Chapter Text
Wednesday, 15h48
A sign language club… seriously, what am I doing here? Cris deeply sighs, hesitating to open the door in front of her when she feels a hand on her shoulder which almost makes her gasp.
Well… here’s the reason why I’m here. Joana.
She arrived a week ago and I was assigned to show her the school and kind of “help her to fit in” as the headmaster would say.
“What’s up?” signs the raven-haired girl with joyous eyes. Oh fuck, how do you say “I’m fine” already? Oh yeah. Cris opens her hand wide and taps her thumb against her chest as she articulates the words with a shy smile. Joana grins brightly before grabbing the blonde’s hand and adjusting its position.
Cris can’t help but stare at their joined hands as she feels goosebumps crossing her forearm. Joana notices her gaze and slowly releases the blonde’s hand with her usual smirk. “You’re coming?” she asks, nodding towards the door as if nothing had happened.
They enter an already full classroom, laid out so small groups can sit together around tables and practice. Wow, I wasn’t expecting to see so much people here…
“Oh, hey Joana! I see you’re already bringing some new friends with you, that’s great.” softly says and signs an almost thirty-year-old woman with a bright grin, carefully looking at Cris.
The raven-haired girl signs something in answer, but of course I can’t understand her… Damn, she’s so much faster than when she tries to explain me something.
“Oh, I see, how nice of you Cris!” affirms the woman, before quickly realizing that the blonde is completely lost. “She just explained me that you two have a project to write in literature and you accepted to learn some words in sign language so it would be easier for both of you.”
“Oh ye…” starts Cris, but she’s interrupted by Joana pulling her by her arm and already leading them to the last remaining table for two persons, of course.
Immediately after sitting down, Joana starts to write something in her sketchbook/notebook/mess we use to communicate in class. Let’s say it’s useful when you’re supposed to be silent but still want to talk with your classmate. Well… we weren’t that quiet yesterday when we both burst out laughing in the middle of Pedro’s class, but whatever.
The raven-haired girl takes Cris out of her daydream with a small tap on her forehead before showing her what she just wrote.
J: It’s Aurelia, she’s nice but a little… clingy? sometimes; I preferred fleeing than having to talk with her for an hour
C: I see. You know other people here?
J: Well I know you, that’s enough right?
Cris rolls her eyes before shaking her head in disbelief as Joana gives the blonde her best smirk and playful eyes.
J: Alright, Madame isn’t here to joke around... I mostly know everyone here. They all came to talk to me because it’s rare to meet a deaf person in a public school I guess?
“Girls, I know it’s easier to write things down, but we’re supposed to learn sign language here.” admits Aurelia with raised eyebrows, especially looking at Joana when she signs, who replies with the most forced smile on earth.
When she turns away from the two young women, the raven-haired girl sighs deeply and quickly signs something as she leans against the back of her chair. The blonde starts giggling; I don’t need an explanation to understand this word.
“Well, we don’t need paper, you can read on my lips, right?” affirms Cris, sitting up and looking at Joana as she tries her best to slowly articulate.
Joana raises her eyebrows and starts signing in answer; when she’s done, she crosses her arms in front of her chest, nodding towards the blonde and waiting for her to reply with a smirk.
“Are you challenging me right now?” asks Cris, falsely offended and resting her weight on her elbows as she leans forward on the table. Joana only shrugs in answer, trying to hold a smile. “Okay, repeat what you just said- well, signed.”
The raven-haired girl gladly signs again, a little more slowly this time. Me… read?... you… you… me… Well, I’ve got everything- without the verbs and nouns. Great. Oh wait.
“Maybe… I can read on your lips, but you can’t understand me?” hesitantly says the blonde, frowning. Joana’s smirk slowly disappeared as she stares at her, kind of pensive. “Listen- sorry, look, I think we both know I’m bad at…”
Joana interrupts her with a small gesture and starts writing something on her notebook.
J: That was it.
“Really?” asks Cris with a proud smile forming on her lips.
J: Well, not exactly, but you have the main idea, that’s the most important!
The two young women exchange a small smile when their gaze meet. I haven’t realized but- we’re so close from each other… Joana slowly moves backward before sitting up.
“You’re smart.” she mouths with a tender smile as she signs.
“Thank you.” replies Cris, avoiding the raven-haired girl’s gaze with a crooked smile.
Joana carefully taps the blonde’s wrist with her fingertips to draw her attention. She brings her hand to her chin and slowly moves it forward as she mouths “Thank you.”
Cris smiles softly and repeats the same movement under Joana’s proud gaze.
After all, it’s not that bad to be here… especially if it’s with her.