Chapter Text
For once in her life, Amanda O’Neill was paying attention in class.
That fact, in and of itself, would shock most of Luna Nova’s students and staff, though they’d be far less surprised to hear that she was doing so because she was failing.
The problem had started over a week ago, after having received a test in her Clairvoyance class. A big, fat, red ‘F’ was plastered across the front of it, along with the age old ‘See me after class’ line next to it. Needless to say, her Professor wasn’t exactly impressed with her grades, in fact she seemed downright disappointed.
And to say Amanda got guilt tripped that day would be an understatement. She got the mother of all guilt trips, one that outlines just how badly she was failing, and just how badly she needed to pass the next test to avoid punishment. Especially once she was told about what that punishment would be.
`I didn’t think my grades were that bad, to be honest,’ Amanda thought to herself as she sat in class, absentmindedly twirling her wand as she begrudgingly paid attention. ‘Though I guess I wasn't paying too much attention to how much I was slipping.’ Her thoughts as to the nature of her studies were interrupted by the professor, who began her next talking point.
“There will be another test next class,” Professor Chariot Du Nord started, earning a collective groan from most of the class. “I know! I’m sorry but we’ve gone over so much material the last week that it needs to be done! I have faith in all of you!” She followed worriedly, wanting to put the class at ease, though it had little effect. “You can all come in after class to practice anytime if you’d like!”
“After all,” Chariot continued, her face lighting up as those of her students darkened. “Please no…” Amanda groaned, placing her head in her palms, while most other students got ready for the inevitable cheesy line. “A believing heart is your-”
The bell sounded, loudly throughout the room, relieving the class from the awkward moment. “....magic…” Chariot deflated, shoulders slumping as she followed it with a dejected “Class Dismissed.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Amanda stood up, gathering her notes and making for the exit, already thinking of a few novel ways to blow off some steam until dinner later that afternoon.
Well, she was, until a voice called her name.
“Miss O’Neill? Could I see you for a minute?” Amanda heard Chariot call. Another groan escaped her as she turned from the exit, walking back down the stairs of the lecture room to face her Professor. Everyone else had already filtered out by now, leaving just the two of them by themselves in the classroom.
On Chariot’s face was plastered look of concern, one that Amanda was familiar seeing when it came to Akko and her antics. The furrowed brow and downturned face seemed to be a result of both the...disappointing end to class and whatever it is she wanted to talk about. Chariot seemed to be searching for the right words to say, though it seemed she was continuing to draw a blank for a few seconds before finally opening her mouth to speak.
“Amanda, I’m sure you remember what you got on your last test, right?” She asked finally, as if having figured out a good way to start what would seem to be a rather difficult conversation, as far as Amanda could tell.
“Yeah, a big ol’ F, why?” She responded in her usual nonchalant tone, not letting it seem as if the fact was getting to her in any way. Though internally, she could feel the situation souring in a sense from her almost careless sounding retort.
Chariot sighed before continuing. “Well, it’s just, you’ve been failing my class all year. Come to think of it, you’re barely passing most of your classes.” That concern became ever more evident in Chariot’s tone of voice, and Amanda couldn’t help but notice just how little her demeanor had changed since the Missile Incident. Still as doting and worried about her students as ever. Though these thoughts could be put on the backburner for now, as Amanda simply shrugged.
“I know.” Was all she said, with another, heavier sigh escaping the now desperate professor.
“It’s just, I want you to succeed, is all,” Chariot began, as if trying to implore something within Amanda for her to get her academic act together. “That’s why I’d like to make you an offer.” Chariot couldn’t say she was surprised when her student arched a brow at that, a skeptical aura radiating from her.
“An offer, huh?” Amanda parroted, placing a hand on her hip. A sly grin stretched across her face. “What kinda offer we talkin’ here? I hope it’s not too special, otherwise you’d have to take me out to dinner first!” She joked with a suggestive tone, which was about the only word her Professor could use to describe it. Needless to say, Chariot wasn’t amused, crossing her arms and giving Amanda a glare that the girl could feel reaching into her core. It was clear that all the joke had done was make the normally calm and nervous professor angry.
“Miss O’Neill, my offer is for you to take part in a study session with another student. Not...whatever idea you’ve gotten in your head.” She said, displeasure plain on her face, and her voice. “And do I need to remind you what the stakes are here?” She added, mentally taking satisfaction in how Amanda’s face paled.
