[hider=#26 - Uneasy friendship]
[hider=Mood music][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exXnOtsQy0s[/youtube][/hider]
This sucked. Two out of two missions, team CODE has ran into something they were woefully underprepared for. Diamond was having a bad feeling this was her karma catching up to her. The bad part was that other people were being dragged down with her. Emerald would be out for a couple of days - she still had a letter to write to her parents about that - Oswald was taking more deaths under their watch worse and worse, and Cobalt was giving up on himself.

They weren’t the only people that suffered on this one though. It was easy to forget others when one had their own sorrow to deal with, but Diamond was finding herself strangely caring for the feelings of others these days. Only two weeks ago she wouldn’t have cared less, especially about a person as disagreeable as this one. Yet still, she found herself in the corridor heading to room thirty.

When they returned from the mission, Diamond jokingly shoved Cobalt on the ground and put her foot on his back, announcing that she was usurping leadership of the team for 30 seconds. In those, she instituted new policy of the team heading for some stress relief after a mission gone FUBAR. Nobody argued. But she thought of one more person likely to need a break.

As she was approaching the room, Esther suddenly appeared from around the corner and headed in there, catching the ex-thief by surprise. She could hardly recognize the teacher’s aide, her posture uncharacteristically slouched. It was her face and bloodshot eyes though that made Diamond want to turn back and leave, because she thought she saw something she wasn’t supposed to. Clearing her throat, she made her presence known. Esther paused, her hand on the doorknob, but otherwise her demeanor remained unchanged.

Taking that as a beckoning to continue, Diamond shared why she was here. “We’re going to a game of eight-ball and a toast to the fallen. I thought… that maybe you would like to join us.” she offered with a small smile.

Esther’s grip on the door knob tightened. It was obvious something Diamond said made her angry, although to be frank, most of what Diamond said or did had that effect on this teacher. Maybe Esther thought Diamond was kissing up? “Miss Frost. I had oversight of your mission, and that is it. You didn’t know my comrades, and [i]we[/i] are not friends.” Esther replied and opened the door, half walking in.

“They died trying to help us. I do not [i]need[/i] to know more to honor them and regret their passing.”

Diamond’s words stopped her again. Again, the silence beckoned the student to continue. “But I would like to.” she added, her tone growing frustrated. ”Do you believe in life after death? I believe that true immortality is to never being forgotten.” Diamond continued, leaning against the wall and giving the ceiling a thousand yards stare. “I don’t want to tell people that I am only alive because of some air jockeys nicknamed Duckie and Ski. They lost their lives trying to make sure that I could keep mine, and I don’t even know their names!” she continued, her tone gaining a hint desperation.

Unseen by Diamond, Eshter’s grip on the doorknob loosened and her gaze shifted to the student. She seemed honest about it, and if Diamond wished to honor their memory in her own way, Esther wouldn’t prevent her. Still, she could very well tell her here or after class-

“As far as being friends-” Diamond shrugged, “-If you don’t want to let me, that is your right.” she said, and pointed her eyes at Esther, “Well, I can not pretend to know how you feel about it. But I was in your place more than once myself. And I hated being alone through it. And I know that you cared for us when we needed it, despite the harsh exterior. The least I can do is offer the same, although I do not think of it as just returning a favor. If you need a friend… I’m just a call away.” 

Esther stood still, contemplating the idea. Perhaps the insufferable brat was right. The idea of people knowing Duckie and Ski’s life story was appealing. A game with teenagers not as much, but she could always leave early, right? Seeing Diamond sigh and start walking away jolted her from her train of thought. “Just let me get my keys.”

[b][i]Later that night…[/i][/b]

Alright, it did make her feel a little better, Esther had to admit. Even watching Diamond’s desperate attempts to keep Emerald away from booze despite everyone else trying to get her some. Plus, she hustled team CODE out of total five hundred lien, which was a nice bonus. The pout on Diamond’s face when Esther pocketed the eight was priceless.

As Cobalt and Oswald dragged the intoxicated Emerald away, Esther found herself grabbing Diamond’s shoulder to stop her. “Thank you.” she hushed, “For Ski and Duckie, I mean! Don’t think we’re drinking buddies now.”

Seeing Esther was in slightly better mood, Diamond dared to make a comment. “Hey, unlike others I’m only four years younger than you. You aren’t that high on the pedestal, Ms. Teacher’s [i]aide[/i]. You won’t intimidate me that easily.” the ex-thief smirked, but was forced to dodge a punch aimed at her face.

“Maybe when you actually accomplish something in your life, then I’ll consider it.” Esther barked back.

Diamond grinned. “I am most certainly not a nobody. I just can’t brag about what I did, you’ve seen my paperwork I’m sure you can connect the dots to why. It doesn’t make it any less impressive, I can only think of four other people as good as I was, and three are in prison for long years ahead. And if I want, I’m gonna be bloody good at this too. Just watch me.” Diamond replied with a smirk.

”It’s not! You’ve done nothing! It’s not about bragging, what I did helped people, not just myself! It is not about skill, it is about the reason why! So if you think you have what it takes to start taking this seriously, go tell the tree the place is Gym 2 at 0700 tomorrow!” Esther barked in her usual drill sergeant manner before stomping off.

Diamond was fuming. Who did this bitch think she was, the one true god? Damn straight she would show up, if only to spite her! She’ll ace that class and… [i]Hold on, tomorrow is Saturday, that’s no class… Did she just invite me to a workout?[/i] Diamond realized, eyes growing wider with surprise.

Esther went straight to her room and was almost asleep when she heard someone yelling in the distance.

[b]“GYM 2 AT 0700 TOMORROW!”[/b]

Smiling to herself, she was surprised she actually looked forward to it.
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