relationship with a child.
I want to discover what reserves of resilience I have within me.
I want to reparent myself through the process of learning how to parent. I want to try breaking from / refusing / rewriting the patterns of emotional dysfunction and shame that have been handed down through many generations of my own family. but I also want to develop deeper empathy and compassion for my own mother, because I have a feeling it’s easy to want to break those patterns in the abstract and much harder to change those patterns of response or those received ways of interacting with others in the moment, when you are exhausted and stressed and at your emotional limit. I want to reparent myself, but I also want to learn to see and understand my own mother as a complex human being and not just as a mother. I want to learn to extend more grace to her through the experience of messing up with my own child and hoping that one day they will be able to see me in my full complexity, and extend grace to me as a flawed human being who was trying my best to be a good parent and a good person in the world.
#parenting#etc etc etc#i continue to think aloud#my basic feeling right now is: I have a few more things I’d like to do before I take this on#but I think I will be ready in the not-too-distant future
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His Little Teacher (Levi Ackerman x Teacher!Reader)
Request: Here
Summary: You never knew your favorite kindergartener, Isabel Ackerman, had such a good-looking father until Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Timeline: Modern!AU
Warnings: this bitch is LONG, Some slight mentions of sexual activity, drinkin
Art Credits: ? help pls
She was the only child who never had a chaperone, or a parent come with cookies or treats on their birthday. If you didn’t look at her profile, you wouldn’t even know what day her birthday was and that it had passed a month prior to today. Even when you would go on field trips, like today, sending home permission slips encouraging parents to come to museum, all that came back was the five dollars for lunch and his elusive signature.
Levi Ackerman
Despite that, you loved the little raven-haired girl. She was smart, she always listened, washed her own face and hands after craft time, and she always talked about her father. Even now, on the bus to the museum with her pink princess backpack on her lap, she was talking about her father to you. From what you gathered, her mother had passed away when she was born, and he was the only one taking care of her. That’s what her preschool teacher had said to you in the teacher’s lounge last week. You felt bad that you judged his parenting when you finally learned that, now knowing he was probably working hard to take care of her and raise her as well as he did. You just wanted parents to be involved with their children, especially with your favorite child. However, from what she’s told you about her father, you didn’t need to worry about that too much.
“And he’s so strong Miss. (Y/L/N)! Yesterday, Daddy and I went to pick out a fish tank and he carried it even full of water to our kitchen table. Daddy got a Dory fish and I got a Nemo fish.” You smiled down at her, nodding at her stories. She grabbed at your hand harder, trying to convince you at how strong her father was. You did wonder what the man looked like, again, having the preschool teachers tell you all about her glorious looking father. Still, halfway through the school year, you’d never met him, and she took the bus back and forth from school every day. You just had his neat signature.
Throughout the whole field trip, she didn’t let go of your hand, dragging you around to all of the stations while you let your other fellow teachers deal with the whole group. They knew that they couldn’t do anything to drag you away from that child. She was like a magnet to you, even on the first day of school. Your fellow teachers said that your first class of students was always special, and so it made sense that you had a relationship with a child like that. Bright-eyed, cute, and very insightful on certain things. The only thing that you would write down on her monthly report cards was how blunt she was to her fellow students.
You would have to hide your laugh with the things she said to them. In her defense, nothing she said was wrong, but you did have to teach her how to give constructive criticism without insulting anyone. When you sat her in the time out corner, she would give an annoying look at the calm-down toys, her arms crossed. It was comical, but oh, so cute. This is why you taught kindergarteners. They were just learning how to live life, and you were there to guide them along on their quite funny mistakes... and you got a front row seat to those hilarious moments.
“Miss. (Y/L/N), did I tell you that Daddy can come to student teacher conferences? He gave me a note to give you!” She dug through her backpack again and pulled out a cleanly folded white piece of paper to give to you.
“That’s great, Isabel! I can tell your father how good you are.” She beamed up at me, and you knew how much she loved when you praised her. It must be what her father does at home. You took time to read the tiny note, taking in neat and orderly handwriting.
Miss. (Y/L/N),
Next week’s Parent-Teacher conference openings are at weird times in my work schedule, but I do really wish to attend to talk about Isabel’s first school year. Is there anyway we can have a meeting later in the night? I’m sorry if it’s too much of you to ask to stay in the building that long, but either 8 or 9pm would work best for me. I am able to get Isabel a babysitter then.
My email is: [email protected]
Thank you in advance,
Levi Ackerman, Isabel Ackerman’s father
There it was, that signature. You had seen it almost every week on a random piece of paper or Isabel’s planner. You would make sure that you would stay late for him. You wanted to meet the man that raised your favorite student on his own. Even if it was Friday and you were planning to go out for drinks, you were sure your friends would understand your lateness.
When you had waved all the children goodbye, including Isabel who was always last on the bus wanting to keep talking to you, you went right away to email Mr. Ackerman back.
Hello Mr. Ackerman,
This is Isabel’s kindergarten teacher, Miss. (Y/F/N) (Y/L/N). I received your note today, and am totally willing to meet with you at 8:30 or 9 pm. The last scheduled meeting for Friday is at 8:00 pm, so you won’t be holding me back in the building at all. I am excited to meet you and talk about Isabel’s progress!
Best,
(Y/F/N) (Y/L/N)
You sent the email and sat back in your chair, thinking about the man before you got to grading the color tests. From what the other teachers had told you, he was short, but very good looking. He also seemed a bit young to be a father, or at least that’s what their judgement was. You probably wouldn’t be very focused on his looks, but his personality. If it was anything like Isabel’s, it was to be enjoyable. You wouldn’t be upset to stay back for that.
In the teacher’s lounge, you took out the early dinner you packed, turning to the others who had done the same. The town had to be small enough that even if they didn’t have Isabel in their class, they would know about the Ackermans. You didn’t grow up in this town, and you only did your student teaching here, so you knew absolutely nothing besides what the PTA moms gossiped loudly about in your classroom.
“Do any of you know about Levi Ackerman? All I’ve heard is that he’s young and good looking. I have a conference with him this week.” You sat down with the younger teachers whom you formed a bond with your first day here. They also looked eager to answer your question in hushed tones.
“The only thing I know is that the woman he got pregnant was like a one-night stand or something. They didn’t like each other, were in the same friend group, and then it was like a drunken fantasy or something. Then, she shows up a few months later after he got hired at this big company in town, pregnant. Rumors say that she was going to terminate her pregnancy, but he vogued to keep it. The day after Isabel Ackerman’s birth, she took off, never to be heard or seen from again.” You mouth widened as you shoveled in your rice.
“I thought she died? Isabel said something like that.” The all shook their heads no.
“It’s probably what he tells her since she’s too young to understand.” You nodded in agreement and turned to Mella who was student-teaching for the preschool when Isabel was there. She was the one who told you how he looked, and she apparently went to school around him.
“Is he as handsome as they say?” She shrugged and took a drink.
“He is, short, but like, he’s a dark handsome if that makes sense. It’s the personality that people didn’t like. He’s really antisocial and mean to other parents, like he’ll insult you for anything. He was the best at everything during high school, and people always thought he was cocky, hence the attitude..”
“So that’s where Isabel gets her little problem from. I hope he isn’t like the other parents then, thinking their kid is the best. If he is, I guess he’ll just be nice to look at.”
Friday 8:39 PM
“Yes, well, sometimes when we see this behavior in a student, we first tell the parents to see if it is something at home affecting them. Perhaps other older siblings? Someone who may show negative emotion to him?” She scoffed in your face and grabbed the behavior evaluation sheet out of your hands.
“There is nothing wrong at our house! How dare you to assume that about us!” The husband just sat back in the chair almost glaring at his wife. Right, right, nothing going on at your house. You felt bad for Ryan too. The boy was smart and incredibly creative, but he couldn’t play well with anyone else. He felt the need to yell at any child who tried to get him to share, probably emulating behavior of an older sibling or parent. No doubt, the mother… but you had to be professional about the headache she was giving me.
“I’m so sorry if my words offended you! I didn’t mean anything like that,” you held your hands up in defense, “Maybe it could be TV shows he watches that models this type of behavior? Something to spur anger?” That made her calm down and think about it. You didn’t think a six-year-old was watching violent TV shows on PBS, but who knows what goes on in that house.
“Maybe we can monitor his TV intake, yes.” You sighed and looked up at the clock. This had gone over thirty minutes because they had to pick apart everything you said about Ryan. You sneaked a look out the door but saw an empty hallway. When was he going to come?
“Thank you both for coming. It means so much to me that you are involved in your child’s education at such an early age. It shows them the importance of an education and makes my job that much easier!” You gave them your spiel, standing by the door, and she refused to leave for some reason. She probably wanted to stay and brag loudly to the next parent who was coming. That was a common thing, for the parents waiting to talk about their kids, but how much genius could you find in your kids scissor practice paper?
“Do you know what parent is next? We’re friends with most of them, you know, PTA president things! It’s getting late however, are we the last ones?” She was looking left and right down the dimly lit hallway to stalk her prey.
“Next is Mr. Ackerman. He’s the last parent to go.” Her smile dropped.
“Oh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him around. He doesn’t donate for the fairs; he hasn’t come to any of the Daddy-daughter dances we’ve had… I wonder what he even does, all alone like that.” You heard the tone of judgment ricochet through her words and your headache got bigger. She had no room to judge other parents.
“Well, I think it’s very commendable how he’s raised such a wonderful child in the circumstances he’s been given. Being a single parent is never easy. My mother raised me and my siblings by herself.” She looked you up and down, now judging you for your upbringing. She should be judging how her attitude affects her son’s interpersonal skills.
“Ah, yes, how commendable of your mother! Honey, we should get back to the kids.” She gave me a sickening smile before hauling her husband down the hallway, no doubt to insult you. You made sure she turned the corner, and the hallway was clean before you collapsed back on the door frame, holding your head.
“I swear I never had such bad parents when I was student teaching. Ugh, my head. How much can you analyze a five-year-old’s sight word recognition?”
“And they want judge me for not going to any PTA meetings when they act like this.” You jumped, covering your mouth as a silent scream ran through your body. How had you not seen him? He was leaning on the wall right next to the door, suit coat in hand. You were sure you checked both sides of the hallway before you said that. Damn it. Strike one to you acting professional.
“M-Mr. Ackerman. Nice to meet you finally!” You re-tucked your shirt back in before extending a hand. He looked down at it, smirking, before shaking your hand back.
“Nice to meet you too, Miss. (Y/L/N). My daughter seems to only talk about you these days.” You almost blushed at his words and from the fact you finally got to see him. He was incredibly handsome. You didn’t know why you didn’t listen enough your fellow teachers, and you wish you prepared yourself more than the sweater and the midi-skirt you were wearing. You did have a change of clothes for the bar you’d be going to with your friends after this, but that was highly, highly school inappropriate. What was also inappropriate was how long you were staring at his suit clad form. It was the way he had his sleeves rolled up and two buttons undone that made you stare.
“Let’s go in,” you smiled at him, gesturing to the circular table you set up in the center of the classroom. You had Isabel’s file right on the desk waiting for him. It was funny to see him sit in the small chair that was meant for a child who tagged along, but you didn’t have the heart to tell him. It fit his height a bit, and was very cute.
“That chair is for the children unless you would like to sit in it. I have no judgement though; they are surprisingly comfortable.” He looked up at me before seeing the regular sized chairs at the other end of the table. He then just shrugged and set his suit coat to hand on the side of the purple chair.
“We have these at home, so I’m used to it.” You nodded and opted to sit down on an equal sized chair to be eye level with him. He noticed your gesture and smiled at you. Now that, you would literally pay to see him smile again. You thought back to what Mella said. Cocky, insulting; you didn’t see any of that now. Maybe he’d matured the few years after they went to school or just was trying to act nice in front of his daughter’s teacher.
Isabel had talked so much about her father, but he never said how incredibly hot he was. I mean, that made sense, but still. He couldn’t have been older than you, there was no way. How was this man hiding in the midst of all the middle-aged parents? You were excited to share the news with your friends after this. A hot parent was always nice, and you hadn’t had one yet. He would be your first.
“Well, Mr. Ackerman, this is going to be a short meeting. Isabel is my model student really. Here’s some work of hers to look at. She’s smart, attentive, clean, and very, very sweet.” He smiled down at a drawing Isabel had made of him and that made your heart sing even more. This smile was very different from the short one he gave you. It was like his soul was singing through his eyes. How could he be so hot and so loving of his child at the same time? You could see it. The genuine love he had for that drawing and the little girl who made it. The little girl who looked exactly like her father, minus the eye color.
“But she does have a mouth, I know that for a fact. The fat mom called me a few weeks ago complaining about what Isabel said to… what’s his name? Rock? Rufus?” You couldn’t hold in your laugh this time, even if it was unprofessional to agree with him. The whole meeting was unprofessional at this point. You were sitting in foot tall chairs and thinking about how good of a figure he had. It was actually refreshing how laid back he seemed to be, unlike the other parents, especially this late at night.
“Yes, she is sometimes very… critical of her peers. Ryan is a student who doesn’t get along with others. She had to let him know that. To be honest, it is very funny, but still, we have to teach her to be constructive with it.” He nodded, now listening to your words with the same attention he gave to Isabel’s drawing. It made you melt even more. He cared so much about his child. Oh god, why was he perfect?
“I’ll work on her with that. She gets that from me. During quarantine, when she was doing preschool at home, I was also working. She probably heard me talking to some of my workers in that tone.” That made me perk up, knowing absolutely nothing about him. You usually do parent introductions at the first all-class meeting, but he, obviously, wasn’t there. Now that he exceeded all your expectations, you want to know more.
“If you mind me asking, where do you work?” He leaned back as much as he could in the chair, trying to spread his legs under the table. The way his ankle brushed against yours didn’t go unnoticed.
“I’m a Lead Captain in the Survey company in town. I’m fifty-fifty office work and on the job work, lifting and things.” That would explain how good his arms were looking under his sleeves. He did manual labor half of the time.
You nodded and handed him Isabel’s behavior sheet out of the folder. You got your pen to explain him the scales, and when you turned back, he had leaned in pretty far to hover over the paper. Trying to hide your blush in your hair, you tried not to react to his closeness. He didn’t seem to pull back, so you continued to explain to him how her score was perfect except for group behavior. Again, he listened so intently to your suggestions and what you had to say about Isabel it made your heart glow with warmth.
“I guess when she was younger, the only interaction she would get was at morning preschool. She only has a babysitter since I can’t afford daycare. That’s my fault, one hundred percent. I-I heard that you know how single parenting is.” He pointed to the door with his thumb, referring to the interaction you had with Ryan’s parents. It was refreshing for a parent to take the blame too. He was getting more and more perfect by the minute. A perfect child and a perfect father. It made so much sense.
“Yes, growing up I was an attention hog. I only had older brothers, so when I went to school I expect to be treated like a princess. I had my first great awakening when a boy threw mud at my face during recess because I refused to share my swing.” He leaned his head back and let out a deep laugh and you matched him, taking in the view he was giving you. This seemed to be a one night only type thing, so you’d take your liberties where you could. I mean, if you didn’t study his face, how were you going to describe him well enough to everyone at the bar?
No. You shouldn’t be thinking this much about how good looking and perfect a student’s parent was. You shouldn’t be thinking about what’s under his clothes either.
