AN: This was created in response to a post of Art Major AUs on tumblr that I loved and needed to write. It's unbeta'd so feel free to point out mistakes.
This is going to be a two shot with this part basically T for swearing. Hope you like it!
Disclaimer- i own nothing
"Shit." Photoshop is a curse. A curse sent specifically to ruin Clarke's life. Why does she even need to take this class? Sitting on a hard stool staring at the same error message she's received for at least the fifth time in minutes she mutters, "I imported it. It's on it's own freaking layer. Why are you still giving me this stupid message? Editable? How is it not editable? Is that even a word?" Hand weaving into a fistful of her hair she leans closer to the computer screen. Maybe if she glares long enough she'll find the answer.
"You have to rasterize the layer first," a voice sighs.
"What?"
"When you place a photo, you have to rasterize it before you can edit the actual image."
"Oh. Thanks." Clarke has to remind herself that sitting as close as they were, staring was obvious. And rude. Obviously rude. But the girl hadn't even turned to look at Clarke. And the clench of her jaw was actually quite distracting. With a blink of her eyes Clarke turns to face her laptop again. Resuming her staring contest with the program she is never going to need to use outside of this class ever again. "So um…how exactly do I rasterize it again?" The look the girl gives her is anything but happy. Green eyes piercing. Sheesh, it was just a question. "You go to layer, rasterize, smart object or all layers if you have multiple."
"Okay, cool. Thanks," Clarke smiles making sure to show her neighbor that her help, even if given with an attitude, is appreciated.
"You're welcome," the girl whispers shifting so that her gaze comes from the corner of her eyes.
"Dammit. Not again." The loud smack of fingers on the buttons Crtl+Z is only a slightly concerning sound for the people around Clarke. Weeks into the class, they're used to it now. "Why isn't there a way for you to see what it's going to look like masked before you hit the mask button?" The question was mostly aimed at herself. Mostly. Attempting to remain inconspicuous Clarke glances over at her neighbor. Who looks to be intently focused on her own project. Tanned fingers moving from the trackpad to keyboard effortlessly. No signs of frustration. Now would be a really great time for me to know your name. With a small pout on her lips and a sigh Clarke returns her focus to her own screen. Beginning to click around the image with the lasso tool again.
A few minutes pass and she adds new image.
"Fuck!" *smack* Ctrl *smack* Z. Tongue poking from her lips slightly Clarke leans forward. Eyes locked on the edges of the image she wants visible. She clicks the lasso tool around the image of the horse. After double clicking the ending point (which took her a few frustrated and incorrect selections to figure out) she moves to click the mask tool when a voice adds, "If you press the refine edge button it'll show you what's going to be masked. Also if your image has enough contrast you can use the magnetic lasso tool. That way you won't have the halos around everything."
"What?! Why didn't you tell me that sooner?!" Clarke replies throwing her hands in the air.
"I'm not the teacher," the girl answers snappishly.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to sound so rude. It's just this stupid mask has been giving me trouble all class. Thanks though….um…where's the edge thingy?"
"Make your selection, then look up top," the girl scoots closer to Clarke and points to the screen, "There. Press that. It'll show you what it looks like and then you can play with the feather option and that'll also soften your edges."
"Oh wow. That's going to help a lot. Thanks," Clarke smiles teeth showing.
"Welcome," the girl replies hazel eyes burning a hole into the table as she pushes some stray hairs back behind her ear.
"I must be a real pain in the ass to be stuck sitting next to," leaning on her hand Clarke continues to smile at the girl. Green eyes meet blue quickly before darting away. "You're not so bad."
"Liar."
"You're better than last week, I'll give you that."
"Hey, that was a hard lesson."
"For you," the girl mutters. Jaw dropping and eyes widening Clarke crosses her arms stating, "I can't believe you said that." Eyes startlingly wide the girl starts apologizing. It's kind of adorable. Clarke lets her suffer for a few seconds before laughing, "I'm just kidding. I know I suck. Me and Photoshop don't get along. Oh, I'm Clarke by the way."
"Lexa."
"Well Lexa, want to show me where the magnetic lasso tool is?"
"Wow she must hate being stuck sitting next to you," Raven says scrolling through Netflix options on her laptop.
"I'm not that bad," Clarke says tempted to throw her Twizzler across the room at Raven's back.
"Sounds like you are," Octavia switches her position on the bed so she can nudge Clarke's side with her foot, "Lexa how do you do this? Lexa how did you do that? Lexa help meeee," she whines before laughing.
"That's not what I sound like," she swats Octavia's foot away, "As I was saying I think she's actually warming up to me. She's not as…snappy."
"Maybe she's giving up. Realizing you're too dense to take a hint," Octavia grins. Glaring Clarke attempts to smack Octavia's leg. Eyes catching the tv screen she offers, "Oh what about The Switch? Jennifer Aniston, can't go wrong."
"No. Ugh, why are all the good movies DVD only?"
"I told you, you're wasting your time with Netflix." Smirk in place Octavia leans back, arms behind her head, "Nothing worth watching is going to be there."
"We're not using one of your sketchy sites," Clarke says making herself more comfortable on the bed.
"They're not sketchy. Jasper has given his approval to all of them."
"That's reassuring."
"Alright Octavia. Give it to me, I give up," walking the laptop over she turns it to Octavia. Who happily grabs it and begins typing. Clarke is about to object again when Raven cuts, "Don't think we've forgotten about your poor attempt at flirting. We're not done with that."
"Flirting?" Clarke sputters, "I am not."
