Flashback
“All right, everybody, welcome to the discussion section for Botany 101,” the TA said. He had sandy hair and an ease that Darcy, already three years into adulthood, college, and the knowledge that she knew nothing, could only envy. “God only knows why you took this class, but let’s get started, shall we?” A general chuckle. More than a little fawning by the freshmen girls in the front row. Darcy, hidden behind her laptop a few rows behind, couldn’t disagree with their admiration, although she’d grown out of showing it so obviously. Mostly.
“My name’s Mark Watney, and I’m a PhD candidate under Professor Walsh. I’m going to be the one grading your smaller assignments, as well as your point man for any questions you might have.” He grinned, and Darcy felt her lips twitch in response. Bad Lewis. Bad. No getting a crush on your TA! That never ends well. “Let’s start out by introducing ourselves - name, major, why you’re in this class, and favourite superhero. If you don’t have one, shame on you. Choose a favourite character, then. I’ll go first.” Watney leaned on his desk. “I’m Mark, but you knew that already. My major in undergrad was bio, and obviously, I’m here because I’m getting paid the big bucks.” Another chuckle. “My favourite superhero…” he trailed off, thinking for a moment. “Poison Ivy.” This time, there was a groan, and Darcy raised her hand.
Time to test the TA.
“Yes?” Watney pointed at her.
“Isn’t Poison Ivy a villain?” she asked with her best innocent expression. Watney’s face blanked, then split into another grin.
“Every villain is a hero in their own mind,” he said sagely. “Besides. Villains are more fun. Miss -“
“Darcy,” she said, satisfied with the answer. “Darcy Lewis.”
“Wanna get the ball rolling for us, Darcy Lewis?” Watney asked, and Darcy’s heart sank as she noticed exactly how handsome her TA was, especially when he had all of his attention on her.
I am so screwed.
…
“You never told me,” Mark said, offering her one of the coffees.
“I never told you what?” Darcy asked, holding the paper cup between both hands for warmth. “Thank you.”
“You never told me why you picked Selena Kyle as your favourite superhero.”
“Catwoman -“ Darcy searched her brain, then grinned in surprise. “The first day of class, right?” Mark nodded.
“So. Catwoman.”
Darcy blushed. “Actually, it was mostly because my extremely attractive TA had just picked another Batman villain, and she was the one that sprung to mind,” she admitted. Mark barked a laugh. “Although I stand by my choice. Catwoman is awesome. And she ends up teaming up with Bruce Wayne more often than not.”
“He’s a billionaire playboy - what’s not to like?”
“Who also helps save Gotham on a regular basis,” Darcy put in. “I mean, Tony Stark’s a billionaire playboy. You wouldn’t find me dating him.” Darcy replayed what she’d said, and started to kick herself.
“What about ex-TAs?” Mark asked playfully. Darcy glanced sideways up at him, wrapped up in his Cubs beanie, holding his coffee in both hands, as she was.
“Oh, I like those,” she said simply. “Especially when they buy me coffee.” She had time to watch Mark’s face light into a grin before she started off in the direction of the science building once more.