“With the way Isabel talks about you, you might as well be a princess. It’s ‘Miss. (Y/L/N) does it this way, Daddy’ or ‘Daddy, today Miss. (Y/L/N) and I did this!’ You seem to be taking my child away from me, Miss. (Y/L/N).” You smiled, and almost blushed at what he was telling you about Isabel and put a hand over your heart. The teachers were right about your first class.
“You can call me (Y/F/N), Mr. Ackerman. We seem to be similar in age.” He sat up again, nodding and taking the behavior sheet you gave him.
“Then it’s Levi to you, (Y/F/N). I’m thirty-two. May I ask how old you are?” Your mouth dropped and you couldn’t help it. You didn’t think he would be in his thirties and now your numbers were thrown off.
“You don’t look at all like you’re over thirty. I’m twenty-seven.” He smirked again and seemed to be comfortable enough to lean back again, arms coming together behind his head. The pose made your heart beat faster again. Oh yeah, you were telling your friends all about this.
“Well, thank you, (Y/F/N). I’m glad you think I’m so young. Isabel calls me an old man already.” You laughed and looked up at the clock. 8:52. You had time to talk more, pushing a few minutes, but you didn’t know if he had somewhere to go. This meeting itself was set up because of scheduling conflicts. You wanted to talk to him more about Isabel and his experience raising her, but you didn’t know if that would be too personal for him.
“Now, that might be my fault. She asked me sometime during our lesson about family how old did someone have to be to be considered an Uncle and I told her above 30. Then she asked if I was old, and I told her that compared to her I was. So, she now thinks that people about twenty-seven are now old.” He shook his head and let out one huff in laughter.
“Now because of you I have no game. Imagine, first, I already have a child, and now when I bring a date home, she tells her that I was an old man. I never get a third date because of that. Are you trying to keep me forever single, (Y/F/N)?” Was he… was he flirting with you? No, it couldn’t be. He was just talking, just bantering like every parent does. The problem was is that he was a very single, very good-looking parent. This was a dangerous situation and it happened during your first-year teaching. This was bad.
“I’ll talk to her on Monday to tell her to stop calling her father an old man. Does that atone for my sins?” He quirked an eyebrow up, smirking again, but this time you could tell that he was definitely flirting with you.
“Maybe, I’ll have to come to these meetings more often. To check up on your progress with getting my daughter to go against me. The only reason I don’t come around the school often is because of the other parents.” You leaned your head in your hand, finally just deciding to go along with it. Even if he said that, this was probably the only time you two were going to meet and Isabel was going to progress on to a new teacher in a few months. You both were young too, nothing was going to get to HR.
“Next week, I’ll try to get her to call you a silly, old man, how about it? We can have a progress check next Friday.” You felt your Apple Watch buzz, looking down to see who was calling. Armin. He was probably wondering where you were, but you thought you told them you’d be late.
“I’m sorry about that, it’s just my friends.” You went to hang up, knowing that in a few minutes Eren would call. Then Jean. Then Connie. Then Sasha. Then Historia. Mikasa wouldn’t care, but at this point, the train of calls would be never ending. You were going to yell at them for cutting into your time with Levi.
“Ah, don’t worry about it. I also have something to do tonight, but it was great talking to you.” You almost pouted when he went to stand up, grabbing Isabel’s folder. You were dumb to think he was flirting with you, and now you got your hopes up.
“If you have anything you need or any questions about Isabel, I’m here to answer them. Also, I’m supposed to extend out an invitation for our Spring Festival celebration next week. If you would like to come, it will be on Friday at 2 pm.” You stood, matching his height. You really wanted him to come this time, as he never came to anything, but you knew he probably wouldn’t.
He smiled at you, “You know, maybe I will come. You’ll just have to protect me from the PTA moms.” You both started walking to the door and you took the chance, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Levi, I stay as far away from them as possible. It’s an all-school thing, so it will be easy to avoid them.” You saw the little glance down to your hand before he just nodded once and continued to walk out of your classroom. He put on his suit coat and looked back at me, smiling a bit to say goodbye.
“Have fun with your friends tonight, (Y/F/N). A great teacher like you deserves to relax.” You smiled back at him, leaning on the doorframe.
“You, too, Levi. With whatever you’re doing tonight. A single father like you deserves to relax.”
Club Rio
“Eren, if I have to tell you to stop touching me one more time, I will break your arm off!” He winced, taking his arm off of your shoulders and drinking his beer. The bar was packed tonight, so there was almost seven of you crowded around a single circle tabletop. You already felt smooshed, so you didn’t want Eren to make it worse.
“How were your conferences today, (Y/F/N)?” Armin asked you from across the table and you held a thumb up while taking a drink. It may be squished, but it was worth it to get this buzz. You took Levi’s advice and relaxed hard. The amount of bullshit you spewed in the last three days to make the parents happy to it out of you.
“Most of them are the same old, your child is great, I love having them in my class, here’s something to work on though, and then they blame my teaching. It’s really annoying having to agree with their criticism of me, but I want to keep my job. However,” you held a finger up, “the last meeting was with a single father in my class. He was amazingly hot. A bit over thirty. He also is the father of my favorite student, so it just added to it. Like a treat at the end of a hard week.” You could hear Jean and Eren scoff, but Historia leaned in, her blue eyes wide and sparkly from the drinks.
“What did he look like?”
“He’s short, like my height, but he has black hair. An undercut. Then he’s definitely muscular. You could even see it through his button up. Thirty-Two. His eyes are really narrow, but like a type of grey that shines. One of the teachers described him to be a dark handsome, and I completely agree. She also said he was kinda of cocky and insulted people a lot. Too bad he doesn’t show up around the school because he’s busy at working at some company in town.” You saw Jean and Armin exchange looks and you pointed at both of them.
“Hey, hey, hey. What was that?” Jean spoke up first.
“Um, well, is this person - is his name Levi Ackerman by chance?” Your eyes widened and you stood straight up, your body colliding with Eren’s. Jean now had your full attention.
“How do you know him? You two didn’t live here before!” Jean leaned to rest his arms on the table, looking at Eren to explain since he wouldn’t have to yell over the crowd.
“No, but he’s our team captain at work. Short, black hair, mean, grey eyes: I think you described him to a T. But, you said he was a treat? That doesn’t sound at all like the Levi that chewed me out today because I didn’t put a signature at the end of my email.” Eren answered and you gave him a confused look. Levi seemed really nice and he joked with you. Maybe it was just his work personality.
“He was though. He even called me a great teacher and we went by first name basis.” This time Mikasa spoke up next to Eren.
“Levi’s nice to women, Eren. Not to people who probably mess up all the time at work.” Eren groaned and you arched your body around his so you could look at her. She did look a little like him, but she was half Asian, so there was some doubt in your mind. From what you could connect though, they may act alike in certain situations. Maybe it was on her dad’s side.
“Ackerman! Are you related?! How did I not think about that before?” She nodded as Eren nudged her for the comment she made about his work ethic.
“On my father’ side. We’re cousins, but distant. I don’t talk to him unless we’re forced to at family functions. But he does act how they’re saying. He’s cold and calm, you can’t tell what he’s thinking usually. Most of the time he has a scowl on his face and doesn’t talk a lot unless it’s an insult or something. Then again, you’re a pretty woman, so that could have changed his attitude.” You blushed a bit, trying to hide it in your hair, but Connie caught you.
“You have a little crush on the DILF, don’t you?! I can see it!” He poked your cheek, him and Sasha roaring in laughter.
“No, he was just nice to look at! He also really cares about his daughter, which is just… girls like guys who are good with kids. Teacher’s also like parents who care about their kids, it makes my job easier.” They still couldn’t stop laughing and you couldn’t stop blushing.
“A teacher-parent relationship, how scandalous,” Jean added in on making fun of me, “What will the PTA moms say about that (Y/F/N)?” You glared at all of them as they laughed.
“I told you he was just hot!”
Paradis Elementary Spring Festival
“Do you need any help reorganizing this whole table so the PTA mom’s stop roping me into work I don’t want to do?” You jumped at the body that came close behind you. You also jumped because you didn’t expect him to show up. The little raven-haired girl ran to the playground and you turned around quickly, eyes wide.
“Levi! I mean, Mr. Ackerman. I’m glad you showed up!” He nodded and used both hands to lean down on the table seeing the cupcakes that I rearranged four times, so I didn’t have to talk to the mothers about their kids.
“You said you’d protect me from them, but there I was carrying all the boxes from their damn cars.” You looked over at the mothers, now huddled around staring at you talking to Levi and gossiping. Figures. Last year, one of the third-grade teachers breathed in the wrong direction and there were rumors about her having an affair with a married man. You hoped you weren’t next on the PTA list.
“Well, its not common for a father to come to these types of events. Notice how there aren’t any on the PTA.” He switched positions so he could lean on the table and watch Isabel play on the swings with her friends and the older children. You picked up the Capri Suns from the ground, deciding to organize them by flavor.
“You know what Isabel asked me the other night? After our conference?” You perked up at his words, signaling that you were interested in what she said.
“Hm?” He scratched the back of his neck, now debating whether he should tell you this. It was a bit personal and maybe would make you, as a teacher, uncomfortable with Isabel. Either way, he did it.
“Well, I actually had a date that night,” your heart dropped a little bit, and you scowled down at your chest, “and my date needed an umbrella, so I went in to get her one. When I came out Isabel was there outside our apartment, glaring up at this woman, arms crossed and everything.” You giggled at that, imagining it in your head. You could see her signature glare now looking up at someone three times taller and five times older. You looked over to Isabel, matching Levi’s stance against the table. Right now, it looked like she was lecturing a boy on how to play the floor is lava.
“She asked me why I didn’t bring you home,” he said through a laugh and you followed his cue laughing. You weren’t doing any laughing on the inside. Your mind was swirling now after he said that, but he couldn’t have meant that. It was just Isabel thinking like a six-year-old. If Levi told her he had a date, she might have just thought that the two meetings were connected. Yeah, he couldn’t mean anything other than that.
Still.
“Ah, she’s funny, isn’t she?” You almost winced at how dismissive your tone was. It sounded like you wanted to move on from the conversation and you were afraid he took it the wrong way. You didn’t want to dismiss the opportunity of it being him flirting with you, but you also didn’t believe that was his intention. Now he thought must have thought that it was your intention to ignore it anyways. He stayed silent after that. Goddamn it. You had to fill the space somehow.
“Are you related to a Mikasa?” He seemed to perk up after that, turning his head to look right at you in recognition.
“She’s my cousin, yes. How do you know her? Are you friends with those brats?” You huffed in laughter at his tone. Brats wasn’t a word you would use for your friend group, but you guessed since he was a bit older and, from what you heard, was annoyed all the time by them at work.
“We know each other from college, yeah. Since they had secured a job at Survey, I decided to follow by teaching here so we’d all live by each other. I met Eren first.” He lifted up an eyebrow and you could see a little trace of annoyance gloss over his face. It was very much an Isabel look, or rather, she’d gotten it from her father. Pretty much copy and paste.
“You met him first and wanted to meet the rest of them?” You rolled your eyes at that. You can see how Connie and Sasha got a bit wild, Eren and Jean a bit intense, but overall, they were great people to be friends with. Armin had helped you through a required science class, Historia and Mikasa stayed with you and bought you ice cream when your boyfriend had broken up with you, Connie and Sasha were the life of the party any hour of the day, and Jean and Eren, respectively, would provide you some stress relief and good times when you were down. No, they were the greatest people you’d met.
“They’re my best friends, Levi. I love all of them.” The annoyed look still didn’t leave his face and he crossed his arms. Was he really going to argue with you about your friend group? If he did, you would definitely text the group chat to make his next work week a living hell for revenge.
“You don’t seem to be like them. Maybe Historia, but still, I wouldn’t peg you to be with that group.” You turned back around, seeing the children starting to walk over to the snack tables. Soon, once they were done with their lunch, they would descend on the cupcakes you were guarding and destroy the orderly table. You had to tape down the cheap plastic tablecloth, so it stood a chance.
“What do I seem like then? They’ve told me about you, you know. I couldn’t believe what they were telling me.” You grabbed the tape, ducking under the table do you couldn’t see his expression. However, his legs moved as he turned to face where you once were.
“Much more professional and put together than them. Maybe Armin is okay, but the others, I had to teach them how to write a formal email.”
“Well, you’ve never seen me outside of a school setting. Arguably, you know all of them more than you know me. If I had to compare myself to any of them it would be a mix between Armin and Jean. When we all go out, it seems to be like that. I can see, though, how they’d be a bit tough to handle at work.”
“Well, then why don’t we meet outside of school?” Your breath had to have stopped, but his face was completely serious. Did he just ask you on a date? Right in front of the kindergarten cupcake table?
“Miss. (Y/L/N)! Can we have a cupcake now?” Two or three of your students gathered at your leg, and you looked down at them, probably with your eyes still wide. You then looked back to Levi who was giving the children a very annoyed stare, before stepping back from the table so they had full access.
“U-Um, what did you – Cupcakes! Yes, El, you can have one cupcake each. What color do you want?” You went to hand them the specific colors you wanted, and you thought that your business would make Levi go somewhere else, but he was there staring at you while you handed them out. His gaze was unwavering as he leaned up against the basketball net’s pole. Even when Isabel came to stand next to his legs, he didn’t look down at her. You knew he was waiting for an answer and you were having an internal crisis.
You didn’t think you’d get this far, actually, no you never thought this would happen. It was going to be the one parent-teacher meeting, then you’d never see him again and only complain to Mikasa and Historia about how you let him get away. Now, he literally just came out with it. Was this his whole intention of coming today? Your stomach did flipflops because of that. But now, you were thinking of how unprofessional it would look if you two did start something. You would be offender number one for the PTA moms and it was only your first year teaching. Then, on the other hand, the school year was almost over, and you would soon not be Isabel’s teacher and you and he were both single. And he was very good looking. And he was good with kids. And you did like him a bit, only having talked to him for thirty minutes. Still, what could fully develop if you took up his offer?
“Can I please have all the parents and their children gather?” You turned your neck to look at the principal who had yelled that through a blowhorn. He was standing on the makeshift stage in front of the school, probably going to give the day ending speech before dismissing the children with their participation medals for the games we played. You would have time to ask your crisis hotline and you were thankful that Isabel so eagerly pulled her father towards the front of the school. You still couldn’t shake his gaze, him looking over his shoulder at you while you tried to hide your blush.
Once you were alone on the basketball field, you used your watch to send a text to you, Historia, Mikasa, and Sasha’s group chat.. You knew whatever they were doing, they would take the chance to slack off. It also had to be important if you were texting during the school day.
From Mi: What are you texting us for?
From Mrs. Potato Head: Yes, aren’t you at school?
From (Y/F/N): Okay, well a situation has occurred, and I need quick guidance. I only have like two minutes
From My Queen: We can help!
From (Y/F/N): Thank you, Historia. I know I can count on you.
From Mrs. Potato Head: Just get on with it! I didn’t eat lunch today and I’m starving!
From (Y/F/N): Ok, ok, ok!
You glanced over at the parents and there he was, staring at you while holding Isabel’s hand.
From (Y/F/N): Oh god, I can’t believe I’m even saying this to you guys. I think Levi asked me on a date!
From Mrs. Potato Head: OUR BOSS LEVI ACKERMAN?!
From My Queen: You sound like a sixteen-year-old, (Y/F/N)! Of course, he would ask you out, who wouldn’t?
From Mi: So, what are you asking us? It’s a yes isn’t it?