“Okay...who am I studying with then?” Amanda asked, wanting to switch the topic from her failed attempt at dirty humor. While she wasn’t overjoyed with the idea, she did admit she needed the extra help in her classes. And if she got paired with someone who was willing to help her in other classes, she might gain a lot from this then…
“Well…” Chariot started, looking away from Amanda as she drew out the solitary word. “I kinda...haven’t gotten that far yet…” In truth, she hadn’t even thought that Amanda would say yes to this, let alone ask who her partner would be for this.
“But I’ll figure it out before the session!” Chariot said quickly, having noticed Amanda’s darkening face. “How does 4 PM tomorrow afternoon sound?” She asked, fixing her glasses.
“Uh, sure.” Amanda responded, tone unusually deadpan. “Can I go now?” Chariot at last relented, waving her hand. “Oh, of course! Goodbye!” Amanda responded with only a finger gun as she walked out.
Chariot sighed, turning to the pile of papers on her desk. Sitting down, she began to sift through them. These were homework papers to be turned in to the next class, and most of the students in them were getting excellent grades. Chariot knew that some of them don’t get along with Amanda, for obvious enough reasons. But maybe...if she were to avoid mentioning who they were helping…
‘Oh, this is a terrible idea.’ Chariot thought to herself, reclining in her chair. ‘But it’s crazy enough it just might work.’
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For once in her life, Hannah England was at a loss for words.
Okay, that was figuratively speaking. She’d been at a loss of words before, many times, even. But this time was different from all the others. It hurt the most, in both the reason behind it and how it was affecting her.
And to think it all started with a photograph, of all things.
Piercing green eyes, slicked back pink and orange hair, and that stupid, sly grin that was worn so easily across that face.
No, stop thinking about it. It’ll only lead to trouble.
Hannah banished those thoughts from her mind, instead trying to focus on the task at hand. She was sitting in class, to the right of Barbara and Diana, the three of them dutifully jotting down notes while Professor Du Nord rattled on about advanced Clairvoyance and its uses.
Only, for every line she seemed to write, the more her mind begged to take another peak at that photo, to gaze upon it once more. It was taking all of her willpower to continue to focus, diligently writing down everything of importance that the professor wrote or said during the class. Barbara, noticing Hannah’s slipping concentration, slid her friend her notebook, allowing her to copy some of the information. Diana didn’t seem to care much, seeming to not register the interaction despite the fact that she was sitting between the two of them. Hannah nodded her thanks to Barbara, and looked over the sheet, thankful for the fact that she hadn’t missed anything substantial during her lapse in focus.
Professor Du Nord ceased her writing on the chalkboard, before turning to the class, eyes scanning the crowd to make sure everyone was ready for what information she was about to relay next.
“Now, I hope that was an informative lesson for all of you, as there will be a test next class on this,” Chariot told the class, hiding her surprise at the lack of complaints this time around. “While I’m sure this may come as a shock to some of you, we’ve spent the last few weeks discussing the theory and practice of more advanced forms of Clairvoyance, thus it’s probably a good idea for me to give you a test before we go any further.”
Chariot continued, “As such, all of you can come in to practice! Within school hours and with my supervision of course.” All the while her eyes scanned the room, taking note of how the class took the news.
Most seemed off put by the mention of the test, but seemed to gain confidence when told of how they could come in to practice. A few pairs or groups could be seen talking amongst themselves, planning when to come in and practice for the upcoming test.
The bell rang a moment later, and most of the students began to filter out once more. Chariot’s eyes locked onto one of her students, who was moving a little more slowly to pack up. She would have to do.
Hannah, after hearing the bell, began her work of organizing her material for the walk back to her dorm. But she stopped, in order to gaze at a photograph she’d slipped into the pages of a book she’d been reading in her spare time. For a moment, she paused, staring at it, not caring for the waning voices of her classmates as they left. Even Barbara and Diana had already begun to leave, having not noticed how distracted Hannah was.
Of all people...Why did it have to be you?
That peace didn’t last long however.
“nd...Miss England?” She heard a voice calling to her, and snapped her head in it’s direction, only being able to find Professor Du Nord, standing by her desk with a smile. Upon seeing that she now had Hannah’s attention, she gave the girl a wave. “Could you see me for a second?”
