Soulmates

Chapter 29

Magnus loved ASL, both as a language and a class. But it's different when you know the language.

ASL when you are a CODA? Golden.

All of the inaccurate signs, people getting confused about two similar signs (he especially loved it when a student says "fuck you" instead of "thank you."), and the way people managed to sign slower than a slug in maple syrup. It's a beautiful sight.

Ms. Wood didn't know Magnus was a CODA (child of a deaf adult), so he was simply a prodigy in her mind. Since he "learned new signs so quickly," she never had to worry about him. So, he got to sit in the back of the class going through vocabulary with ease and passing every assignment, test, and presentation with ease as he laughed at everyone else who managed to mix up "12" and "dog."

Magnus cringed at the thought of that. Those signs weren't remotely similar, and they were taught to do 16-19 using the twisting motion, not rubbing.

However, his bliss ended when a specific green-haired demon decided to sit next to him in the back.

Magnus from a month ago was so against the demon that he didn't say a word to her until Alex said, "How in the flippity flappity fuck does one manage to get cat and dog confused?"

Now the two watched as Ms. Wood explained grammar. "When saying no," she said. "You shake your head, like this."

She signed, "No me have none siblings me."

Magnus had to appreciate the beauty of direct translations and ASL grammar in moments like this. Truly a wonder.

"Now your assignment is on your desk, come to me if you have any questions."

Though Magnus couldn't really judge, it was a simple assignment, so it was done quickly.

Alex had brought her sketches that day and laid them atop her desk. "Thoughts?" she asked when Magnus turned in both of their assignments.

"Who is it for?" Magnus asked.

"Persephone."

The sketches were brighter with a distinctly 20s glam aesthetic. The dresses Alex had drawn were sequined chemise dresses; occasionally, you'd come across a flapper dress with feathers hanging along the hem of the skirt. A few of them weren't designs at all, just printed bits of art deco fashion. But, there were also bits of ancient greek clothing. The more recognizable bits, like draped dresses. She managed to make a few dresses that merged the two.

"That," Magnus said, "is very Persephone."

"I thought we could do a green flapper dress, one without a crazy skirt, with a top silhouette similar to ancient greek clothing, but instead of one sleeve being kind of like a tank top, we do a bell sleeve on one side and leave the other sleeveless. Then we get a white, faux fur coat on top of that. Sadie can dramatically take it off to reveal the masterpiece I'm going to make." Alex looked up at Magnus with a smile.

"I think it's good."

"Perfect." Alex quickly dropped Magnus's gaze and put the drawings in a pile. Magnus could have sworn there was a slight tint in her cheeks. "The act 2 costume will just be a cheap replica of the Chanel little black dress."

Magnus dumped his history homework where the sketches were scattered a moment ago. "Cool, can I copy your homework."

Alex stared at him then laughed. "Bitch, no. Do it yourself.

"Why the fuck would I do that when your homework is done?"

"I don't even have my homework, little shit."