From Mrs. Potato Head: Yeah, by the way you were talking about him at the bar last week, it has to be a yes
From Mi: If you two get married, we’ll be cousins
From (Y/F/N): Stop that! I don’t know if I should! I’m his daughter’s teacher and I barely know him
The principal was on his ending notes, and you could tell that Isabel was going to race up to you before saying goodbye. She always did. At the end of the day, you would take he to the bus with the other kids, and she would have to run her homework by you, tell you one or two random things, and then get yelled at before she would go on the bus.
From My Queen: Isn’t that why you go on dates with people or am I mistaken? Mikasa, is your cousin a serial killer?
From Mi: No, Historia, I don’t think he is. I think you should do it, (Y/F/N). Even if it’s kinda weird I’m setting you up with my cousin
You rolled her eyes at her remarks and the clapping notified you that in about thirty seconds a little raven-haired girl was going to be at your feet.
From (Y/F/N): Don’t tell the guys about this please. Not unless the date goes well, okay?
From Mrs. Potato: Oh, so you’re accepting! That’s mad crazy. My best friend and my boss. I’m going to tell Connie
From Mrs. Potato Head: Oh, wait, shit sorry. Nevermind
You groaned and knew that your request would fall on deaf ears. Soon you’d have Jean and Eren at your heels telling you that you shouldn’t go out with anyone but either one of them.
“Miss. (Y/L/N)!” Isabel started her bounding run towards you, and you could see Levi starting to walk in that same direction, his eyes never having left your figure. Jesus, this man’s gaze was so intense.
From (Y/F/N): We’re talking more later
You put your phone away, turning around to face Isabel with a big smile hiding how nervous you were in her father’s presence. Everything wrong was going through your mind. What if he didn’t mean a date? What if he thinks you’re too young for him? What happens when the date goes terribly that you end up hating him?
“Miss. (Y/L/N), I got a medal from the principal, look!” She held up the participation medal that all the children got. Something about everyone deserving to win something. You were falling asleep during that meeting.
“That’s great, Isabel! You can hang it on the fridge, yeah?” You could see his eyes spark when you said that. He smirked, too, finding it funny that you knew about their fridge, completely covered with Isabel’s drawings, report cards, and various other trinkets. Perhaps it was even a bit heartwarming to him.
“Is, can you go get your backpack from the classroom? Daddy needs to talk about you to Miss. (Y/L/N.” The little girl just lifted her head up, almost falling over to look back at Levi.
“But Daddy, I’m not done talking to Miss. (Y/L/N)!” One second of annoyance reappeared on his face before urging her to go do it again. This time, with a pout, she walked inside with the rest of her classmates to go get ready to leave.
“So, how does Saturday sound?” He was really direct, and you’d guess it was his age or the fact that you haven’t dated anyone other than college frat boys in their early twenties. You looked back at him, remembering what the girls said. They wanted you to go on it and you, yeah, you definitely wanted to go on it too.
“At seven?” You suggested and you swear you saw a smile break across his face before he dropped it to nod. That made the butterflies come back again.
“Seven, yeah. I’ll get your address from Mikasa.”
Saturday, 3:57 AM
“I couldn’t believe he posted that either! When Mikasa showed me that, I thought he was for sure getting fired,” my hands moved with my words as I explained to Levi about Eren’s awful thirst trapping social media posts. While I was doing this, he gripped my shoulder with the hand shrugged around me, trying to steer me in the right direction. Granted, I was also probably a little tipsy from the alcohol we consumed at the second bar. It was cheaper and fruitier, so I obliged, and Levi seemed to find it amusing.
“Oh, he definitely got reprimanded. It took everything in me not to kick him. Erwin is usually away, so I’m the one who has to deal with everything. One time they started, oh what are those things called, the pictures that are supposed to be funny?” He was gesturing with the hand next to my ear, trying to get me to fill in the blank.
“Memes? I knew you were old, but not this old, Lev.” He rolled his eyes at you, ignoring your insult and continuing with his story.
“They started a Meme fight in the company group chat even though I clearly laid out the rules to them. Apparently, their explanation was that if they got everyone to do it, I couldn’t punish everyone in the office.” I smiled up at him and grabbed loosely at his fingers, trying to hold his hand, but not really. I ended up just playing with them as we walked up to my apartment building.
“So, you punished everyone twice, yeah?” He smirked as we stopped outside the doorway of my building.
“Three times.” This made you both giggle like children, and you were sure the alcohol, the third round of drinks, was starting to have an affect on you both again. You’d make sure he’d call a cab to get back.
“I can walk you up to your door?” He suggested and your eyes widened, shaking your hands in front of you. He couldn’t know that Historia, Mikasa, and Sasha were on a stake-out at your apartment. It was something you all did when the other would go on a date with a new person. It was to make sure that they got home right and that they had someone to immediately rant, cry, or laugh with depending on how the date went. Last time, you, Mikasa, and Sasha almost went to egg a guy’s house that made Historia cry. However, this stake-out was going to be very different.
“No, it’s fine. It’s fine. I’m actually against gender norms. If anything, I should walk you home.” He raised an eyebrow, taking his arm off my shoulder. He wore the same suit had had during the parent-teacher conference and you made sure to comment on how hot you thought he looked back then. Rolled up sleeves, buttons undone, and now, tousled hair courtesy of you. It was a very good look.
“You wouldn’t want your kindergartener seeing you drunk.” You hit his chest after that comment, knowing you weren’t completely intoxicated. You could get up to your house, take off your makeup, and have a very productive conversation about how he had treated you to ice cream halfway through your bar hopping session.
“I’m not drunk, just happy. Tonight was really fun.” He smiled at you and nodded in agreement.
“Let’s do it again? And again? You up for it?” You matched his smile and grabbed his hand.
“Of course I am. This was probably the best date I’ve ever had, Levi.” You saw the blush paint his cheeks as he went to scratch the back of his neck.
“Me too, (Y/L/N). Me too.” You sent him off in a taxi, a single kiss on his cheek that left a smirk on his face. You stood there for a while too, letting the cool spring wind blow over your bare legs. Yeah, that was a few hours of heaven. Your heart warmed as you went up in the elevator, replaying the events in your head over and over again. You were sad it had to end, but it was almost four in the morning and you’d exhausted all open sit-down bars.
When you got inside your apartment, you saw them all sleeping on the couch besides Mikasa who locked very annoyed eyes with you. You just smiled and slid down the door, sitting on the floor.
“Oh god,” Mikasa groaned, seeing your lovesick face. She never though she’d meet someone who’d act like this for her cousin, must less one of her best friends. Sasha and Historia woke up, rubbing their eyes to look at the time. You wondered when they fell asleep.
“Why are you back so late?” Sasha mumbled, seeing the clock hit four in front of her eyes. At least you left her a stocked fridge. Historia was the first of the two to be wide awake, seeing your face clearly. She almost jumped up from the couch and ran over to you on the floor. You smile was still plastered over your face, thinking about Levi.
“How was it? How was it!?” Sasha covered her ears at Historia’s yells. She would care in the morning when she was awake. For now, she just looked at you as you stared Historia right in the eyes and said those bone crushing words.
“Historia, I think I’m in love.”
“Love?!” Mikasa popped up, sounding so taken aback by that. No, she’d never, ever bet on someone liking, much less falling in love with her cousin. What had he done to you? She rested her head on the back of the couch, looking over to you. Historia grabbed your hand hard, excited for you.
“No way! Are you sure? How do you know? What did you two do for some long? Huh! You didn’t!” You shook your head, knowing what she was thinking. No, he was a gentleman the whole night with you, even if you did exchange a few buzzed kisses here and there on the fake leather couches of a swanky bar downtown.
“We went for dinner first at a hibachi place. We talked for hours and hours, I couldn’t tell you how long. It was just, I could’ve sit and talked to him in that uncomfortable chair for hours. We just walked about everything. Our lives, Isabel, how I became a teacher, you guys; it was just so refreshing. Then, when the hibachi place closed, he said he didn’t want to end it there, and so he took me to this high-end bar, and I had an overpriced martini and we talked and talked some more. I just couldn’t run out of topics, Historia. Maybe it was because I drank so much, but still, I was buzzing the whole time around him. Then when that bar closed, we went to ours, the one we go to, and I drank more. He did too. I guess the alcohol just opened us up. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to someone for that long about absolutely nothing. Even on the way back, we walked by the river, it was so pretty and there were almost no people. Just a little slice of heaven. I’m sad it had to end, but he asked if I wanted to do it again, and again. He’s just so nice and gentlemanly and funny and handsome and cute and-“ Sasha cut you off with her hand. She couldn’t stand someone talking about her boss like that. If she kept listening to you, she would definitely say something at work and she was too afraid of what Levi would do to her.
“Guys, she’s completely whipped for our boss.” You smiled up at her, acknowledging that fact. Being with Levi just felt so good. Your heart was light and your head was buzzing around. Every time he leaned over to kiss you, you had butterflies in your stomach like some little girl. You even went into the date telling yourself you’d have to act more upright than you really are, but that went out the window when the hibachi chef squirted Levi in the eye with water and you couldn’t handle it. You were just so comfortable around him, it was hard to be professional and upright. He did tell you that you were correct, you were different outside of school, but he loved it.
“He told me that my personality came out tenfold when I was outside of school grounds. He said he liked it a lot and thought I was cute.” You were wringing your hands together, the feeling hitting your toes. God, you never had a man make you feel like this. All of the fairytale books you read the kids now made complete sense. Even Sasha’s gagging sound didn’t take you out of that trance.
“You look so head-over-heals, (Y/F/N),” Historia said, laughing next to you while looking at your eyes. She took, well, they all had never seen you like this around a man you went on a date or one-night stand with. Not Jean, Eren, the one guy you dated in college, or the one right after graduation; none of them made you look like this. It almost made Mikasa sick looking at how lovestruck you were on the floor. All for Levi.
Five Months Later
From Captain <3: I venomed you for the pizza last night. You should use it to bring me a bubble tea from that shop we went to last week
From my little teach: I’m in a meeting, but in like an hour, sure.
From Captain <3: I never understood how you seem busier on summer vacation than you did during the school year
From my little teach: Not my fault you chose to date a teacher, at least I’m always free at night
From Captain <3: Then you have to leave early in the morning and the bed gets cold
From Captain <3: You know I’m anemic ☹
“Miss. (Y/L/N), do you find something funny about the change in our core curriculum?” Your eyes looked up to the fifth-grade teacher presenting and smiled to try and hide your embarrassment.
“No, Mrs. Warnas, I was just thinking about the unique drawings I’m going to get from my kindergarteners once we introduce them to storyboarding.” That seemed to satisfy her enough to turn back around and smile to herself at my compliment. I’m glad that was in my head still, because I didn’t want to get caught in front of all the teachers. They already knew I was in a relationship with a past parent, so them catching me texting like a high schooler in class would be mortifying.
From my little teach: You just got me in trouble
From Captain <3: I’m texting you in a meeting too
From Captain <3: You’re just bad at being sneaky
When you showed up at the office, two bubble teas in hand, you were greeted first by Connie who wanted one.
“Pleaseeeeee, I’ve been working so hard today!” You moved the drinks away from his grabby hands and glared at him. You knew that if Sasha came over too, you’d have to guard these drinks with your life.
“They aren’t for you, Con. I’ll buy you one another time.” He whined again and Jean’s head popped up from over a cubical, one arm resting on the edge.
“Jeez, (Y/F/N). Isn’t this the third time this week you came here? I don’t remember you ever visiting us this much before you started dating our boss.” You stuck your tongue out at him and took a sip of your tea to rub it in his face.
“You’re just jealous you didn’t land me. You had so many chances, yet it slipped through your fingers. You and Eren both.” His eyebrow quirked up, smirk breaking over his face. He was going to say something either sexual or annoying.
“I mean, if you want to talk about my finge-“
“What did you say, Kirstein?” Jean dropped his head, mumbling something, and sitting back in his chair. You turned around, locking eyes with Levi who was in the doorway of his office. His face was one you had gotten used to over the few months of visiting him at work. In this building, he was constantly on edge and it showed all over his face. His gaze was harsh, non-smiling, and always laced with annoyance or sleepiness. His words were the same way. Even the tone he took with Jean was the complete opposite of the one he talked to you or Isabel in.
“If I have to hear about Jean or Eren’s college relations with you one more time, I’ll fire both of them. I swear, I thought it would calm down, but almost everyday they have to say something and giggle to each other like fucking school children. Did you get the brown sugar boba?” You handed him his cup, sitting in the chair opposite his. He looked cute sipping on the boba while in his professional setting. The only time he wore his suit jacket was at work, but as he walked out of that door after clocking out, it was the first thing to come off.
“Bad day? You only ask for extra sugar when you’re feeling bad.” He huffed once in agreement with his bad day, taking another big sip and running a hand through his hair.
“A deal with a Japanese company we thought would be easy is toying with us and since Erwin’s out of town, it falls on Hange and I. I’ll probably have to take stuff home tonight and work.” You frowned, putting down your cup on his desk and leaning forward. He’d been stressed recently about work, which culminated in him needing daily visits to his office for you to calm him down. Pretty soon, he’d lock the door, making sure the blinds are all pulled, and have you sit on his lap to calm him down.
“I can take Isabel to mine if you need to concentrate tonight. We still have a few Barbie movies to watch.” That made him smile, but he shook his head, looking down at the papers sprawled all over his desk.
Isabel had been very quick to accept the fact that her teacher and father were dating, and she probably happier than either of you. You both told her after school ended so she didn’t start something with the PTA moms, but it was your carelessness that caused all of them to find out over an email thread. Isabel, however, didn’t care that Ryan would make fun of her for having “Miss. (Y/L/N) as a mommy” because there was finally someone in her like that would play princesses with her that would fit the role. You asked Levi if, before you came, he was forced by the seven-year-old to wear a crown and fake earrings, but he refused to answer. It was also very easy to transition your relationship with Isabel from teacher to, basically, co-caretaker since she already saw you as such. When you told her she could call you your first name, she went crazy being able to call an adult by their first name. Now, she’d gotten more and more comfortable with you over the summer and just recently was able to finally see you as Daddy’s girlfriend and not Miss. (Y/L/N). Soon enough, she was falling asleep with you on the couch or your bed when you babysat her, and had just mistakenly called you mommy a day or two ago.
Levi and you had talked about that situation happening before, so you were prepared to sit her down and tell her that you weren’t her mommy yet, so you’d have to make up an easier nickname to call you. Both you and Levi were pretty sure that you were the person for each other, so there was no reason to forbid her from calling you that. Actually, it was during a post-steamy cuddle session that he’d brought it up.
“I can’t see myself being with anyone else. I know it’s early to say that. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, I feel the same. No one I’ve been with has made me feel like you do, Levi.”
“M-me, too.”
“I was going to ask you to come over tonight anyways. Mikasa offered to babysit Isabel over the weekend.” He trailed off on the last word, trying to suggest that we had three open days without a little girl trying to sleep in between us at night. Of course you’d go over.
“I guess I can come. You’ll just have to help me test out some kindergarten activities for the new core curriculum. School starts again next week.” He groaned, more work, but agreed to do it. How hard could it be? It was just cutting and coloring and he did that with Isabel on a daily.
“Mikasa and I are going to watch the Twelve Dancing Princesses tonight. I know you wanted to watch it with me, (Y/F/N),” she said lowering her head onto your chest as you laid on the couch. You laughed and ruffled her hair that you’d just combed out for Levi. He was still in his home office running over papers and making phone calls. Your job was to get Isabel ready and packed to go to Mikasa’s, but she was running late, so you decided to watch videos on your phone till she got there.