Hannah scrambled to gather up her things, slipping the photo back into her book before placing the paperback on top of several textbooks and notebooks that were used for her classes. Barbara and Diana, from the doorway, bid her farewell, telling her that they’d meet her back at their room later, as they and members of Red Team were meeting up for a mid-afternoon study session. After completing the creation of her small pile of supplies, she walked down the stairs, still trying to push the thoughts of the photograph’s subject out of her mind.
“Hannah, I could use your help with something, if it isn’t too much trouble.” Chariot started, shifting some papers on her desk. Hannah gave her professor a smile, adjusting the way she was carrying her supplies.
“It would be no trouble at all, Profesor Du Nord, what is it?” She asked. Chariot turned to face her. “Oh, it’s just some tutoring for a student in another class. She’s having some trouble, and this next test could really help her grade if she does well.” Chariot explained. “And, as a bonus, there’ll be some extra credit in it for you.” She followed up, hoping to convince Hannah with the promise of a reward.
Hannah nodded, understanding where this was going. She held her tongue for a second, repressing the urge to make a disparaging comment about whoever it was who needed help. “Sure! I’d love to help.” She’d managed after a second of silence.
Chariot’s shoulders slumped, as if a weight had been taken off of them. “That’s great! I set you and her up for 4PM tomorrow!” She chirped, turning around and smiling at Hannah. “That’s all I’ve got to talk to you for now, so you can go to your next class.”
Hannah arched a brow, confused as to why Chariot was trying to get her out of the class so soon. “That’s it? Aren’t you gonna tell me about who I’m helping?” She asked.
Chariot placed a finger on her chin. “I can’t remember their name off the top of my head,” She began, not noticing Hannah’s increasingly deadpan expression. “I’m sure it’ll come to me later. You know how it is, there’s a lot of students during the day, I can’t remember them all.”
Hannah wasn’t buying it, but it seemed that Chariot wasn’t going to disclose this information unless it was convenient, so she decided to take her leave. “Very well. I’ll be sure to help them come tomorrow.” And with that, she turned around and walked away, back up the stairs of the room and towards the door.
It was certainly suspicious, how much Chariot seemed to dodge the question. Hannah was certain that she wasn’t telling her about who she was helping for a reason.
After all, Chariot was an awful liar.
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Amanda flopped into her bed, a groan forcing its way out of her as she made contact with her pillow. The noise continued for a few seconds after, muffled by the object. Though it was enough to attract the attention of her teammates.
Jasminka bit the bullet first, putting down the bag of crisps she was eating to speak. “Is something the matter Amanda?” She asked, a somewhat worried tone of voice carried across in her words. Amanda rolled over, looking over at Jasminka, who was sitting at the team’s desk at the center of the room, pushed over to the wall.
“Yeah, there is something the matter!” Amanda said, raising her hands to the air as if to gesture her displeasure at the situation. “I’m failing that Clairvoyance class, again!” Crossing her arms, Amanda huffed, trying to think of a way out of her current predicament.
“Again? Oh, that’s terrible!” Jasminka said, empathizing with her teammate as best she could. It was no secret that Amanda’s grades were often awful, usually being the worst in the Green Team’s group of friends.Well, Akko’s had a tendency to be even worse, but still... This seemed to be one of the few times Amanda seemed to actually care, which was a rare occurrence in and of itself.
“And that’s not all!” Amanda continued, throwing her legs over the side of the bed as she sat up. “Chariot’s set me up for some study-buddy session, and didn’t even tell me who it is I’m gonna be studying with!” Her voice clearly illustrated her exasperation at that little detail, as if the Professor was going behind her back for some reason. “For all I know she could be pairing me up with Cavendish, or one of her two harpies...”
From her position opposite Amanda, Constanze rolled her eyes, returning to her work of finishing another few modifications to her latest iteration of Stanbot. Satisfied with her work so far, she powered the robot on, and it sprung to life, sitting up on the bed next to its owner. Constanze then picked up her small chalkboard, as well as a piece of chalk, and quickly wrote something down.
“About time.”
