Chapter Text
MJ was bored. But not just the usual level of bored. She was very close to a catatonic state, where staring at one dot on the ceiling was actually much more fun than even attempting to pay attention to the lesson.
She drank three cups of coffee in the morning just to keep herself alive through history, and still felt like smashing her head on the desk, repeatedly. She did have a survival plan, of course. Brought a good book she was intent on finishing, but Mr. Harrington took it the moment he saw it.
'We're having a lesson, Miss Jones. It's not time for fiction.' He said, the absolute buzz kill.
Underground Railroad was written according to the real history. Not the censored, sad imitation they had in the syllabus.
It wasn't even that she disliked history. Honestly it fascinated her, especially all the morbid fun facts. Also, medieval torture. Yes, that was her favourite niche.
And yet, here she was, listening to another mind numbing rant about some dead president. She had tried to focus at first, she really had tried, but Harrington's voice was seriously draining her life force.
“Am I boring you Miss Jones?” He interrupted her musings.
She looked him dead in the eye and blurted out, “Frankly, yes.”
Silence met her, momentary shock as everyone tried to process her taunt. It lasted too short for her liking.
“Can you elaborate on that?”
She inhaled deeply preparing for a long argumentative session.
“We went over it last week. Summer break starts in a month and we're still listening to your speeches about Kennedy. You like him, we get it. It was fun at first but got boring after the third time. We could do something fun instead, like, talk about capital punishment?” She shrugged and leaned back in her chair.
Harrington was stunned for a moment, but to his credit, he seemed to be considering her words.
“Do the rest of you share Miss Jones' opinion?”
And oh, that was wayyyyy too quick, no way he'd fold so quick. She looked around the classroom seeking support, but no one was looking at her. Actually, most people seemed to be dozing off, but then Flash-- Flash of all people-- spoke up.
“Mr. Harrington, while I think MJ” It's Michelle to you! “should have at least pretended to follow the lesson instead of being disrespectful, I must agree that listening about presidents over and over again, hasn't exactly been the definition of interesting.”
That was a very mild way of putting it. She seriously considered jumping out of the window when Teach opened his mouth and the words 'we will talk about presidents today' came out.
Harrington was silent, thinking. He glanced over the classroom noticing the sleeping students, then sighed and sat behind his desk.
Giving up so soon?
He turned on the computer and browsed through something for a while. Everyone was silent, looking at their friends and trying to communicate non-verbally. It wasn't often that Mr. H changed the course of his lesson, even less often for a student to make him do so. MJ caught eye contact with Ned who simply shrugged. She rolled her eyes and pointed with her head at Peter who's been dozing off for a while now. Ned kicked him under the table and quickly put a finger to his lips, prompting him not to yell in confusion. When Parker's eyes cleared somewhat Ned jerked his head at MJ, who caught Pete's gaze and pointed at Harrington, in a silent gesture of focus .
Finally Teach took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose in a show of exasperation. He looked up at them and spoke.
“You are right.” What? “I admit, I've been going through topics we've already discussed, but in my defense , we have already finished the syllabus and it's not like I can just give you the time off.” He sighed heavily. “There hasn't been any history related events happening in the city recently-- however --The New York Historical Museum has just opened an exhibition titled 'Gods in Scandinavia, centuries past' . But ” he stressed noticing some eyes lighting up, “their webpage says that the information could be inaccurate, since, and I quote,” he looked at the monitor “ 'We focused on our planet and Scandinavian heritage, not any statements made by Thor Odinson in the past.' ”
He looked at them again, “Hence there won't be any Asgardian miracles, just some broken pots and old stones, presumably, maybe statues if we're lucky. So don't get your hopes up, as the only alien on this planet still isn't working with neither historians nor scientists despite their repeated pleas.” He looked as if it bothered him personally. “I might be able to convince the head teacher to give us a pass. Considering that nowadays it is perfectly possible to run into an actual Norse god on the street and she is a fan of his.” He rubbed his face in a long suffering manner. “Class tickets for Wednesday are still available. It would be 15$ each. Raise your hand if you feel up to helping me convince the board.”
She couldn't believe it. Harrington was actually going to do something she considered fun. It wasn't a grand gesture, and a trip to a museum would seem boring to most, but at this point anything would be better than sitting in that classroom. Everyone knew that, Harrington included. Besides, she never did much research on the Vikings, so it would be something new.
She raised her hand and saw most of the group doing the same.
“Great, I'll send you all the necessary info through mail. Class dismissed.” With that he turned off the computer and began gathering his things.
MJ stood up and felt someone's stare tearing up a hole in her back. Upon further inspection, she caught eye contact with Peter and that was enough to conclude that something wasn't right. He seemed too energetic considering the previous drowsiness and had that spark in his eye indicating a very bad idea and seeking her approval. She nodded, obviously.
He took his things and came over to Mr. Harrington. Most students have already left so she could hear the conversation clearly.
“Uh, Mr. Harrington, sir.”
“Yes, Mr. Parker?”
“So, you know I have an internship at Stark Industries? And oh, I've met someone there, they're kind of an expert on Norse mythology and stuff-- and could contribute much to the trip. Do you think they could come with us?”
He hit puppy eyes. Teach was defenseless.
“Oh I don't know Mr. Parker, it's supposed to be a class activity…” Peter's eyes got wider “but if you insist on this person being such an expert, then I suppose there's no harm in them joining us. Just make sure they buy their own ticket.”
“Thank you, Mr. Harrington!”
And he fled the room. MJ looked over to Ned and they seemed to have the same thought.
Harrington wasn't going to survive this.