Garlic #18, Strawberry Shortcake #30, Pistachio #11 + whipped cream + gummy bunnies
Story: Blaze Mafia Family
Title: Save Me from Myself
Prompts: Garlic #18: shooting star, Strawberry Shortcake #30: where the dream takes you, Pistachio #11: an argument + whipped cream + gummy bunnies (500themes#57: a path to follow)
Rating: PG13 for some language
Words: 637
Characters: Firebird Blaze, Mary Crespin
Summary: It's been a long time since we've seen Firebird in High School AU but this came to mind and I really need to finish this stupid whipped cream sundae so let's go with it! The high school counselor wants to save Firebird. Firebird is unimpressed.
Firebird's irritation rose the moment she saw the office aide walk into the classroom. He was holding a green slip, the kind the school counselors used.
The teacher took the note then looked up right into Firebird's eyes. "You've been summoned again," Mr. Purtell said. "Can you stay after school to take your quiz?"
Firebird thought about sending the office aide back with explicit instructions about what the counselor could do with her stupid summons. Instead she nodded to Mr. Purtell, packed up her things, and left to go to the counselor's office. The momentary satisfaction, while great, wasn't worth the drama.
"Firebird, come in," Ms. Crespin chirped as soon as Firebird came to her open doorway.
Firebird was unimpressed with her peppiness. "I would appreciate if you would stop taking me out of Algebra. I'm missing a quiz right now."
Ms. Crespin had taken Firebird out of Algebra enough times to be unfazed by her candid request. "I'm sure Mr. Purtell will let you take it at a later date. Sit down. Let's talk."
Firebird sat but she wasn't too keen on the talking part. Blazes didn't talk to officials. Period. And even if they did, Firebird didn't like Ms. Crespin and her holier-than-thou attitude. Ms. Crespin wanted to be the hero and had cast Firebird as the victim she intended to save, even though Firebird was perfectly happy being a future villain.
The older woman folded her hands and gave Firebird her patented serious-but-understanding look. "What is it you want out of life, Firebird?"
"To pass Algebra."
Ms. Crespin swept aside Firebird's usual non sequitor in favor of lecturing her again. "You have such amazing potential, Firebird. I have never met a teenager as focused and driven as you. You're so gifted, and what's more is you know how to use your gifts to make anything you want happen. I know we say this to you kids all the time, but you do have the potential to change the world." Ms. Crespin leaned forward across her desk, her eyes as earnest as her tone. "Now, do you really want to squander all of your life away, all of that talent, that potential, on something so... insignificant as a city gang?"
It was a testament to Firebird's commitment to finish school that she didn't let her temper get the better of her. Had they been anywhere but in the counselor's office, Firebird would have shoved her knife through the idiot woman's eye for daring to insult her Family. As it was though, Firebird did what her Family had taught her.
She smiled blandly and kept her mouth shut.
It had the intended effect. Ms. Crespin sighed, "You need to talk to me, Firebird."
Firebird raised an eyebrow in wordless challenge. Make me.
The rest of the hour was spent much in the same way: Ms. Crespin making this appeal and that to try and get Firebird to open up and Firebird stonewalling her at every step. It was hard to tell who was more relieved when the school bell rang.
Firebird grabbed her backpack and turned to leave without so much a goodbye but she paused, her hand on the doorknob. She looked back at Ms. Crespin, who immediately perked up. "You're right about one thing."
"And what's that?" Ms. Crespin asked. She had the worst poker face Firebird had ever seen. Obviously the woman was expecting some sort of breakthrough, maybe for Firebird to start crying and confess to five generations worth of sins.
Hell could freeze over and Firebird still wouldn't cry in front of this nosy bitch. "I am driven. I know what I want my future to be like, and no amount of green slips will change my mind. So do yourself a favor and stop trying to save me from everything I want."