Amanda shot a glare at Constanze, keeping her arms crossed. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Constanze raised a brow at this, as if wondering how Amanda failed to see what she was trying to say. Or write, in her case. She turned the board around, the sound of chalk tapping against the board as a new message was made, which was shown to Amanda a second later, the new one under the old one.
“It’s an opportunity to improve your awful grades.”
“Hey, they’re not that bad!” Amanda said, trying to appear dignified, before noticing Constanze’s doubting stare. “Okay yeah, they’re bad.” She admitted as she deflated.
“Perhaps you should give it a try then?” Jasminka reasoned, having already helped herself to a few chips during Constanze and Amanda’s little interaction. “After all, what’s the worst that could happen?” Jasminka implored hopefully, giving Amanda a smile.
Amanda cast a sideways glance at her, deadpan expression clear as day on her face. “The partner hates me. Or they refuse to help me. Or they sabotage me. Or outright refuse to help. Or any number of things that can go wrong where I’m involved.” The resignation to a presumed fate that made its way into Amanda’s voice made Jasminka frown. It never felt right to see her friends like this, especially when it seemed so out of character for Amanda to be this dejected about something.
A second later, Amanda was greeted by the sight of an unopened bag of chips, courtesy of Jasminka, who had retrieved them from the Green Team’s secret stash of contraband food they’d been building over the course of the school year. Amanda accepted it, opening it up as Jasminka returned to her seat.
Stanbot kicked it’s legs on the bed, watching the trio around them, and thankfully remaining silent. Constanze made a small noise, erasing the old messages from the chalkboard, and writing a new one in its place.
“It’s worth a try.”
Amanda sighed, placing a few chips into her mouth and chewing as she thought of a response. She had one once she was finished. “I guess you’re right,” She relented, giving in to the demands of the duo. (Or was it trio if you counted Stanbot?)
Jasminka clapped in delight from her chair, and Constanze gave her a look of smug victory from her chair. Amanda just rolled her eyes, digging into the bag of chips a bit more as she shook her head slightly. “It’s just a study session, it’s not like I’m gonna be chasing after some missile again, eh?” She said with her mouth full, leaning back into the wall as the three of them exchanged knowing glances.
It was strange, really, how much had changed at Luna Nova since the Missile Incident, and how little had changed at the same time. Sure, they were hailed as heroes when they came back from their adventure, but the fame hadn’t lasted particularly long. It was back to the same old hustle and bustle of classes, homework, quizzes, tests, and Nelson telling her to stop flying so recklessly. Yet at the same time, they’d all grown closer, those that went through it that is. The Red and Green teams were practically inseparable whenever they were together, and the Blue Team, thanks in large part to Diana’s involvement, was becoming part of the group as well. Then again, having Barbara and Hannah around was a can of worms in and of itself. A can of worms that she was surprised to find wasn’t nearly as explosive as she’d thought.
It was then that Amanda noticed her bag was empty. Balling it up, she tossed it at the garbage can by the door. It bounced off the wall and into the plastic covered basket. She then stood up, tossing on her student’s cloak while making for the door.
“I’m heading out, gonna ride my broom for a bit.” She explained, only receiving nods from the other two. “See you guys at Dinner.” Grabbing her broom from its position by the door, she was out in less than a second, the thick slab of wood clicking behind her as it closed.
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Hannah sat on her bed, letting out a dejected sigh as she stared at the photograph in her hands. She thought it was silly, really. That she hadn’t noticed who the subject of the photograph was sooner. They were practically staring her in the face day in, day out. They pranked her and Barbara, as well as the rest of their friends, almost every day, in some way.
Sliding the photo back into the book she’d been reading, Hannah closed it, laying it on her nightstand for later.
That was another silly thing, using the photo as a bookmark. She would have preferred to put it in a sleeve, or container of some kind, where the photo would not be harmed by the elements. If she didn’t, the backing would peel off, and the image would decay until the contents within were wiped away, defeating the purpose of taking the photograph in the first place.
Or, she would have put it away for safekeeping, had the contents not had this confusing, infuriating effect on her. So the photo continued to be a bookmark, where Hannah could keep looking at it to her heart’s content. And to keep it away from prying eyes as well…
Speaking of potentially prying eyes, the door to the Blue Team’s dorm creaked as it opened, and in stepped Diana and Barbara, both quiet as they entered. Diana made her way to the desk in the far corner and disappeared behind the bookshelves separating the beds from the desk, seemingly content to study for the couple hours they had before dinner. While Barbara gravitated towards her best friend, taking a seat on her bed, which was only separated from Hannah’s by the small nightstand.
