Chapter Text
Usually Fig didn’t attend classes regularly, if at all. Actually, it was a running joke with her friends on the dorm floor that she never attended the classes she was signed up for. But Fig made a point to attend Astronomy 101. It’s not because she was particularly interested in the subject— she was actually a music major, specializing in composition. Astronomy 101 just sounded like the most interesting class that could fill her physical science requirement. No, the reason that Figeuroth Faeth attended Astronomy 101 was because of the hot, mysterious TA that graced this lowly introductory course with her presence.
All that Fig knew about her TA was that she had the coolest dyed hair Fig had ever seen— red mixed with orange and bits of yellow creating a flame effect that Fig was absolutely obsessed with— had tantalizing golden tattoos that sometimes peeked out of the long sleeved shirts and button ups she always wore, gave really good feedback on tests and assignments, and that her name was Ayda Aguefort.
On every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30, Fig would rush into class just on time (or late, depending on how late rehearsals with Gorgug went the previous night), sit in the back, and catch moments of Professor O’Brien’s lecture while she tried to look studious and suave and cool in front of Ayda. There was no way that a TA like Ayda— who was not only jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but lowkey a genius— would ever look at a fuckup like Fig. Fig pulled all-nighters to compose songs for class that had been banging around in her head for weeks prior, smoked clove cigarettes in high school because she thought they made her punk and now she couldn’t quit the habit, and couldn’t seem to commit to anything or anyone besides her fellow Bad Kids. But somehow, the glimpses that Fig had into Ayda as a person made her want to leave all that behind her and become someone who would impress Ayda Aguefort.
Which is why it was so devastating when Professor O’Brien passed out the results of the first midterm at the end of class.
A bright red 57% glared up at her, as if mocking her for her insolence. Even though Fig wasn’t a good student, she was usually a very good test taker. Even though she never showed up to class, she could pull an all-nighter and end up with at least a B.
This is what I get for actually showing up to class, Fig thought to herself. She buried her face in her hands, her long braid slipping over her shoulder. Not long after, she felt someone tapping her desk. Fig looked up, peering through her bangs, to see the object of her daydreams staring down at her.
“Are you alright, Figeuroth?” Ayda's dark brown eyes were bright with what looked like genuine worry. The glasses that she kept hung on a necklace, except for when she was grading papers, glinted in the fluorescent lighting. Fig only saw old people using those things— although Adaine would probably like them as well, but Ayda made them look so cool— focus, Faeth!
As she snapped her jaw shut, Fig replied “Yeah, I’m sorry, I just— well, you know I didn't do very well on the midterm. I guess I’m just upset about that.” Ayda nodded sagely. “I would also be very upset about that.” She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. “If you would like, you could come to my office hours. No one comes to them, so it’d be like I was just tutoring you.” Her dark cheeks took on a bit of a rosy hue, and Fig felt a warmth bloom in her chest. “I'm sorry, did that sound weird?”
Fig stood up quickly. If she wasn’t wearing her platforms, she would’ve had to tilt her head up a bit to look Ayda in the eye, and the thought made her blush a bit. “No, no it’s not weird! I usually don’t go to office hours, let alone classes, honestly, but yeah! I'll go!” She smiled, hoping she didn’t sound like a complete idiot.
“Incredible. I will see you tomorrow, then.” Ayda gave her a small smile, then turned away, leaving the classroom. Fig stood alone, heart pounding in her chest.
“Holy shit.”
—
An hour later, Fig found herself lying on the floor of the living room at home, Adaine and Gorgug looking over her with concern.
“Fig, are you okay?” Adaine asks, placing the back of her pale hand to Fig’s forehead.
At Fig’s lack of response, Gorgug replies, “Do you think that Dr. Asha found out that she’s not actually a med student and that she’s just there to make out with him?” As Adaine turned to consider this, Fig rose from her stupor, back ramrod straight.
“I haven’t seen Dr. Asha in weeks, Gorgug. There's no point when I've found the woman who is most likely the love of my life and I'm too chicken shit to ask her out, let alone even accept the idea that she will never like me back! She told me to attend her office hours and I have no idea what I’m going to do.” With a cry, Fig flops back onto the floor with a dramatic sigh. Adaine looked at Fig in shock, and turned to Gorgug for clarification.
“Right, uh, so, Fig is in love with her astronomy TA. It’s relatively recent and you’ve been busy with lab so—“ as Gorgug tried to explain Fig’s latest romantic endeavor, Adaine cut him off.
“Wait. Fig, you’re in love with your astronomy TA? What's their name?” Adaine asked quickly, eyes wide. “Ayda. why?” Fig replied, still lying on the floor. A small grin stretched across Adaine's face.
“I wouldn't worry about the office hours, Fig. Ayda’s really sweet once you get to know her.” Fig slowly turned her head towards her best friend. “You… you know Ayda?” Fig's face turned incredulous as she quickly got up on her knees to shake Adaine's shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell me?!”
Adaine's face scrunched up as she was shaken violently. “I didn't know that you knew she existed! I’m an undergrad in the lab she’s in! Of course we’re friends!” Fig let go and bowed dramatically, bringing her hands together like in a prayer. “Please Adaine, you have to help me. I’m such a fuck up and I cannot mess this up. Can you tutor me in advance so Ayda doesn’t think I’m a dumbass?”
“Fig, she already graded your midterm. I don't think there’s anything I can do about that now. Besides, the last time I tutored you, you nearly set the house on fire.” Adaine pointed out. Fig cried out in agony, falling headfirst into Adaine’s lap. “I’m doomed.” She stated morosely as Adaine started to stroke her brown hair soothingly. Gorgug, seeing as Fig’s meltdown had calmed to a somewhat manageable level, moved to stand.
“Fig, you’ll be alright. Just work that Fig charm that we all know and love.” He smiled at his band mate.
“Thanks, Gorgug. I know I don’t tell you enough because I'm such a closed book, but I love you.” Fig said, with no sense of self-awareness in the slightest. Adaine and Gorgug shared knowing smiles. With Fig calmed down, the three continued on with their normal night routine, moving to the kitchen to prepare the Bad Kids’ weekly communal meal.
—
Ayda Aguefort ☄️
Adaine. I am having an emergency, and request that you call me ASAP. The student from my TA class that I have fallen in love with is coming to my office hours. I desperately need your help.
Sent 9:53 PM.