“That’s okay, Bel. I’ve seen it before. That means when you come back over, you can watch the Princess and the Pauper with me.” The little girl smiled, which was followed by a yawn as she watched some toy opening video on YouTube.
“Can we sing like last time?” You laughed a bit, so you didn’t disturb her tired form, slowly slipping into a nap as she laid on you. Apparently, Levi let her stay up last night, forgetting that this little girl won’t tear her eyes away from the television until you force her too. He had gone back to do some work and when he emerged at two in the morning, there she was struggling to keep her eyes open. So much for trying to get her back into a school sleep schedule. You were no better though, going to bed at three last night because you waited last minute to start writing lesson plans. This made you yawn along with her and close your eyes.
“Yes, we can sing like we did with Frozen.” She hummed a bit, snuggling again against your chest as she decided it was time to take a nap. You quickly agreed with that idea.
Knocking on the door broke Levi from looking at the figures for the latest project and he leaned out of his office to see both you and Isabel sleeping on the couch. He smiled to himself, heart singing at the view, and went to open the door for his cousin.
“Where’s she at?” He frowned at Mikasa, moving so she could walk in and see you two sleeping on the couch. Levi didn’t want to move you two, and in actuality he wanted to add another picture to the album on his phone, but it would be way too embarrassing to do in front of Mikasa. Mikasa on the other hand had put a pizza in the oven and was ready to go. Levi grabbed her arm to stop her from shaking you two awake.
“Let them sleep. They both stayed up late.” She rolled her eyes at Levi and he responded with an even more annoyed eye roll. Couldn’t she calm down for a few minutes?
“They get five more minutes of beauty sleep.”
“How gracious.” He stood there, arms crossed, looking over at the two who had no idea Mikasa walked in the door. You had one hand over Isabel’s head and the other hanging of the couch, gripping a phone still playing some YouTube video in the background. Isabel had her small hand touching your cheek, head buried in your chest as she snored soundly on her favorite bed. When Mikasa looked over at her cousin, she thought she was going to be sick. It was the same look you had coming back from you two’s first date and one she’d seen on your face when you bounced into their office. She’s gotten used to you, but this was the first time she saw Levi like that. She snorted at him and he dropped it, morphing back into his normal, harsh glare.
“Never thought you’d be so wrapped around (Y/F/N)’s finger.” Levi scoffed at her, making sure it wasn’t loud enough to wake you two.
“I’m just admiring my girlfriend and kid; can I not do that, brat?” Mikasa laughed a bit at him trying to hide his embarrassment with another insult. He did the same when she walked in on you two making out in his office, having forgotten to lock the door.
“You can, just not with my best friend. Makes me sick.” Levi felt like his eyes were going to roll out of his head. Once you two started dating, that whole friend group had been insufferable to him. Eren and Jean talking about all their college flings with you, Connie and Sasha always bursting out laughing for no reason, and Mikasa made fun of him for showing emotion. The only one he still liked was Armin who inquired about your class activities as school and the other kids besides Isabel.
“When are you going to marry her?” Levi was taken aback by that question, but Mikasa was completely cool. It sounded so natural coming from her lips that Levi couldn’t help but actually answer back. It wasn’t a surprise to Mikasa when he told her his intentions. From the day you came back from your first date, she knew you’d probably become her cousin in less than a year.
“Haven’t planned out anything, but I have a ring.” She laughed at him again, this time adding a tad bit of happiness into it. Yeah, she was okay with Levi and you, but she didn’t know how the others would take the news. Eren and Jean would be distressed, Historia and Sasha ecstatic, and Connie and Armin probably neutrally happy. She’d probably have to pull Eren “that should’ve been me” Jaeger and Jean “if only she gave me a shot” Kiersten home from some random bar.
“Did you tell Isabel?” Levi nodded, remembering the conversation he had to have with her about keeping very, very important secrets. He even said that if Isabel told you, he would cry, which made it seem very serious to Isabel.
“She helped me pick it. Something about knowing what plastic rings (Y/F/N) liked. She slipped up this week though and called (Y/F/N) mommy. I had to bust my ass to cover that up.” This made Mikasa actually smile. Her best friend would be a great mom, but she didn’t want to think about it. You weren’t the first person she thought was going to get married in their group. Probably Historia, or Armin and his girlfriend, not you, the girl that fell into the Education major who partied all the time stereotype.
“You’re marrying someone crazy; I hope you know that. By day, she’s a wonderful kindergarten teacher who all her students and parents love, and by night, she’s on top of some table in the club singing to Abba.” Levi grit his teeth, remembering clearly the first time he was forced out with you and the brats. Eren challenged you to a drinking contest and you stupidly accepted, which made it Levi’s job to drag you home and nurse a hangover the next day. It didn’t help that the next day you had another Teacher’s Institute meeting and complained to him that everyone there knew you were hungover. Those were some giant hoops Levi had to jump through to explain to Isabel why you were “sick”.
“Who do you think is the one getting her down and waking her up for school the next day?” Not caring anymore about saving face with Mikasa, he took his phone out, taking a picture of his two girls. Staring down at you holding his daughter, his heart swelled even more. You were going to be a great mom to Isabel, even if you told Levi that you weren’t made for it. Levi thought the same thing when he held Isabel for the first time, alone and abandoned. He reassured you, saying that Isabel has never had a mom in the first place, but you were still worried.
You don’t have to be worried, he thought watching Mikasa kick you awake, you’re perfect. His perfect little teacher.
“Five minutes is up. Time to come to Aunty Mikasa’s so you won’t end up in therapy later in life for childhood trauma!”
xx Perhaps I got a LITTLE carried away, i hope you like it though! It’s a bit less cute than originally planned
#levi ackerman#levi ackerman x reader#levi x reader#levi x y/n#levi ackerman x you#levi ackerman scenario#attack on titan levi#shingeki no kyoujin levi#attack on titan#shingeki no kyojin#dadlevi#modernau#aot x reader#aot x y/n
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Paper Scribbles | Mark Lee
summary: the one mail that made him wish he did things differently | childhood bestfriends!au + idol!Mark
genre: fluff; angst
warnings: swearing
word count: 6K
"Mark! You've got mail."
It was already past midnight when they arrived at the dorm. After working the whole day on the choreography for the comeback, the only thing the boys wanted was to go to bed and sleep for as long as they could. Mark especially. He had been drained out of energy for being involved in so many activities, differents unities, choreographies, composing… He felt like his days had less hours than his members’ so everything else than work, at that moment could wait.
"Just leave it over the table. I'll take a look tomorrow." He mumbled rubbing his eyes as walked to his bedroom.
"I think you should take a look. It's from Canada."
He stopped as soon as he heard his home country. It wasn't unusual for him to receive mail from his parents, but they would always tell him they were sending something. He frowned trying to remember if his mother had said something and was almost sure she didn't, but he still turned around walking back to Taeyong letting his curiosity take over him.
"Thanks, hyung."
"Don't take too long, Markie."
Mark nodded taking the brown envelope from his hands before the older walked away. Plopping down on the couch, he twirled it around searching for the sender's address. He didn't have a clue where that was, it was definitely from Canada, but the place written on the paper didn't ring any bells from who it could be.
Until he found your name.
He widened his eyes and held his breath as he read the name printed on the paper a few more times checking if he wasn't just imagining. It had been years since he last heard of you. And seeing your name written by a handwriting that wasn't his was making his heart do things that he didn’t know it could do again.
During all those years he hasn't heard of you. But you were in every little thing that surrounded him. You were on his reflection in the mirror every time he saw the little scar under his chin from when the two of you were trying to learn how to skate. You were in the black socks that he wore because you always told him the white ones were lame. You were in the stars in the sky that you used to stare as you laid on the grass from his backyard on a weekday when you were supposed to be studying. And especially, you were in the lyrics of every song he wrote.
Seeing it, he couldn't help but let his mind wonder back to the days when you were his partner in crime. When everyone in the neighborhood knew that when one of you were seen alone you were planning something. When his parents knew that if he wasn't on his bedroom at a friday night, he would be at yours. When he thought you were gonna be forever.
It was probably a summer morning when you met. It has been so long that neither of you remembered, and it didn't actually matter. The two of you only knew that you meet in a playground, you weren't even three yet, Mark was feeling too shy to join the other kids on the sand box, so you walked up to him and offered your favorite cookie, asking him to be your friend. Your mother once told him you wouldn't share it with anyone but him. Well, he took a bite from it and threw it on the floor. It made you cry, but as soon as he saw tears rolling down your cheeks, he felt bad and hugged you. That was when your friendship started, and little did you know that you would never leave each other's side. At least until you were fifteen.
You were together in every memory he had from his childhood. When you started preschool, your teachers instantly fell in love with the two of you. On your first day, you came hand in hand. He had a red cap that was almost big enough to cover his eyes and you had your pigtails bouncing as you made your way to the class. You had the biggest grins on your lips, you were the only kids in the whole class that didn’t throw a tantrum to leave their parents, after all, you had each other. There was no way your teachers wouldn't fall in love at the sight of you comforting the other children. They only found out that the duo meant trouble when, a week later, in art class, you would replace your canvas with each other's faces. At the time that idea of having pink all over your face sounded just right. It would match your dress!
Another episode that warned what was yet to come was when you were caught trying to sneak your pet rabbit into the school trip. Mark helped you to put it on his bag so you could bring it to meet it's cousins at the zoo. Your plan failed when Mark opened his backpack to put his lunch on it on your way to the school and the rabbit jumped out. Your moms had to hold back their laughters as they tried to scold both of you.
You wouldn’t stay away from each other even when you were grounded. Whenever your parents tried to punish you for misbehavior or something, you always found a way to be with each other. Once he was grounded because he was caught eating candy in the middle of the night, and that made his parents not let him leave the house in the following day. In the next morning, they woke up to Mark laying on his belly on the entrance hall happily kicking his legs with the door wide open. As his dad walked further to investigate what was going on, he saw you on the porch in the same position as the two of you drew and talked. Mr. Lee just shook his head grinning before inviting you to breakfast. Mark didn't disobey his parents, after all he didn't leave his house.
Mark was really found of all those memories, even though some were told by his parents and others he remembered vaguely, he treasured every moment he had with you. As he grew up, his memories became gradually more defined so as he could remember the details of them, they also became more meaningful to him.
He was able to remember, for example, you giving him a bouquet of red flowers and wearing a dress of the same colour the night he played the flute on his band for the first time, he had felt so happy to have you clapping excitedly at his performance. Or even when you spent the whole night helping him finish his biology project that was due the next morning even though you had an english test the same day. Of course he didn’t know that, otherwise he would have never asked for your help, but when a friend in common told him that, he remembered feeling guilty and selfish. So he bought your favorite ice cream with his lunch money and stood in front of your class waiting for you to leave, ready to comfort and apologize to you. For his surprise, you came out smiling.
“Didn’t you fail?” You laughed throwing your head back before reaching to take the cup out of his hands and linking your arm with his.
“You think too low of me, Mark Lee.” He sighed relieved smiling while you made your way back home chatting. Little did he know that you, in fact, failed, but seeing him waiting for you made it feel like nothing.
One memory that repeated itself every year, but became more clear in his mind as he grew up was when the two of you would run between the sprinklers of your front yard in the summer, laughing and purposely getting wet to cope with the hot weather. These were his favorite memories. It was something that first happened when the two of you were still little and your parents were too distracted with the barbecue party to notice you sneaking out. When they did, you were in the middle of the lawn giggling and running away from the water jets with your chubby feet. Mark recaled the same scene a few years later, the two of you just a little older with the same happy smiles on your lips. This time, you were being chased by your siblings and were big enough to know how to use a water gun. The last time it happened, always brought a grin to Mark’s lips, all the details were clear as day.
He ran after you with the smile he always had whenever you were around, you also ran, but away from him. You screamed for him to leave you alone, but the laugher that would come out of your mouth every time he came close to catch you told him you didn't actually mean any of that.
“I’m serious, Mark! I don’t want to get wetter than I am!” You shouted at him as you faced each other from opposite sides of the sprinkles, you laughed at him resting your hands on your knees. You two were panting from all the running, but you couldn’t be happier.
“Too bad you will, loser.” He smirked at you and jumped through the jets to get to you. A surprised yelp left your lips, but you reached to take the hose that was just behind you and splashed it on his face. He coughed surprised when the water hit his eyes and you turned it off as soon as you heard him, your eyes widened and your mouth agape as you watched him recover from your sudden attack. As Mark rubbed his eyes, you walked closer to him trying to hold back your laughter with the hose still in hands. You touched his back that was turned to you and caressed it softly talking with the sweetest voice, knowing he couldn’t get mad to you when you did that.
“Oi, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to-” At that moment, he turned around and jumped on top of you making you fall on the ground. You wiggled under him to try to pull him away, but he held your wrist pinning you down so you couldn’t move. He smirked taking the hose from you and splashing all over you, finally getting his revenge.
“You son of a bitch!”
“Yah! Don’t curse my mother!”
He laughed as stared at you pouting with your red cheeks and your hair all wet spread on the grass. He couldn’t think of a moment when you looked more beautiful.
“I’m sorry. I forgot it’s not your mother’s fault you are an idiot.” You flashed him a teasing grin that in just a few seconds turned into a genuine smile. You stared at his sparkling eyes and soft smile that always made your heart skip a beat. His hair was all messy and wet and you couldn’t help, but run your fingers through his strands. He closed his eyes enjoying your sweet touch leaning his head closer to you.
“Yeah, but you still love this idiot.” He whispered and when opened his eyes to stare back at you lovingly, you grinned leaning up to rub your lips against his and whispered before kissing him slowly and tenderly.
“Well, you are not wrong.”
Besides the good memories you shared, you have always been there for each other, in the good and bad moments. Like when he broke his arm and you did all his homework for three weeks, or when your grandmother passed away and he was there to wipe all your tears. But like in every friendship, you did have a lot of fights, mostly petty ones.
Once you tried to cut your own fringe and ended with just a tuft of hair on the top of your forehead, when he saw it he laughed so hard he felt on the floor out of breath. You gave him the cold shoulder for the next two days. That was until, after your soccer practice, you forgot you were supposed to be mad at him and stormed into his bedroom with your cap still on talking happily about the goals you’ve made. He looked at you puzzled as you laid beside him on the bed, you frowned at his confused face, but soon remembered you were not talking to him. And when you were about to stand up to leave, you saw him smirk and point his chin to your head.
“Nice cap.” You punched him on the arm, but couldn’t hold back a smile.
“Shut up.”
Another one was when you gave him spoilers of the new Spider-Man movie. He knew it wasn’t your intention, but he so wanted to see for himself that when you told him about the ending scene he ignored you for a whole day. He only accepted your apologies when you said you would go see the movie with him and would pay for the popcorn. In a minute it was all forgotten.
You were fourteen when you confessed. Neither of you knew when the romantic feelings towards the other appeared. They were just there, hidden, until it bloomed like a flower in the spring, always ready to pop up just waiting for the right moment. It didn’t surprised him tho. It had always been you, just the two of you. Maybe it sprang up was when you held him a little tighter than the other times when he came home from a trip with his family.
It had been over a month since he had gone to the middle of nowhere, you didn’t talk during that time because he had no access to internet. Of course he missed you, you were everyday with him, how wouldn’t he? What he didn’t expected was that when you came running to him, just a few minutes after they parked the car in the garage, his heart would go on loops. He saw you coming his way with the brightest smile on your lips, your yellow flowered summer dress floating around you and your hair fluttering, for some reason he froze on his spot as watched you come.