Hannah felt so relieved that she put away the photo when she did, and the same could be said for her decision to return to the dorm before the others. The thought of anyone, and especially Barbara of all people seeing that picture, terrified her to no end. She could only imagine her shame if that were to happen, as well as Barbara’s disappointment in her. Not to mention Diana’s…
“Hannah? Are you okay? You seem upset about something.” Barbara spoke, concern worming its way into her voice at every word. Hannah was snapped from her thoughts as her friend spoke, having to mentally catch up in order to give a timely response. “Y-Yeah...I was thinking, that’s all.” She spoke, clearly panicked despite her best attempts at hiding it.
Barbara didn’t seem convinced, continuing to look into her best friend’s eyes with an intensity that made Hannah sure she was looking for something, anything, to get her to fess up. “Thinking about what?” Barbara responded, brushing a hand through her black hair, before picking up her latest copy of Nightfall from the pile of books that she had placed on her bed. ‘I still can’t believe I didn’t notice her reading those before.’ Hannah thought to herself.
Hannah rubbed the back of her head, recalling the conversation she had earlier. “Professor Chariot has asked me to provide some tutoring for a student in one of her other classes,” She started, gesturing to the notes she had laid out on her own bed. “Apparently that student is struggling quite badly, and desperately needs the help. Why she asked me, and not someone else, is beyond me.” She waved her hand in dismissal of the idea, before adding: “She did mention I’ll get extra credit for it, at least.”
Across from her on the bed, Barbara sat with a hand on her chin, mulling over the information presented to her, before giving a hum. “Well, it does seem like a good deal for her to make. Do you know who it is you have to tutor?” She asked, only to earn a shrug from Hannah, who looked right back at her.
“That’s the thing,” Hannah scratched her head, pondering. “Professor Chariot avoided the topic of who I was helping at every chance, or even outright ignoring it at times.” Barbara tilted her head at this information, arching one eyebrow. “It’s curious behavior, I know.” Hannah finished.
“It is indeed.” Barbara replied, before her posture relaxed. “Regardless, extra credit is extra credit, you should go through with it anyway.” Barbara then swung her legs onto her bed, cracking open the thick novel. “Besides, what could be the worst that could happen?” She took out the bookmark, about ready to begin reading. Only to be interrupted by a gasp, which caused her to see the almost disgusted look on Hannah’s face.
“The worst that could happen?” She almost shrieked, prevented only by the presence of an unseen yet ever present Diana. “Barbs, I could end up with some simpleton! Someone who couldn’t be bothered to pay attention in class, let alone to me during a study session!” Hannah’s voice contained a mix of venom and exasperation. “I could end up with someone like O’Neill!” That sentence was barely spoken above a whisper, as if Hannah didn’t want to be caught saying that name aloud.
Barbara rolled her eyes at this. “Hannah, you don’t know that! For all you know, you could get someone who’s smart but is struggling a bit.” Barbara laid the book on her chest, looking over at Hannah. “And besides, even if you do get O’Neill, what makes you think it would be so bad?” Hannah only returned the eyeroll at this, letting out a groan.
“You know how she is, Barbs. She blatantly disregards the rules, has a complete lack of caring for common decency, and will not stop performing pranks on me and others no matter how much I tell her to cease that behavior! Not to mention-” Hannah would have kept on ranting about how much she hated Amanda O’Neill, had she not caught the smug look Barbara was giving her. “What’s that for?” Hannah asked, feeling her cheeks heat up slightly as the connotations of her little rant caught up with her.
Barbra’s grin widened as she noticed the increasingly sheepish look on Hannah’s face. “Oh nothing. I couldn’t help but notice how much you loved talking about Amanda.” Barbara spoke, before letting out a giggle as Hannah’s face became as red as her hair. “You sound like you’ve got a crush on her…” Barbara closed the book and rolled onto her side, giving Hannah that same smug look the entire time.
“I do not! I cannot believe that you could ever insinuate such a thing!” Hannah replied as she crossed her arms, her voice filled with venom once more as she spoke. “As if I’d ever have a thing for that degenerate!” That last comment being spoken with as much hate for a person Hannah could muster.
