Work Text:
The EXITors didn’t always get along. There would sometimes be an argument that would break out between two people that eventually spread to the rest of the class. It didn’t help that Four wasn’t even there most of the time.
But if there was one thing that they all hated more than each other was Four’s tests.
The difference between assignments and tests is that Four is okay with incorrect answers on worksheets, as long as it looked like you tried. With tests, you’d get punished if you got a C or lower. And Four is a firm believer in collective punishment. The stress of a possible screech made everyone work hard enough to at least get a B, so Four would only scowl in their direction.
The only problem is that there’s one person in the class who’s severely behind the rest on an education level. Firey Jr. It’s not his fault, he’s only a kid. He hasn’t had the same amount of time to get properly educated. But Four never cared. He gave everyone the exact same test. Firey Jr was usually able to barely get a passing grade, but sometimes it was a little too much for him.
The first time it happened, he got frustrated about not being able to understand a single question. Four wasn’t in the room, he could’ve asked for help, but he decided the better solution was to burn the paper and get rid of the problem. Four was not happy to come back to that, and he gave Firey Jr an F and the class a screech.
The second time it happened, it could’ve been prevented. They should have noticed the signs, and it wasn’t until the scent of smoke filled the air that they realized what was happening. It was too late by then, as the paper was burnt to a crisp and Four just happened to return right then. Another F and another screech.
The next test they took, Liy kept an eye on the small flame. In one moment she took to write down an answer, she glanced up to see Firey Jr raising his paper towards the tip of his flame. She immediately leaped over her desk to snatch the paper out of his hands. “That’s it! Jr, can I speak to you please?” Liy pointed towards the door. Firey Jr rolled his eyes, but followed her out.
“What do you want?” He asked bitterly.
“I want to know what’s up with you burning your tests. Do you want us to get screeched?” Liy retorted.
“Of course not! The math just gets really annoying, and I don’t want to do it.” Firey Jr said, crossing his arms.
“Well, we’re going to have to figure out a better solution then you burning your test whenever you can’t solve it.”
“I can solve it, I just…don’t want to.”
“Mhm. You know you can ask for help, right?”
“I don’t NEED help!”
Liy put a finger to her chin. “Do you really not need help, or do you just not want it.”
Firey Jr went silent for a moment before speaking. “I don’t need it. I’m smart enough to get it.”
“I didn’t say you weren’t. Even so, there’s nothing wrong with struggling. Math isn’t for everyone.” Liy finally understood Firey Jr’s issue and tried to be more comforting. “If you want, I can help you. I doubt Four will be any good assistance.”
“I told you I don’t need it.” Firey Jr said.
“If you don’t get help, this will just keep happening. Four will just get more mad if you keep failing tests.”
“.......Fine. Four’s been teaching the same type of math for months and I don’t get any of it but everyone else does so I don’t want to ask them because they’ll think I’m dumb. There, happy?” Firey Jr’s usual snappy tone was replaced with a more shameful one.
“That’s okay.” Liy realized she was still holding Firey Jr’s paper and handed it back. “Just tell me what you don’t understand and I’ll help you figure it out. We can even do it here instead of with everyone listening.”
“...Okay.”
The two were very lucky Four didn’t show up before they finished. By the time they had, Firey Jr had a finished test that was only a little charred. They quickly went back to their seats in time for Four’s return to collect tests.
The way Four liked to grade tests was right in front of everyone as soon as they were done. Most got their usual scores of A’s and B’s, but when Four got to the last test, he spent extra time just staring at it. It was easy to tell who it was, due to the blackened edges.
“Firey Jr?” Four asked in a menacing voice.
“Y-Yes, Four?”
“Did you copy off someone?”
“No.” That was true. Firey Jr never even saw Liy’s paper, she didn’t even tell him if he got them right or not.
Four walked over to Firey Jr’s desk and stared down at the much smaller object. Everyone covered their ears in preparation for a screech.
A screech that never came.
“Good job!” Four patted Firey Jr’s head, flinching a little as his skin touched the fire.
“Oh. Uh..thanks.” Firey Jr looked over to Liy, who was giving him a thumbs up.
“Since you all did so well, you earned some free time, I’ll be back tomorrow!” Four waved and exited the room, slamming the door behind him.
“Woo! Free time!” Bracelety grabbed blank paper to spend her free time doing what she always does.
“Heck yeah, we earned that free time. Good job, Jr.” Stapy said.
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Firey Jr waved off the complement.
“Okay, don’t act like that or I’ll never complement you again. Anyone up for some more hangman?” Stapy asked the room.
“Ah, sure, I’ll join.” Liy shrugged. “Jr?”
Firey Jr nodded, and made sure nobody was looking when he mouthed the words thank you to Liy.
Anytime Liy mouthed back. Liy hoped that he understood how much she meant that, and that he’ll be more comfortable asking for help in the future.