Has she always been that beautiful?
He only came back to his senses when your body hit on his almost knocking him down on the ground. He automatically wrapped his arms around you and held you tightly against him not wanting to let you go and hoping you wouldn’t hear the drums inside his chest. When you pulled away, too soon, he stared at you with shining big eyes and you smiled shyly under his gaze.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
“You grew taller.” It was only then that he noticed he had to look down to talk to you now. He just nodded, lost of words, as you kept looking at the changes on the other. You stayed like that, secretly admiring each other’s features until his brother cleared his throat beside you.
“Are the lovebirds gonna help or we’ll have to wait until the wedding?” He was used to people teasing you like that, but you would always shrug it off or roll your eyes. However, this time it felt different. He saw you blush and mumble saying that you would help his mother before walking inside the house, he felt his ears burn and widened his eyes at his brother making the older laugh.
Or maybe it was when he said 'i love you' after you gave him a bowl full of watermelon on one of your movie nights. You would always tell each other that, but that time it had a different meaning. It didn't held the same teasing tone as before. He had said it with so much tenderness and had the softest look on his eyes. It was such a usual moment, the two of you just chilling in the living room, you wearing his hoodie even being summer. You have said it was a bit chilly outside, but later he would find out that you liked to be surrounded by his scent.
It just felt right to say at that moment. And he did it.
You just smiled extending him the bowl, ready to say it back like everytime you did something to him. But when you looked down at him he saw you freeze for a moment as you stared deeply in each other’s eyes. The same words you would always tell the other felt completely different now. And you could tell which that meaning was by his eyes that shined and overflowed with affection, admiration and love. When you smiled shyly with your cheeks tinted bright red and sat beside him, closer than you would before, he knew you were alright.
"I love you too, Mark."
And it was just like that. You confessed to each other in the most intimate, yet innocent way it could have happened. And you knew. There was no need for other words. You reached over to lay your hand between the two of you and he gently placed his own on top of yours with a smile on his lips and his heart beating wild. He looked at you with the corner of his eyes and saw the most beautiful smile on your face as he laced your fingers together.
Not long after that you shared your first kiss. You guys were too shy and flushed to do it before, but just like the rest of your relationship, it just happened.
He was walking you home after your first official date, or, after going for some ice cream. It was like before, but now he could hold your hand whenever he felt like. When you got to your front door, he reluctantly let go of your hand and pressed his lips together standing in front of you. He shifted his weight from one side to the other and saw you playing with your feet as looked everywhere but him. You both felt what was about to happen. Mark was nervous and he knew you also were, after all, neither of you had any experience in anything that was happening.
He cleared his throat softly and wiggled his body back and forth moving his gaze to you.
“So… I’ll come tomorrow. And we can go to the pool or try that muffin recipe you found…?”
“Cool. That’s cool for me.”
“Cool.” When you raised your head to look at him, he chuckled softly noticing you had a little bit of ice cream on your chin. How cliché, he thought.
“You complain that I’m a messy eater, but look at you.” With a warm smile, he stepped forward and held your jaw with one hand while the other gently rubbed the stain out of your skin. Your faces were closer than they have ever been. Mark saw the blush on your cheeks, but didn’t say anything as he felt the blood flood his. He stared at your wide shining eyes and you both couldn’t held back a smile. All the anxiousness from before completely dissipating as you drowned on each other’s eyes, he suddenly felt at peace. Feeling your breath against his skin, he closed his eyes. The only thing he remembered after that was his lips on yours.
It was... weird, but good weird. It was wet, there was too much tongue, teeth meeting more than it should. It wasn't his fault, neither yours, that’s just how everyone’s first kisses are. But yours felt just right. The way he held you tightly, like he was holding the world on his hands. The way he caressed your face tenderly. The way you held his hair, gently pulling him closer to you. The way you smiled against each other’s lips and giggled. The way your heartbeats synchronized into one.
After you pulled away, eyes still closed, you just stood there with your arms around each other and beaming smiles on your faces. When Mark opened his eyes, he met yours, you have never seen his eyes shining so bright like that. You exchanged your goodbyes and he hugged you one last time pressing a sweet kiss on your forehead before crossing the street. He was on cloud nine and so were you.
Nobody was surprised when they found out you were dating. In fact, almost everyone you knew seemed to have made a bet on when the two of you would get together. Mark realized that when saw his brother giving yours twenty dollars, he had bet that Mark would only grow some balls to ask you out after you started dating someone else and your brother had bet that he would be your first kiss. Said and done.
Your parents were thrilled when you told the. Although all of them knew you were eventually end up dating, your father was hoping it would take a little more time, but that didn't stop him from inviting Mark over just to ‘hang out’ as he used to say, even when you were busy. He told Mark that he felt like his second son and couldn't’ have wished for someone else to be with his little girl. He really enjoyed spending time with your father too, he felt like he belonged to the family even more. The only one that wasn't very keen of the two of them together was you, he would always laugh when you argued with your dad saying that Mark was your boyfriend, not his.
Besides that, our relationship was much like any other. You had dates everyday, they wouldn’t always be going to amusement parks or to the cinema, most of them were the two of you sitting down while Mark played his guitar, or doing your homework in silence enjoying each other’s presence. The time you would spend just the two of you immersed in your own world was his favorite type of date.
One that he treasured was when the two of you had just finished your exams in school, he knew how stressed you were so he decided that you had to chill out a bit. He took two of the biggest blankets he could find and as much pillows as he could carry and ran across the street with his hands full. Since he basically lived in your house he didn't bother ringing the bell, he walked to your backyard and settled the things down on the grass and sent you a text that said “ i’m by the pool. bring doritos.”
He watched as the lights of your bedroom were turned off and smiled to himself as he laid down on top of the pillows. When you came to meet him, you had a side smile on your lips and were already in your pajamas.
“What is this?” He grinned brightly and reached for your hand, that you gladly held, pulling you down to lay beside him.
“This is me making you stop overthinking your grades.” You rolled your eyes playfully, but followed his lead and snuggled him under the blanket.
You talked for hours. About the most silly things, your deepest desires and fears, you were each other’s safe place. At one point of the night, he was talking about whatever while staring at the stars, but you had found a much more interesting sight. You were on your side facing Mark and had your head rested on your hand, you couldn't help a smile as you stared at his profile. You couldn’t tell, but Mark saw your eyes roam every feature of his face, his almost defined apple cheeks, his pink pretty lips, his little nose…
“Are you even listening to me?” He giggled when turned to face you and meet your mesmerized eyes. You shook your head lightly before smirking softly.
“I was not. It’s not my fault you distract me.” He laughed throwing his head back and clapping his hands as he felt a little blush creeping on his cheeks, but he moved to lay on his side to face you. You reached a hand and touch his face caressing every part you had been staring, rubbing his cheek, bopping his nose, what made he giggle more, contouring his lips with your thumb, but when you locked eyes he heard a sight leave your lips.
"I love your eyes, you know..." You blurted out. "I mean, I love all of you, but your eyes... They have a special place in my heart." You chuckled and stopped your hand on his apple cheek caressing it gently. He grinned widely and reached to hold your hand intertwining your fingers.
"Is that so? Why?"
"They sparkle. I feel like i can see your soul looking at them. They shine. Just like your soul, Mark. And you have such a beautiful one, baby.”
Those words stuck to him until now and whenever someone complimented his eyes he thought of you.
One thing he was grateful for was how much support you gave him. You were always there for him, supporting him no matter what, hyping him when he was feeling down and doing your best to make him happy. It was even you who he told first about the SM audition that was going to happen. You quickly ran to his house to make sure he had typed his informations correctly in the enrollment paper. He was still uncertain if he should try, he was very insecure of his abilities and just the thought of leaving for the other side of the world made his heart ache, but he just let you think that his hesitations were because of his insecurities.
“Mark! You are amazing. I've already told you this a thousand times! There's nothing to worry about. You are so talented... They are gonna love you. And if they don’t, first their loss. Second, this is just a try out, it’s just the beginning, love. Your life won’t end because you failed one audition. Okay? Have some faith in yourself!”
You skipped school to go with him to the audition. His brother offered to drive Mark so you could join since his parents would have asked if yours had allowed you to come, the answer would have been no. During the whole ride to the city center, Mark had his legs shaking frenectly. You tried to sooth him by holding his hand and caressing the back of it, but he was too nervous, not even your touches could make him calm down.
Once his brother parked the car he felt his heart stop. Mark was so tense that he didn't remember much of what happened after that. He knew his brother had talked the whole time you were waiting, making jokes to try to make him laugh and you hadn’t let go of his hand even for one second. He was glad you were there to reassure him even if it was just by squeezing his hand.
At some point he was told by the staff that he had to go alone from there. He sighed deeply and nodded at his brother and you, if he wasn't so terrified the would have laughed, it looked like you were the one auditioning. You let go of his hand and offered him a smile, he turned around to walk inside, but after a few steps he felt your hand on his arm, meeting your gently eyes when he turned back.
“Hey. Before you get in. I just want to say how proud I am of you. I can't put in words how amazing and talented you are. Just trust in yourself, Mark. You are gonna shine more than the brightest star in the sky. And i'll always stand by your side no matter what happens.” You winked and gave him your brightest smile. “Now go get them.”
That was all what he needed to regain his confidence.
The results came a week later.
When he told you the news you screamed and laughed like never before, hugging him so tight that he had to ask you to loose it a bit. You had told him how happy and proud you were of him and gave him a little lecture about how he should trust himself more, but soon was kissing all over his face again. Before you left to go home, he thought he had seen a different shade on your eyes, but he shrugged it off at that time.
The time he had to say his goodbyes and pack was way too short. He tried to stay as much as he could with you, but he had a ton of things to do before leaving to Korea it made hard for you to have some time alone. He was feeling bad because he felt like he wasn’t giving the attention you deserved, but you reasured him that it was alright, that you understood why that was happening and that you would be with him even if he just had two minutes to talk to you.
On the day before he would go to Korea he took to spend it only with you, he took you to a walk on the park, bought you your favorite ice cream, took you to the little playground where you met and didn't let go of your hand. It didn't even feel like he was leaving, he was so happy to be able to make you laugh and look at your bright eyes that he forgot why he was doing that.
He only remembered it later that day when he heard you on the sleepover you were having at his house. Neither of you were supposed to sleep, so you could spend more time together, but he closed his eyes and felt asleep. He woke up a few minutes later when heard the bathroom door close followed by your quiet sobbs. He realized how difficult it was for you to let him go. He knew you were happy for him, but he could understand what you were going through. Having your best friend in life that it’s also your boyfriend to move to the other side of the world while you had no choice, but sit back and watch, it breaks anyone's heart. He didn't think he could be so selfless if he was in your shoes. All the times when he thought about becoming an artist he saw you by his side, but he realized that you always somehow knew that wouldn't be possible, that you couldn’t be part of that. Even so, you were there supporting him, wanting him to pursue his dreams, to be happy, even if that meant that you would have to let him go.
Just by hearing your shaky breath he could tell you were trying to control your emotions, but every time you would inspire, a loud sobb would come out from your chest. It was too painful hearing you break like that. He barged in the bathroom what made you quickly try to put a smile on your face and hide your sadness, but failed. He just pulled you into his chest and buried his face on your neck letting his own tears flow down his cheeks while you resumed crying, this time on his arms. Once you were calmer, he brought you to the couch where you hugged each other for the whole night while he caressed your hair and whispered on your ear sweet nothings and promises that he didn’t know he could keep.
You didn't come to the airport with him in the next day. You had told him that you prefered to say your goodbye on your street when you could pretend he was just going on a trip. He had laughed, but felt his heart ache. When the time came, you tried not to look at him, he knew you didn't want him to see you cry again, he knew you wanted to be strong for him, but he held your face to make you stare at him, he wanted to look into your eyes since he didn't know the next time he would be able to do it.
You didn't need to say a lot of words to make him understand everything you wanted to tell. He pulled you to a last tight hug staying like that for a few minutes. Eventually, he had to pull away since his parents were telling him they should go. He held your face between his hands, eyes roaming around your features like he was trying to engrave the sight of you on his brain.He let go of you with a nod once he felt tears start to rush to his eyes. As he was about to enter the car, you held his hand catching his attention. You walked to be in front of him and leaned up to press your lips gently against him.
“I’m really proud of you. And I love you.”
And then he left to Korea to chase his dreams, leaving the love of his life behind.
All those memories, those intense moments brought a sad smile to his lips and made tears well up on his eyes. He sighed deeply rubbing his hands on his face and trying to put himself back together after those old feelings that had come intensely over him all at once. Even after so long you had the same effect on Mark as before.
Yes, of course he dated after you. He fucked around, he was at his peak of popularity, there were girls falling on his feet, he tried to forget you, he tried to find someone with whom he could share his life. But none of them felt right the way you did. He couldn't help comparing them to you and none of them came even close to be as special as you were. Even if his head wanted to let go of you, his heart wouldn't . He couldn't love them the way he loved you. The way he loves you.
Mark stared at the brown envelope on his hands and twirled it one last time before opening with trembling hands. Inside there was another envelope, but this time it was a pretty white paper sealed with a golden wax. He turned around to look at the back and he read his own name written in your elegant handwriting, just like in the notes you would leave around his bedroom or on his notebooks. He smiled fondly and ran his finger over his name feeling warmth spread on his chest. Soon, after letting his thoughts run to you again, he left out a shaking breath before finally breaking the seal and pulling another paper from inside, his heart beating wildly on his chest.
As soon as his eyes met the first words he froze. His heart sank. Feeling a bitter taste on his mouth he read the golden letters over and over, but couldn't believe. Or didn't want to. He only realized he was crying when some words on the bottom of the paper were becoming blurry. He dropped the papers on his lap and rubbed his eyes trying to get rid of the excess of tears on his eyes. His mind was blank. How could that have happened? How he could have let that happen?
He the papers once again, but this time he noticed something that he didn't have before.
At the back of the paper, on the top corner written on a red pen that didn’t match the golden letters printed on the paper there was a inscription scrambled on your handwriting. He couldn't help sobbing when he finished reading. It said:
“My love, i confess, i’m getting married, but the love of my life was and it’s always gonna be you. Yours, ___ .”
author’s note: so....??? i loved writting this so much, but i cried so hard at the end. I would really really really love to read what you guys thought of it. And if you came until here, thank you so much!!! <3
#mark lee#mark lee scenarios#mark nct#mark scenarios#mark lee angst#mark lee fluff#mark lee smut#mark angst#mark fluff#nct angst#nct fluff#nct smut#nct au#nct 127#nct#nct scenarios#mark lee oneshot#mark lee blurbs#mark lee drabbles#nct blurbs#nct drabbles#nct dream#nct oneshot#kpop#superm#superm scenarios#superm mark#superm angst#superm fluff#superm smut
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A Love Letter to Parents At the End of The Most Difficult School Year EVER
WOW, that was really something, huh?
It’s the end of the most difficult year school for all of us: teachers, parents, students… Hell, probably even the neighbors of parents and students. I would say “at least we survived!” but this has been more than a year of illness and mental health crises… not all of us did. Some of you are mourning those loses. I am so sorry.
As my daughter celebrates her final day of Kindergarten, and I celebrate my final day of supervising hours of zooms and packets full of work, of being her mother, teacher, confidant, chef, maid, PE teacher, and playmate… I have a lot of emotions. I’m sure you do too.