“Hannah, dear.” A voice spoke from across the room.
Both Hannah and Barbara turned to face the source of the voice, finding Diana standing by the bookshelves, having gotten up to interject into their conversation. She gave Hannah a sympathetic look, followed by a soft, understanding smile.
“While I do believe there is some merit behind your fears of this partner, I also believe that most of them are unfounded,” She began, walking towards the duo in her usual, measured gait. “After all, there is no telling of just who this person could be. And even if it were to be someone similar to Amanda,” Diana came to a stop in front of Hannah’s bed. “I have full confidence in your ability to keep her focused and on track.”
Barbara then beamed at Hannah. “After all, you’ll never know until you try!” Hannah nodded at the wise words, surprised that they came from Barbara of all people.
“Is that another Nightfall reference?” She asked hesitantly, raising a brow.
Barbara’s eyes darted away from Hannah, her grin becoming more nervous than anything. “How’d you know?” She asked, scratching the back of her head. Hannah rolled her eyes, groaning loudly. “You’ve got a volume of it in your hands, dummy.” Hannah deadpanned, before standing up, stretching out as Barbara blushed slightly at the comment, unconsciously hiding it behind her back.
Hannah was a little surprised when Barbara admitted her love of the Nightfall series. Especially because, well, they knew practically everything about each other! From their favorite foods all the way down to the people they were interested in. But to learn that Barbara had an interest that she’d hadn’t told Hannah about, and that she’d been actively hiding it from her, well it just about broke her heart. Barbara had admitted how scared she was of admitting this to Hannah, especially from the duo’s past insults directed at Nightfall fans.
‘What a fool I was back then.’ Hannah though, grimacing internally as she glanced at the book in her friend’s hands. It was the latest volume, just came out a few months ago. ‘I don’t deserve her, nor…’ Her gaze turned towards her own book, and the photograph just barely poking out, it’s contents covered. ‘Her.’
“Listen, I’m just going to go out for a bit.” Hannah said, getting her jacket off of it’s rack and onto her shoulders as she made for the door. “I need to consider this for a time. And girls,” She stopped at the door, facing the both of them. “Thank you for your concern.” And with that, she turned and left, but not before the other two caught a glimpse of the genuine smile on her face after she spoke.
The room was silent for a few seconds, Diana and Barbara staying in their respective thoughts, before sharing a smile with one another.
“She’s not particularly good at hiding the fact that she has a crush.” Diana shook her head, exasperation clear in her voice. “Especially that she has a crush on Amanada of all people.” She crossed her arms, before moving towards the Blue Team’s allowed supply of tea.
It was an open secret between the Red, Blue, and Green teams that Hannah was crushing on Amanda, despite her fierce disagreement. Everyone noticed the dejected sighs coming from Hannah as she stared at the photo she kept in her book. And everyone noticed the glances thrown in Amanda’s direction when Hannah thought she wasn’t looking. Whether Amanda had noticed recently was of debate between the three teams, though for the most part they agreed that Amanda was oblivious.
“She has been defensive about the whole thing,” Barbara responded, opening her book and searching for where she’d left off. “Always insisting that she’s focused on Amanada because of how much she hates her, or some other excuse.” Barbara then sighed. “I don’t know what I can do to help her…”
Diana returned a minute later with her tea. “I suppose we will have to let it play out then, let Hannah work out her feelings on her own, but give her support if or when she needs it.” She slowly took a sip of her tea while Barbara nodded.
“And here’s to hoping Amanda isn’t as completely oblivious as she seems.” She responded, before glancing up at Diana. “It’s weird really, Amanda’s actually been trying to study, and do well in her classes.”
“So I’ve heard. It’s quite a change in character.” Diana placed her tea down and looked at Barbara. “I’m curious as to the cause of such behavior.”
Barbara’s face gained an insidious smirk, hidden behind her novel. “I don’t suppose that would have anything to do with your time spent with Akko, would it?” Her tone of voice as she spoke was filled with mirth.
Diana blushed bright red, and struggled to think of a response for a second. “B-Barbara! We’re...It’s not like that!”
Barbara’s laugh filled the room for a long second, the book pressed against her chest as she quieted to a few giggles.
“Sure Diana, sure.”