Cognoscenti
by argante

rating: G
x-over: BtVS/Tracking the Tiger
challenge: "the joys of childhood"
disclaimer: Not mine, not mine, not mine.

Cognoscenti
n: a person with superior, usually specialized knowledge

“So, whatta ya think?”

“What do I think about what?”

“Dawn, have you listened to a word I said?”

“Look, Jess, I have more important things to worry about than what tattoo you should get next.”

“I’m Lauren, dammit!”

“Oh.”

“It’s not hard, you know. The hair and nose ring kinda give it away.”

“Sorry. I didn’t look,” Dawn said, this time looking up from her homework to shoot an apologetic look at the violet-and-blonde-dreadlocked girl.

“Obviously. So, what’s your downer then? Calc?”

Dawn grunted in response, pushing her working across to Lauren.

“Variable integration,” Lauren said, only a moment later.

“What?”

“You didn’t calculate your variables right, so now you can’t differentiate them properly.”

“But how... you... you never pay attention in class!”

“I’m a maths whiz, that’s how.” Dawn looked at her, eyes narrowed and doubtful, so Lauren leant over the lunch table, her voice soft.

“When I was a kid, my dad gave me his university maths books to read so I wouldn’t disturb him at work.”

“Oh, joy,” said Dawn sarcastically. Lauren sat back up and shrugged, flicking a long purple dreadlock behind her shoulder.

“At least I don’t have to do the homework.”

“Shut up."