It was hard for those of us who, like my family, spent the entire year in virtual school: never meeting teachers or classmates in person. Those of us who spent so much of the year trying not to worry about excessive screen time while going against our intuition to coax children to sit up and pay attention to their computers.
It was difficult for families who did hybrid and had their bits of in-person “normalcy” sporadicly and suddenly turned to quarantines every time there was an exposure so that there could never be a true routine.
It was complicated for parents navigating this with multiple children who all needed different things at the same time. I know in my daughter’s own little kindergarten class we over-heard older siblings’ music lessons, younger siblings’ infant-wails, and parents trying to deal with their work zooms while 6 year olds struggled to concentrate on learning to read.
My heart especially goes out to the parents of children who need extra attention or services, some of whom lost out on months or a year of in-person therapies. This is unfair and horrible. This has been infuriating, unfair, and horrible. You have been dealing with far more worries than you should have had to and I am so sorry.
And then there’s work… whew. As a working mother who went to work in person in full PPE, then worked from home with endless Zoom meetings while my daughter put Elsa stick-on earrings all over my face, and then who lost my job due to pandemic related situations. I know it was difficult to work and teach and parent and be a child’s only friend and entertainment.
For those of you who are essential, for those of you who work in healthcare and mental healthcare… I just, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I admire you and also know my admiration doesn’t do a fucking ounce of good to help alleviate all you’ve had to juggle and endure.
So much has fallen disproportionality on mothers. We can see it in hard data. This will have ramifications for years to come. Just as it will on our kids… in ways we don’t even fully understand yet. Just while trying to write this essay…. my daughter and our kitten have crawled into my lap. They are both here right now.
And yes, I know plenty of amazing Dads who have been struggling right there with us. My dad-friends and I have leaned on each other TREMENDOUSLY this year, so please don’t think I don’t see you out there struggling through this too.
As I look back over this past school year (and the end of the academic year before) I am feeling sad for the milestones my child didn’t get to have. The things we didn’t experience as planned. The fond farewell to her preschool of 3 years we never had. The kindergarten teacher she never met in person. The first year at an elementary school where we haven’t yet been inside the building. I have so much dread for the coming separation anxiety after more than a year of never being apart. Hers and mine. This was not how things were supposed to be. No matter how you’ve experienced the pandemic, because we’re all doing it differently… this was not what we “planned.” It’s also not something anyone else alive has ever had to deal with before.
I want to stress that again:
No parent alive has ever dealt with anything like this. No one alive has experienced anything like this as a child. Bad things? Yes. Worse thing? Yes, even. But not THIS.
So if your parents/elders are giving unhelpful “advice” about how you should/should have handled things please remember THEY HAVE NO IDEA. None. At all.
This is one area where you can laugh and laugh and be like… “YOU HAD OPEN PARKS AND SCHOOLS AND KIDS COULD GO RIDE THEIR BIKES UNRESTRICTED. YOU COULD GO SIT IN CHURCH AND THE KIDS WOULD BE IN SUNDAY SCHOOL. YOU CAN NOPE RIGHT OFF.” Love them. Love their advice, but they don’t actually know what it is like.
I hope they are offering love and support. I don’t have living parents, but my grandmother is the first to say that even as a stay at home mom whose husband was away fighting a war, she can’t imagine being unable to simply take her kids to school or to run errands, or to let them play with other children. Her situation was very difficult and complicated. I don’t have it worse. Not at all. It’s just that this school year has been one hell of a weird one.
There have been bright spots. I loved getting to watch and experience my daughter learning in real time. Seeing the day-to-day progress and truly knowing what is going on in her classes. Again, that isn’t the experience for parents who have children unable to access their child’s IEP help in the way they should.
I love the extra time we’ve gotten together as a family. The movie nights outside and snuggles and lack of rushing around from place to place. I enjoy as an Angeleno not being stuck in traffic for hours. Not everyone has been able to work from home like my wife and I have mostly been able to do for much of this and I am grateful for that too.
My hope is that when this is truly over, when we get back to whatever new life looks like in the next school year, that some of the good will stay. That I will be more involved in our child’s education than maybe I would have been before because I know what it looks like. That we will spend more time as a family together just us. That I won’t say “yes” to things out of obligation that don’t add value to our lives. That we won’t be too busy.That’s probably naive, but we can sure try.
I hope that you have some bright spots to look back on from this past school year. I hope you can share them with your children and they can share theirs with you. Whatever you had to do to get through this, I am so outrageously proud of you. I am proud of me too. And wow, our kids. They’ve been through some shit. I’m super proud of them.
Please, please take some time to celebrate what you have managed to get through. I got cupcakes for the kiddo and some cocktails for grownups. Please do whatever version of that sparks some happiness.
PUNT THAT SCHOOL-ISSUED LAPTOP INTO THE SUN.
I mean, yeah okay, we’ll all responsibly return it fully charged and be so grateful to the school system that we didn’t have to use Mommy’s work laptop for it but you know… metaphorically it’s that scene from Office Space. (Your kids wouldn’t get this joke but this isn’t for them. JUST LIKE THE COCKTAIL/CHOCOLATE/BUBBLEBATH/WHATEVER YOU ARE GONNA DO TO CELEBRATE YOU )
Anyway, you are amazing. Maybe you don’t feel like many people noticed. I see you. I’m toasting you from this weird half-teacher’s lounge we share.
If you’d like to share some of your brightest spots, or most amazing, brilliant parent hacks from all this madness, I would love to read about it in the comments. We’ve got to hold onto the good.
#pandemic#Amanda Deibert#lesbian moms#LGBTQ+#parenting#pandemic parenting#distance learning#class of 2021
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Have you seen S2E4 yet?? I'd really love to get your perspective on it as a teacher/from a child-development POV
Since I just did Baby Yoda’s child development in the last ask I’ll do my Thoughts On The Space School for this one because I was SO EXCITED to finally see a school in Star Wars!
The Good: The classroom seems to be pretty well-supplied. Enough desks and materials for everyone (maybe the teacher didn’t even have to buy them). Another shot shows little cubbies for the kiddos to keep their stuff in. There’s certainly enough light and air though the room seems a little cramped/close for all those kids. It was so cool to see all the supplies on the side - lots of globes (although one is straight up Jupiter??? the front most one of that cluster of 3 in the middle of the pic. Did they forget to repaint that one??) The board is definitely visible to everyone and it’s just awesome in general that the importance of education is recognized by a person of leadership, since Greef is clearly pretty proud of what they’ve accomplished on Nevarro.
Also I’m just so excited to see a space school in general. I have my own headcanons of course but it is cool to just actually see a school in Star Wars. Even if, as a teacher, many things grated on my nerves because I know how a school really has to roll. :P (I am about to complain so much, I swear I really did like the space school, it was a cute lil classroom.)
The Bad: Uhh..... why does Greef just drop the baby off here? Isn’t there a class for another, more appropriate age group? There’s honestly not really enough here to even engage elementary school students* - they are listening to a droid drone with nothing but a desk and a tablet-like device, though at least they’re allowed snacks - so a toddler is gonna be bored as hell. And a bored toddler is a destructive toddler. There’s nothing for him to do and presumably no age-appropriate activities for him, since this is an elementary school class and he is a toddler/possibly a preschooler. They are NOT interchangeable.
Also *Peli voice* you can’t just drop a kid off in a class like that!! Even in a drop-off program I would rip Greef a new one for that! 1. Interrupting the class without asking, it’s a miracle those kids didn’t take 10 minutes to be calmed back down. 2. The teacher has NO information on the kid. Allergies, health issues - and I imagine that’s even more important when you live in a galaxy with a billion different species - emergency contact info, etc. 3. YOU DIDN’T EVEN ASK IF YOU CAN LEAVE THE KID THERE. Okay I know it’s because it’s a tv show but BASIC DISRESPECT. 4. Since the teacher had no idea Baby Yoda was coming, do they even have enough materials? How fast did they have to whip up a separate more appropriate version of the day’s activities with differentiation to make it more accessible to his tiny hands? Any teacher would’ve had a couple extras but still.
Also the kids 100% should’ve fuckin’ rioted when Baby Yoda got brought in. He’s new and exciting and weird they would’ve gone apeshit. Pre-COVID anytime a baby sibling got brought in during pickup we all had to see the baby and this would’ve been no different. Hell we gotta stop and look if someone brought in a new Batman backpack or something. Well-behaved quiet class? 0/10 too unrealistic
The Ugly: Oh I see. While canon does sometimes address droid sapience, droids in Star Wars are usually used for menial tasks or tasks “below” an actual person. Including, apparently.....teaching.
You think a fucking droid can do my job? I guarantee you none of those students were learning A DAMN THING. All that droid was doing was droning on boring information with no effort to engage the students. No activity, no music, nothing fun or interesting, just dry boring info while sitting at a desk, so that info is going in one ear and out the other. My students don’t learn because I bleat dry information at them. They learn because even during teacher-led times, I make it interesting and engaging for them. I don’t have them just sit and listen constantly - hell even if they are sitting and listening to a book I’m asking them open-ended questions to engage them and get them thinking + my puppets and read-aloud song to make it fun, and I don’t even do that every day. I also use activities where they are actively participating and involved because that’s how kids learn. Think back to your own school experience - you don’t remember the boring stuff, do you? You remember the fun things, and likely the teacher that engaged you and made you want to learn. A teacher like that is absolutely vital to education and students learn best when they have a connection with an adult they like, trust, and value the knowledge of.
Okay, to be fair, a droid with the right personality for it could probably teach a great lesson. I for one would love to see R2-D2 run a classroom. (Or Chopper. “Hello and welcome to Murder 101.”) But from what I saw? Nah, that’s clearly a droid who’s not supposed to be a teacher but a babysitter. Because this is a show made by Americans and that’s how waaaaaay too many Americans think of their educators. And I’m not a fucking babysitter, I am a professional in my field, and teaching isn’t one of those jobs just anyone can do. Anyone can read a lesson, but it takes training and practice and effort to teach. /rant
*I’m not gonna get into it because my specialty is preschool, not elementary school, but sitting at a desk all day isn’t really developmentally appropriate or the best way to learn despite it being the norm in America. I’ve always headcanoned that in the GFFA they know better and have better schooling, so I’m just gonna pretend Greef dropped Baby Yoda off on substitute day when the regular teacher was out and it was a makeshift lesson and not what they normally do even during teacher-led lesson time.
Anyway Greef hire me for your space school I will set up an awesome preschool class for you, just pay me a living wage and let me teach Baby Yoda and see Cara Dune’s biceps on the regular
#I JUST HAVE VERY STRONG FEELINGS ABOUT TEACHING AND EDUCATION#the mandalorian#the mandalorian spoilers#baby yoda meta#asks#anon
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Evak Fics - Kid Fics
*** Isak and Even have a child together
*** They are parents but to different children
*** Only one of them is a parent
***** THEY HAVE A CHILD TOGETHER *****
Nas by OrTheNightEverythingChanged (571 words) - Isak and Even take their daughter to the skatepark.
Sugar Coat This Love For Me by i_once_wrote_a_dream (1k words) - A little argument over candy during Halloween.
life with our little prince by glbertblythes (SERIES. 3 Fics) - Isak and Even adopt a little boy with prince curls and blue eyes.
All in the Eyes of a Boy by MacksDramaticShenanigans (1.3k words) - the first time Isak and Even meet their son.
all i want for christmas is you by stringsinmelody (1.3k words) - Isak and Even enjoy their first Christmas together with their baby.
sugar and spice and everything nice by chasingflower (1.6k words) - Eskild and Noora finds Evak’s kid from the future. It’s adorable as heck.
småfolk by stringsinmelody (SERIES. 5 fics) - a/b/o undertones.
the room's hush hush and now's our moment by ahana (2.2k words) - A night in the life of Isak and Even, sixteen years later.
Stjerner Lyser Skinnende by MacksDramaticShenanigans (2.4k words) - Isak and Even attend their daughter’s music concert. She has a surprise for them.
The Beginning of Believing by MacksDramaticShenanigans (2.5k words) - Their children argue about Santa.
I'll be there by Wolle19 (SERIES. 3 fics) - All Isak want is for his husband to be home for the holidays. Mpreg.
I'll give you the brightest sunshine by goldenkisses (3k words) - It was something that they new would always happen, a life being brought into their lives that would make all the gloomy days into something so bright. Adoption.
everything that happens is from now on. by Skamtrash (6.7k words) - Adoption. At the end so not a lot of the kid is involved here. This is part of a series. The next part, wrap your arms around my heart just like you always do. has more of the kid.
Isn't He Lovely by MacksDramaticShenanigans (4.4k words) - the first time Evak’s kid meets his uncles.
don't be wasting your time (on your own) by orphan_account (4.6k words) - Five things Even reminds himself not to forget, and the one thing he does. NOTE: The fic says this is a sequel and the first fic is a must read. But there’s no link so if you know which the main fic is, let me know. P.S. This could go under the different children category but they are already a family here so..
The Fools Who Dream by Janey_E (6k words) - A collection of moments from Isak and Even's family life, important and not-so-important. Kids, friends, mornings, evenings, weddings, birthdays, bad days, good days.
Our Steady True North by verlore_poplap (orphan_account) (9k words) - Five times Isak and Even were amicable; plus one time they just weren't. Co-parenting. Post break-up.
i ain't no hercules by grinsekaetzchen (12k words) - Post-apocalypse world. This is a sequel. So SPOILERS. They kinda adopt this boy. The first part is if you must live, darling one, just live and it’s amazing.
my entire world fits perfectly in my arms by theyellowcurtains (12.8k words) - A bunch of cuddle prompts. Not all of these are kid fics.
(WIP) Everyday Evak: The Realistic Stories of Isak & Even by NeonViolet (14k words) - A realistic looks into Even and Isak's life. It's not always glamorous.
you told me we were forever by Skamtrash (19k words) - Isak finds out he's having a baby soon after Even breaks up with him so he makes the decision not to tell him. Except Even finds out on his own 3 years later.
The Fiction of Reality by Midlifecrisis (24k words) - Isak and Even have a daughter, but life is not plain sailing.
Soup is for the Soul by unfancyandy (26k words) - This is a sequel. So SPOILERS. set 5 years after "Sleep Is For Dreamers," Even and Isak are starting a new adventure.
Evak Family by orphan_account (SERIES. 7 fics) 80k- Isak is nineteen, Even is twenty-one, and they had a plan. A plan that they've very, very carefully stuck to. Until, that is, Isak gets sick and can't seem to figure out what's wrong with him. Spoiler: he's not sick. Mpreg.
You Are Everything I Have Never Been by staylucky (78k words) - Isak Valtersen is an unpresented, soon-to-present omega who is convinced his best friend Jonas Vasquez is his alpha mate until he meets a very charming and persuasive new alpha, Tall Stranger aka Even Bech Naesheim, making him question everything. The kid part comes later on in the fic.
Calm After by desp3ration (270k words) - This is a sequel to Tidal Waves . So SPOILERS. The tags say Evak becoming parents but I have not yet read this and I don't want to fo through it to figure it out because I want to read this later. So if it shouldn't be in here, let me know.
***** THEY EACH HAVE DIFFERENT CHILDREN *****
shred by tusktooth (22k words) - Has a twist but nor really a twist. I’m just gonna put this in this category.
There were two versions of Isak Valtersen. He was cool, smart snowboarder guy. The real Isak, was also trans, gay, and a father. Keeping the two Isaks separate wasn’t that difficult. At least, not until he saw Even again.
