strixx-You know, I almost feel guilty for being so terrible to him. But then I remember that having a terrible past is a pre-rec for being a super-anything.

General AN: Why does summer have to be so hot?


Jonathan can't make it to school on Friday. It's not for lack of trying, but he honestly can't make it.

By three in the afternoon, he's lying on his bed, trying to sleep. Why can't he sleep? He's exhausted, he should be able to sleep.

He hadn't meant to tell Kitty anything yesterday. Now she'll be extra curious, if not downright suspicious.

Granny's napping and he shuffles downstairs to get something to drink. Water, water…ahh. Water. It tastes a little rusty, but it's wet.

There's a knock at the door.

No one ever comes up here-if Granny answers the door, she'll strike out with her cane. Who is dumb enough to come up here?

He opens the door, expecting a salesman or something, and finds that it's Kitty. She has a stack of books in her arms. Is school out al…oh. Early dismissal on Fridays.

"Kitty."

"I did say you were sick." she says. "Here. Homework. The page numbers are written down inside."

"How did you get these?"

"Picked your lock."

"You picked my lock?"

"Hairpins have many uses." she says. "It took ten minutes, I'll have you know, so be grateful."

He glances behind him. Granny hasn't come out yet.

"Thank you." he says. She has to leave, right now. His luck never holds for very long.

"Go to bed." she says. When he doesn't move, she reaches out and nudges him back. Why does she have to be so touchy? Why? "I mean it, Jonathan. Right now."

"Thank you for getting my books." he says. Now will she leave? "I'm going back to bed." There. That should do it.

"Good. Feel better by Monday, yeah? And stay home if you're not."

He'll just have to hope she doesn't notice if he's still sick.

He forces a smile and shuts the door. Granny stayed asleep. Today must be his lucky day…unless she was watching from the top of the staircase. He twisted around, half-expecting to see her wizened old form, and found that he was still alone. He would just take these upstairs and go to bed, then. She isn't awake to tell him to do something. Yet.

He drops his books on the floor and rubs his face. God, spare him the agony of being home for three whole days.

"Who was at the door?"

She knows! How could she possibly know? Maybe Granny is some sort of mind-reader.

"Someone from school brought my books by, Granny."

"Who was it?"

"I don't know, just one of my classmates."

"You wouldn't be lying, would you?"

Calm. He needs to keep his voice calm.

"No, Granny."

Will she buy it? He holds his breath and waits for the inevitable screech.

"Good boy."

She believed him? She actually believed him? Maybe he won't be out in the chapel tonight.