***** ONLY ONE OF THEM IS A PARENT *****
Even the Illustrator by eavk (SERIES. 3 fics) - An AU where Even’s an illustrator who draws what kids describe to him for YouTube, and Isak is the smitten father of a six year old with a wild imagination.
a lullaby for you by noirophelia (2.2k words) - Isak has a wonderful little daughter. Even is her wonderful teacher.
Better With You by iriswests (5.8k words) - Isak and Even don't know what they'd do without the other. Eventually, they realize they don't really need to find out.. Single dad Even. Vet Isak.
(WIP) carrying our dreams and all that they mean (trying to make it all worthwhile) byodair_goes_my_sanity (8.4k words) - We’ve been hooking up for the past few weeks and holy shit it turned out you’re my kids teacher oh god this embarrassing!
Universe At Its Finest by Skamtrash (8.6k words) - The universe brings Even into Isaks life, he just didn't know Even came with a full package. A kid fic with 90% pure fluff.
The Little Flower Named Dahlia by Bellakitse (18k words) - Single!Dad Isak + Preschool teacher Even and the little girl that brings them together. Adorable fic.
(WIP) Draw a Family by Isakprettykitty (21k words) - Isak, a single parent, takes his 5 year old son to preschool for the first time. Before Isak adopted Magne, his biologic parents weren't treating Magne as they should and some of the scars still haven't healed. Magne's teacher is no other than Even bech næsheim, who makes it his goal to help Magne out with his social anxiety. As time passes, Even and Isak grow closer and the younger one finally learns that it is okay to depend on other people.
Lovesick by Sabeley (SERIES. 2 fics) - Even is absolutely not making up excuses to take his daughter to see the hot new pediatrician. 5 times Even's daughter wasn't actually sick and 1 time she was.
take me as i am-universe by argentae (SERIES. 3 fics) - He isn’t crushing, and nevertheless this guy has become a Problem, because whenever he’s on shift he’s made it increasingly difficult for Isak to really spend his time productively. Sure, he could just find another place to study but he likes the access to coffee here even though he actually kind of hates the bitterness of it and he’s just not going to let himself get swept aside because of this guy. Parent!Even.
We are our Choices by recklesslee (40k words) - Even is informed that one decision he made on a lonely night months ago has led to a new bump in the road. Now Even has another choice to make, and that just might change his life for the better. Doctor!Isak.
Emmy by NeonViolet (48k words) - Isak is 25 and working in marine biology. Sana is his best friend. He has a 7 year old. And her new school principal looks familiar. Adorable!
waiting outside ('til you're ready to go) by mellowellom (52k words) - An AU where Isak's daughter is an actual little devil that he can't control for the life of him, and his neighbour Even offers a helping hand.
we've made it this far, kid by everythingislove (straykid) (SERIES. 2 fics) - Technically, Isak is an uncle. The one where Isak is just trying to raise his nephew as best he can with the help of his best friends. He doesn't expect to fall for Felix's gorgeous football coach along the way.
(WIP) The Daughter by Laika_the_husband (10k words) - A sequel. So spoilers. Even’s daughter appear in the previous fics but not as much. Continues from the series, A Dove, a Snake, a Ghost and a Madman. And what an excellent series this is.
Quitting You by Laika_the_husband (65k words) - A sequel. So spoilers. From the series, Because of You I'm Nothing, I'm Nowhere. Isak Valtersen is a happy stay-at-home dad of his baby girl, taking care of his new home in Belgium. His peaceful life as a domestic god gets turned upside down, when his deeply buried desires are suddenly forced to resurface. It is simple enough to find someone on Grindr, but when that someone is painfully familiar, things can get complicated. Another excellent series.
I Can Hardly Breathe by Flatfootmonster (82k words) - This fic, man. Isak gets hired to be the nanny? for Even and Sonja’s kids. This fic is just absolutely amazing.
#evak fic rec#skam fic rec#kid fic#i think i'm missing a bunch#i will update if i know of more#shout out to the anon who asked about kid fics#that's why i made this list#i need to empty my queue tag
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Do you any other Hawks fic ideas you'd like to write? Or is Hawks-sensei all you've got on your mind right now?
Wyv. You know not what you ask. I have to put them in categories, Wyv. Categories.
Kid!Hawks:
-Kid!Hawks growing up with the LOV (both as a permanent thing and various ridiculous drabbles) This involves Unwilling Big Brother Shigaraki, scarily willing Big SisterToga who knows all the coolest knife tricks, Best Uncle Twice who sometimes on his real good days doubles as temporary Dad, the Dad who teaches you how to hot wire cars and laugh people’s money straight out of their wallets Compress, mother-henning can-not-leave-you-alone-for-one-god-damn-minute Spinner, True Mom Kurogiri, Big Sis Mag who seems to be the only actual one that realizes that children need to sleep at some point for the love of god, extremely confused but horrifically soft Dabi who may or may not eventually turn his whole life around because of this feathered idiot that needs someone to make sure he lives a happy life whether it be a permanent shrinking or not. Oh, and Machia. The best Mountain Monster Dog brother (?) a boy could ask for.
-Kid!Hawks with UA (staff edition) also both in temporary and permanent circumstances. Temporary is already in progress. Permanent? Oh boy, permanent world. They raise him within UA so as to keep him from the Commission. Hawks often sits in on their classes with coloring books, picture books, or just to sit there and watch them. He is very smart. He picks up on things, but mostly he just likes being around all the staff. He picks a new person to sleep with every week because some of them have really shitty sleep schedules and even as a kid he knows they would feel bad keeping him up, thus forcing them to go to bed through good-person guilt so he tragets the sleepiest looking people for the week (hint: Aizawa gets picked a lot, and even if he’s not sleep deprived Hawks would pick him because he adores his grumpy cat Dad). Thirteen does crafts with him all the time. She watches every kid show and gets really into it with him. Hawks and Mic make the meals and they sing the entire time. They sing together throughout the day. Hawks will chirp out a line of notes and out of nowhere Hizashi will burst in to sing the lyrics. Midnight reads him bedtime stories cause her voices are the best. She does his nails and lets him do hers. He practices on the UA students to surprise her with new designs (the students fall over their own feet to offer to be his test subject). Snipe does little challenges with him. Things that, while technically helping him get used to controlling his quirk, are more fun than anything else because Hawks enjoys using his feathers in games. Hawks dresses up like a cowboy for an entire month, quoting old western movies and driving everyone but a very proud Snipe up the wall. Hound Dog and Hawks go on walks together ALL THE TIME. They explore the woods around UA and Hound Dog tells Cementoss to change up the geography every once in a while so they have something new to explore. He teaches Hawks how to go camping and Hawks fricken adores him and is always on his shoulders just kicking his feet or napping in Hound Dogs hair. Ectoplasm is Hawks favorite person to play any kind of tag based game because the others are too easy to catch with his feathers. But with Ectoplasm and all his clones? hawks goes nuts. Ectoplasm cried once when Hawks asked Aizawa for peg legs for Halloween and when someone asks him if he wants to be a pirate he says no because he wants to be a super cool hero like Ecto for Halloween. No one will be as cool as him. Hawks fricken loves Vlad. Like, adores him. Whenever Vlad is in the room Hawks will just go hang off his shoulders, or tuck under his arms with a book to read, or just lean against him. He has a little stuffed bull dog that has Vlad’s exact resting bitch face and carries it with him every time he leaves the dorm because he feels safer with it. He goes to Vlad when he’s injured because Vlad just takes care of it, gives him a hug, and doesn’t tell him to be more careful. Just asks if Hawks learned something and moves on. Hawks and Nezu are penpals. They see eachother every single day, but they are penpals. Hawks grows up with the most beautiful calligraphy handwriting because he keeps trying to out-do Nezu’s. He absolutely tattles on every single teacher in these letters, giving Nezu years worth of blackmail. Hawks thinks Nezu is a stuffed animal until he is fourteen because Nezu never fesses up. He just thinks the staff is even cooler for letting a stuffed animal run the place. He only ever cries around Nezu.
-Kid!Hawks UA(Student edition): So many. There’s lines I’ve written where they’re still in school when Hawks is kidified. When they’re already pros. In Canon, in Hawks-sensei, I even a small blurb sentence of Deku running a preschool that Hawks gets put into in an AU with quirks still. I can’t even... there’s too many students, cause I’d do all 1-A and 1-B. My favorite one to randomly wake up in a panick and write about though is the one where it’s Hawks-sensei verse based and Kid!Hawks gets taken in by the Monoma family. Rui and Eiko are older and Monoma is a pro-hero by then. The pure amount of fluff, sass, and Hawks spoiling that will happen. Big Brother Rui and Bigger Sister Eiko. I think about this one a lot.
-I’m currently (slowly but progressing) writing a gift for @saltwater-sweets where Kid!Hawks is taken in by the Uraraka family. Like, he’s not even shrunk in this one. Uraraka’s newlywed parents were involved in the accident he first saved people in and they found him before the Commission. They realized his homelife situation and opened their home to him and now he is Uraraka’s big brother and that one line I threw out there? About him being a global superpower in household moving? Teaming up with Uraraka for that? Yeah.
-Kid!League of Villains and adult Hawks. Yeah, you heard me. They all get shrunk instead of him. And he can’t just... turn them in. They’re kids. They haven’t done any of the crimes their older counterparts have. And if it’s a permanent thing? They stay kids? Then he has a chance to really, truly save them. To give them the happy lives stolen from them. The Commission doesn’t like that. So Hawks takes them and runs. Dabi can be an adult too, I guess, if that’s the ship or something, but I just really wanna write Kid!LOV and Dad!Hawks.
-Kid!Aizawa. Dad!Hawks. Same concept. Beautiful dream. Need I say more.
-Kid!Hawks, Best Jeanist
-Kid!Hawks Gang Orca
-Kid!Hawks RUMI!!
Vigilante Hawks:
- Raven was born and I dived down that rabbit hole so fast I went back in time. Raven. But from a way earlier age. Those guys mugging Hawks when he was fifteen? The spark. Hawks stayed on the streets, he never went back, and he learned some things. He got some freedom, learned some shit, and realized that hero society was pretty fucked up. Shigaraki starts the LOV up and realizes there’s this whole underground community he was never aware of that Hawks has been building for years. It’s great.
-Hawks was never found by the Commission so he was never ‘Hawks’. His Dad raised him as a criminal but Hawks, with his little heart of gold, took every chance he could to make something good out of the bad deeds. Then he got old enough and he took full control. You ever seen the Levi OVA’s of Attack on Titan? Where he’s walking down the stairs and you realize every single person there is part of a huge ass gang of awesome with Levi at the head? That. THAT.
-Hawks loses his shit in Canon and goes completely AWOL. full Feral. He sees the problems, and he is prepared to do whatever it takes get rid of them. Whatever it takes.
AU Hawks
-Horribly injured, recently retired at the ripe old age of 23, and looking for something to save him from depression. Hawks meets Todoroki Fuyumi who gets him a job at her school. This one makes my brain happy.
-Takami Keigo and Todoroki Natsuo meet in college, graduate together, join the same hospital, and open one as partners as soon as they can. Ship or no ship, they go through their entire lives together. (I just... I really like the Todoroki sibs, okay?)
-Takami Keigo was born a lot earlier. So much, earlier, in fact that he is classmates with this overly optimistic ball of light named Yagi Toshinori and the grumpy ball of flame Todoroki Enji. Big Three anyone? Also, everyone needs a dumb smart birb to keep them sane. Hawks loves his friends, and he’ll kick anyone’s ass that tries to hurt them be it physically, mentally, or emotionally. Also, he meets Nana.
-I LOVE THE IMAGINARY KAMAKIRI FAMILY DYNAMIC OKAY?! literally anything with Hawks involved in their lives, okay?! I did not expect to spiral so hard when I made up Hideo and his relationship with Kamakiri but my god did I spiral! I just really love them!
-I’m a sucker for the classics. Tattoo/flower. Coffee shop. College. Roommates. Love.
- (she made me write this) a story surrounding the amazing love story of my sister and Iida Tenya with Aizawa crashes the wedding even though he was invited and Mirio is her maid of honor, with Eri as the ring bearer, and All Might is the flower girl. Twice is the officiator. Uraraka releases a flock of fake pigeons (not real ones cause they don’t deserve that). Oh, and everyone else is there too, I guess. Except for Mineta. Cause he’s in jail.
Right now, at this very moment, I can not for the life of me think of any others but I KNOW there’s at least seven more that I just can’t remember because my brain is work dead. Wyv. @wyvernspirit do you see what you’ve opened here? Close the box! Close it before it’s too late! There is always more! I am never without MORE ideas!
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You Plus Me Equals Soulmates Part 4 (Peter Parker x Reader Soulmate!AU)
Summary: Things continue to grow tense between Liz and Y/N after the results of the house party. Meanwhile, things heat up between Y/N and Peter Parker. Is Y/N Peter’s soulmate? Or will Liz interfere?
Author’s Note: Hey, you may have noticed I’ve been posting parts for this imagine every day for the past three days, but I’m sorry to say don’t get too used to it. I am writing mainly at night due to me having online school during the day (yay quarantine) which usually ends in me up until 4 or 5am. There is a Part 5 in the makings because of the unresolved things in this part with Liz and more that I’m not going to spoil for you right now. Click on the links below to read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3
Word Count: 2,824
Warnings: swearing, fluff (if that counts as a warning)
--------------------------------------
So it’s official. My former best friend, Liz Allen, and Peter Parker are no longer going to homecoming together. Partially because of me. But maybe Liz and Peter were never meant to go to homecoming together in the first place.
It’s been about two weeks since the mortifying incident at Liz’s house party that ended up all over social media. I was a school-wide meme for about two weeks before the Principle got involved and started handing out detentions and even suspensions to anyone who even mentioned the party or posted about it on some social platform. Out of anyone in the school, though, Liz chats about it the most. She won’t talk to me directly, but word travels fast when you’re 16 and the gossip of the school, so I hear every little thing she has to say about me. So far, I’ve ignored it. I have other things on my mind.
Peter Parker is sitting across the room from me in 7th period, writing something in his chemistry journal. I do have to admit, things were extraordinarily awkward once he found out about the drama, pictures, and videos of me yelling “I don’t care about Peter Parker!” in front of everyone to see, but unlike Liz, I talked things out with him and we’re actually friends now.
Friends. Do people really think about their friends the same way I think about Peter?
The answer is no. Ever since the party, I couldn’t stop thinking about brown curls, eyes that hold such softness, and the familiar smile.
I’ve accepted the part of me that wishes to see a matching equal sign tattoo on Peter’s wrist, by now. What I haven’t accepted is that confronting Peter about my newfound feelings is necessary in order to discover if he feels the same way and with the same intensity as me.
“That wraps up today’s lesson. Homework is due tomorrow and if it is not turned in, it will be entered as an automatic zero,” rings the usual monotonous voice of my chemistry teacher. I tuck papers and folders into my backpack, packing up just before the bell rings.
Slinging the backpack around my shoulders, I stand up only to notice someone is waiting for me.
Peter smiles gently. “We have a Decathlon meeting today,” he reminds me.
Right. Liz is also in our Decathlon club, which is a small problem, but “everyone is a necessary member of our team” as Mr.Harrington would say.
“So are you and Liz going to fight or something? I mean, you didn’t last week or the week before that in Decathlon club or in the hallways… or in any of your classes together, but if you do plan to fight, tell me,” Ned says eagerly, rushing to catch up with Peter and I.
“Liz and I are not going to fight, Ned.” For the past week, Ned has been trying to convince me that the only way to settle things once and all for Liz and I is to throw down in the middle of the hallway, or something along the lines of that.
Two weeks ago, I totally would’ve been up to forcefully shove my fist into Liz’s face, but now I’m not in the mood to get expelled. Honestly, the whole mess shouldn’t be as big of a deal as it is. I feel like I’m back in preschool, fighting over a toy. Not only is Peter not a toy, but he’s also made it perfectly clear that he wants nothing to do with Liz.
However, Peter hasn’t exactly made a move to ask another person to homecoming yet.
Peter, Ned, and I walk into the gymnasium, other members of the Decathlon club already sitting in chairs.
“Just get seated please! Today we’re going to figure who’s going to Washington with everyone for the National Decathlon,” Mr.Harrington announces while unfolding chairs.
MJ sees us and greets us with a nod that says ‘sup’, Flash looks at Peter and laughs, whispering something to his friend, and Liz regards the three of us with a yawn.
I sit down in between Peter and Ned.
“Alright, so all of you have paid the club dues which means you’re all technically allowed to go to Washington with us. Who thinks they may have a conflict with the trip from April 30th-May4th?” Mr.Harrington takes a seat, spreading out some papers before him on a fold-able table.
Peter’s the only one to slowly raise his hand in the silence. I glance over at him with a questionable look.
Mr.Harrington raises his eyebrows. “What is your conflict, Mr.Parker?”
“Well, you know I have the Stark Internship, and well, uh… Mr.Stark said that I should always be prepared for someone to call me so-”
“Hold on, lemme get this right. Parker gets to miss out on the trip because of his ‘Stark Internship’?” Flash raises a single eyebrow, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
“Peter, you understand this trip is mandatory. The conflicts are only for… well, only for serious things,” explains Mr.Harrington, peering over his glasses at Peter.
Peter blushes slightly, embarrassed. “Well I- I don’t want you to… Uh, make Mr.Stark angry…”
He’s still pretending to have a Stark Internship? Seriously, Peter, drop the act. You can’t quit the team.
Our Decathlon leader sighs. “Peter I’m afraid you have to go on this trip. You’re extremely valuable to this team. Unless you wish to leave the team…”
“I- I understand Mr.Harrington.”
“So he’s off the team?” Flash speaks up again, obviously excited by the possibility of Peter getting kicked out of the club.
“What’s your decision, Peter?” Mr.Harrington asks.
“I… I guess I can’t do it,” Peter admits quietly.
I turn my head to look at him.
Really? What are you doing?
“Well, okay. If you change your mind, just email me, Mr.Parker.” Mr.Harrington crosses something out on his paper before pushing his glasses back up on his nose and looking at Peter.
The rest of the meeting goes on as it does normally; reciting facts and sitting around listening to Flash and Mr.Harrington argue over whether ‘fergalicious' is a word or not.
__________Liz’s POV__________
I plan to get Peter back. It sounds dumb and childish, but if I want to prove that I wasn’t humiliating myself in front of the school for nothing, this is how to do it.
Unfortunately, there’s some minor obstacles. The first problem is that somehow Peter found it in him to forgive Y/N for saying she doesn’t care about him and now they’ve grown to be close friends within the past two weeks. The second problem would be that Peter most definitely hates me. Part of that may be my fault, though, since I haven’t bothered to try and communicate with him in any way in the last couple weeks. The third problem is that I wish Y/N wasn’t mad at me. Yeah, I’ve done some pretty mean things in the past, but none this bad.
My chin resting on the palm of my hand, I gaze at Peter from a few seats away. Either he doesn’t notice or he’s ignoring me on purpose. To be fair, I did say that I didn’t want to talk to Y/N or Peter ever again.
I shift my eyes to focus on Y/N.
I want my best friend back.
Was it really worth it? No, it wasn’t. But I guess it’s too late now. I’ve already formed my plan, so no going back.
“Liz? Hello? Do you have an answer?” Mr.Harrington waves a hand in front of my face.
I snap back into reality.
Was everyone watching me gaze longingly at Peter and glaring at Y/N?
“Can you repeat the question?”
Mr.Harrington hits the table a few times with his baby toy hammer, signaling I answered wrong. “I’ve already repeated the questions 3 times, and if you were paying attention, Miss Allen, maybe you would know that.”
In the corner of my eye I see Y/N smirk and shake her head with a look that reads ‘dumb ass’.
Whatever.
Anyway, my plan is to slowly release every single secret Y/N has ever told me out into the school until almost everyone knows everything about her. At that point, Peter might be so embarrassed to be seen with her that he completely abandons her. Next, I’ll make my move on Peter.
Obviously, I have some details to fix, but it’s coming together. However, Peter not going to Washington affects a lot of my plan. If he does end up going, every part of my plan will fall into place.
_________Y/N’s POV_________
After the Decathlon meeting ends and everyone is dismissed, I pull Peter out into the hallway.
“What’s the real reason for not going to the National Decathlon?”
“What? I told everyone it was because of the Stark Internship-” but Peter doesn’t get to finish his sentence before I cut in.
“Yeah that’s what you told people. But, like, a 16 year old kid doesn’t have a Stark Internship.”
Peter’s expression displays a bit of hurt from my words. “You don’t believe me.”
“No. I don’t. Sorry, I don’t believe you have an internship with one of the richest people in the world.”
“Well, I- I can’t tell you.”
Now it’s my turn to be hurt.
He can’t tell me? Why not?
This slight pause gives me enough time to realize how close we’re standing. There’s plenty of hallway outside of the gym for the both of us, but we choose to stand so close that if I leaned in eight more inches we would-
I dart my eyes back up to meet his eyes.
“Fine. Okay,” I say.
“Did you want me to come or something?” He questions.
“I- yeah. I mean you’re my friend, right? Why wouldn’t I?”
Friend.
He looks down, slightly disappointed. Is he disappointed? Why?
“Yeah, I guess,” he responds, shifting his backpack straps and taking a few steps back. “I don’t know why there would be another reason,” he mutters under his breath.
“Hey guys what are you- did I interrupt something?” Ned busts through the gym doors and pauses after seeing our faces.
“No, you didn’t, Ned.”
“Oh, okay. So Peter, are we still going to your place after school for our Star Wars movie marathon? My mom bought popcorn for me to take,” Ned continues, oblivious to the uncomfortable tension.
“Yeah,” answers Peter.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Y/N. Do you want to come?” Ned smiles warmly.
I say “Yeah sure, Ned,” the same time Peter cuts in with “I don’t really think-”
“Great! You remember where Peter's apartment is, right? If you don’t just, text one of us.” Ned starts walking away, leaving Peter to glance apologetically at me.
“I’ll see you soon,” I say to Peter before walking away.
_______(Time skip)_______
I click send on a text telling Peter I’m at his apartment.
Was Peter actually disappointed when I said we were friends? Aren’t we friends? I think back to earlier. How close we were standing. Peter’s lips had looked soft and his eyes were inviting, but I hadn’t done anything. Anything about what? What even is my goal?
Soon enough, the door to the apartment opens and I’m greeted by Peter’s aunt May.
“Oh, hey Y/N. Come on in,” May says while stepping aside. “Peter and Ned are in Peter’s bedroom.”
“Thanks, Miss…” I stop myself, unsure of what to call her.
“May. You can call me May,” she says, beaming.
“Thanks, May,” I say. I walk past May and up to Peter’s bedroom, slowly opening the door.
“Hey Y/N,” Peter and Ned greet at the same time. I take a seat on the floor, leaning against Peter’s bed.
“Hey guys. When are you going to start the movies?”
“Oh we were waiting for you. Do you want some popcorn?” Ned holds out a bag of popcorn and I grab some, eating a few.
I get up and we all make our way to the living room. May announces she’s going out and then leaves. I take my seat on the couch. Peter sits down a small distance away from me and Ned sits on a different couch.
All throughout the night, Ned munches on popcorn while the movies play and I slowly get drowsy. I find myself leaning more and more to one side before I completely fall asleep, and so does Peter.
_________(Time skip)_________
I wake up to something moving beside me.
Why is the couch moving? My mind is a big groggy. I open my eyes.
I’m lying nestled into Peter, our limbs tangled in mess. My eyes drift up and meet Peter’s, which are very much awake and very much flustered.
“I- I’m sorry… I just woke up and-”
“It’s okay,” I say, chuckling softly and quickly moving away. At the loss of contact, I feel my heart sink sadly.
“Soulmates are usually naturally attracted to each other if seated or lying near one another.” Where do I remember that from? Right. History Of Soulmates textbook I had to read in my psychology class.
I sit up straight and look at Ned, who’s still asleep on the couch. Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi is playing on the TV. I grab my phone from the table beside me. It reads 8:35am.
I turn to look at Peter and realize I’m still practically draped over his lap. I blush a bright red and once Peter notices, his blush matches mine. Hastily, I scoot away from him and then stand up.
“Uh… where's your bathroom?” I ask timidly.
“It’s down that hall and to the right,” Peter says, his voice still slightly raspy from sleep.
My feet carry me away, padding down the hall and then into the bathroom. I close the door and look in the mirror, fixing my hair and straightening up my shirt. After I finish touching up, I open the bathroom door, only to be surprised by Peter standing right outside.
I bump directly into his chest and he laughs gently. I smile faintly and step to go past him, only for us to bump into each other again. He tenderly grabs my shoulders and leads me to go past him.
I look up at him and admire his messy bed head and the adorable blush still on his cheeks. He looks down at me with an expression similar to mine and then lets go of my shoulders, still smiling. “Sorry,” he apologizes, turning to go into the bathroom and then closing the door.
Since when did you get so mushy, I think to myself.
I walk back out to the living room where Ned has now woken up.
“What were you two doing?” Ned asks the question suspiciously, looking me up and down.
“Peter and I? Nothing I- we… I just went to the bathroom and-”
“Together?”
“No! I- I mean no.” I look at my phone to see a text from my mom: when are you coming home?
“If you did, I mean I don’t judge, I personally was waiting for it to happen, it was just a matter of time before-”
“What are you two talking about?” Peter walks in, running a hand through his curls. My heart flutters at the sight.
Stop it.
“Congratulations on you and Y/N finally getting together,” Ned says and I think I’m ready to crawl into a hole and die.
Peter looks at me with an unreadable look on his face. “What?”
“Peter and I aren’t together, Ned, we just- I just went to the bathroom and he happened to be outside. Nothing happened-” I quickly try to explain it all. But Peter had a different idea.
“We could be together…” interrupts Peter. I look at him, shocked. “I mean, I was just saying- we’re not together- I was just suggesting…”
“Yeah. Um…” I try to find a response in myself.
Together? Really? Does this mean he feels the same way?
“Right. This is a bit awkward… So I’m going to go. Thanks for the marathon, Peter.” Ned gets up, grabs the popcorn bag, and leaves through the front door.
I pretend to be interested in the lamp sitting on a table.
“So…” Peter starts off. “I guess I should tell you this now. That day when I asked Liz out, I had actually meant to ask you to homecoming. I really like you, Y/N. Extremely. It’s like nothing I’ve felt before. Like-”
“I’m naturally attracted to you,” I finish for him.
He grins with so much happiness it’s almost contagious. “Yeah. Exactly like that.”
“Can I- your tattoo. What is it?”
He rolls up his right sleeve, showing his bare wrist with one simple tattoo.
An equals sign.
We’re soulmates.
------------------------------
Hey so here’s some fluff, but the first kiss is yet to come. Things will escalate from here, so make sure to keep reading. Or don’t. I can’t really control what you do. Thanks for reading!
@disfunctionalcellmembrane @marvel4geeks
Part 5
#imagine#peter parker imagine#peter parker x reader#peter parker x reader soulmate!au#part 4#fluff#smut is yet to come#fanfiction#marvel#marvel universe#spiderman#tom holland#liz the crazy best friend
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Do you mind talking about what you did/now do with the literary organization you now volunteer for but had worked for?
I was at that job for 6.5 years, and I definitely don’t mind talking about it because I’m really proud (and, prepare yourself, not at all humble) about what I was able to do there!
I was initially moved into the position of volunteer coordinator at that job from curriculum creation because the volunteer manager left unexpectedly and I was “good with people.” (I eventually became the community engagement program manager, but who actually cares about titles?? Not me.) I learned in about five minutes that the requirements of the job when I took it, once the process was tweaked, would take me all of an hour a week. . .sooooo at the time I was full-time and was like, “WELLLLL, what am I going to be doing with myself the other 39 hours a week!?”
Let me back up a bit and say this was a literacy organization providing free books to children through Medicaid clinics (which was someone else’s focus), Title I (predominantly serving low-income students) schools, and Headstart Preschools, and certain qualifying other organizations (my domain was educational campuses). Providing books is a good thing! However, I always felt like providing books to every kid twice a year and a guest reader twice a year was nice and all but not reallllllly making a significant dent in improving literacy. So, with all of my extra time, I started talking to the school teachers, librarians, principals, students, parents, etc. and finding out what THEY thought would improve the overall literacy efforts at their campuses. Turns out (unsurprisingly), it was a lot: more inspiring and functional spaces, more hands-on activities, more volunteer support, more DIVERSE books, more events around reading, more opportunities for parent interaction in these events, MORE books in general, cozy reading spaces, library props and equipment--THE LIST GOES ON!
Soooo, I went to my boss and was like, “Here are these things that our stakeholders are saying they actually need in order to truly improve literacy on their campuses. I would like to help them.” She was basically like, “Cool, but we’re not giving you any money for that. If you have extra time after completing your responsibilities and can do it yourself, go for it.” (Obviously, I didn’t mention that I was completing my responsibilities at the time in an hour. . .) CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. So, I started recruiting corporate, civic, and student groups to adopt projects related to needs that they were uniquely suited to fulfill--I did this based on location, whether the group could provide funds for a project, what the group’s skill set(s) were, what amount of time they were offering, how many people were going to be involved, and what their interests were. Turns out, LOTS of companies give their employees time off and funding to volunteer, and there are a lot of talented people in our area! So, I built amazing relationships and used them to do some--here’s me not being humble--awesome things! I created a wish list from our campuses and I paired groups to their projects. I did everything from a full campus makeover with an entire team from a Fortune 500 company to small things like having a group of engineers from a wind energy company read kids The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, teach kids about wind energy, and then build wind-powered cars with them. And, I raised a crap load of money, too (which we used to improve our book selection AND give more books). I LOVED that job because I was constantly doing unique things, having to think on my feet and problem solve in the moment, uniting people who wanted to help with people who needed help in some of the most absolutely perfect fits that just made my heart explode, and I had complete and total freedom! I even negotiated down to 30 hours a week (with my same 40 hour salary) once I got settled in and had such great contacts and well-trained school staffers and volunteers who could be trusted without my immediate supervision. I miss it a little--which is why I still volunteer doing book sorting and collection cultivation on Thursdays--but it was definitely a CRAZY job. There’s so much need, so of course I wanted to do EVERYTHING. And, it was a job that required all kinds of running around, a million emails, calls, and site visits, etc. It was incredibly rewarding, but I’m ready for something else. Plus, it would look so different now in the days of COVID and I’m honestly THRILLED I’m not having to deal with the additional stress of all THAT. YIKES.
I think that job is one of the reasons people doubt me when I say I’m an introvert and not really a huge planner in my personal life. Hahahaha!
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