"Oooooh. Good call. There's the real reason you're such a failure. What she look like Clarke?" The grin on Octavia's face makes Clarke wish she didn't just finish the last Twizzler. Chuckling Raven takes her laptop back. Setting it on the desk and hooking the hdmi cord to it. She resumes her search for a movie as Clarke answers, "I know how to flirt. And asking a girl for help in class isn't flirting. If you must know Octavia she's got brown hair, green eyes, a killer jawline, and is probably straight even if I was interested. Which I'm not."
"Killer jawline huh," Raven grins.
"Shut up, Reyes."
She can objectively acknowledge that Lexa is attractive. It's not like it isn't obvious. Anyone can see it. Especially when Lexa is focused. Her face become hard and sharp. But then there'll be a twitch of her nose. Or a whisper of words as she thinks out loud. Clarke hasn't been staring at Lexa all class. That would be weird. And creepy. But Lexa is kind of adorable. With a sigh Clarke leans further on the table. Eyes returning to the mess that is her opened Photoshop file. Half-heartedly she shuffles a few images around the screen before her gaze goes back to Lexa. "Hey Lexa."
"Hm?"
"You think you'll be finished with your project by next week."
"Yeah."
"Hm…Mines going to be another close call."
"Do you need help with something?"
"Specifically? No. Generally. Probably."
"Okay." Clarke continues to watch Lexa, who never once looked away from her screen during their "conversation." Clarke was tempted to keep asking her questions. But judging by the responses she already got it was probably better to leave Lexa alone. "I'll just…keep doing whatever with this project," Clarke mutters. How many more minutes of class did she have left to suffer through? Each time she looked at her Photoshop file she was just ready to delete everything and start over. But considering she did that three times already, that probably isn't going to help her finish. Unless she wants to turn in a white, single layer Photoshop file. She can say she's being abstract, right? "You know if you want to get done at all, you actually have to work on your project," Lexa teases. There's a hint of a smile on the corner of her lips. "I didn't even think of that. Thanks for the advice," Clarke answers sarcastically. She sits up straight. Grin on her lips. Yup. She's warming up to me.
They were sitting side by side. Clarke's laptop turned towards Lexa so she can make some changes to Clarke's screen herself. Lexa was trying to keep her fingers from shaking and her voice from cracking as she explains to Clarke what she's doing. Careful to keep her arms from extending into Clarke's space on the cold table. Conscious of their knees and the close proximity they were in. Even just a small swing and she'd bump into Clarke's bare leg.
Less concerned with space Clarke is focused on memorizing the contours of Lexa's face. Seriously Lexa has a face that would be perfect to draw. From neck to jawline, to cheekbones, to eyes. Even just the wisps of hairs that circle her ear. Where's charcoal and paper when you need it? Clearing her throat Lexa says, "So if you just duplicate them and use some blend modes you can get really creative with the filter effects." She glances at Clarke hoping the girl has been listening to her. She doesn't want to try and repeat the rambling words that have been spilling out. She doesn't even really know what she's been saying for the pass couple of minutes. Just anything to distract herself from the eyes that have been studying her. The normal chatter of the classroom is dulled as she waits for blue eyes to look away from her lips. When they do she hopes they'll bypass her cheeks. Because if she's lucky the burn of her face isn't as visible as it feels. It feels like her whole face is red. Hands fidget and move to her lap as she tentatively asks, "Clarke?"
"What?" Eyes snapping to Lexa's Clarke fumbles, "Oh, yeah, right, right. That sounds awesome. Thanks." Leaning forward she actually looks at her screen, "Wow. That looks so much better than before. And you just used blend modes?"
"Yeah. Blend modes and a few different filters."
"Damn, you're good. What's your major?" Clarke pulls her laptop back to herself. She's going to have to save this file…for future reference. "I'm Graphic Design and Marketing co-major with a Coms, um, Communications minor."
"Shit. I bet your nights are busy. But now I see why you're so good at this."
"It has its moments. Nothing I can't handle. What about you?"
"My major? Painting. Came here for nursing, but realized quickly it just wasn't for me. Neither of them preparing me for the hell that is this class," she laughs.
"I'm sure you can apply some fine arts skills to Photoshop," Lexa smiles.
"I'll tell you if I discover any." Clarke likes Lexa's smile. It's cute. But what she really likes is when Lexa's smile reaches her eyes like it is now. She just has to remember to breathe when she sees it.
"Don't listen to her Wells, she's making things up!" Clarke shouts from across the room. Searching through her backpack for her English notebook. Sitting on her desk was her laptop. Skype open with the laughing face of her childhood friend. Raven sitting in her chair. Feet up, but, careful not to hit the computer. "Trust me. If you were here, and could hear Clarke, she's got it bad man."
"I'm sorry I'm missing out then," he grins, "Fill me in Clarke."
"Maybe I was. But you guys want to be funny so no. I'm sure Raven would love to."
"That I would," Raven grins, feet dropping to the floor. Scooting herself closer to the screen she begins to list with her fingers, "Morning Photoshop class. Kicking Clarke's ass. Except she has a new best buddy, Lexa. Lexa has a killer jawline, pretty green eyes, totally hated Clarke for the first couple weeks of class, but now thinks she's dreeeamy—
"I never said that!" Clarke interrupts cheeks turning pink as Wells' laughter increases.
"Wait, wait. Best part, are you ready?" The grin on Raven's lips might just split her face in half. And if it's a painful experience Clarke hopes it does. "I'm ready. Tell me." He moves closer to his own computer. His figure becoming fuzzy then larger on the screen. "Clarke wants to draw her. Says that the contours of her face are…fuck…what was the word…oh oh…exquisite. That's what she said."
"Raaaaaven," Clarke whines moving over to her roommate and pushing her and the chair away from her desk, "If you could see her face you'd agree."
"Clarke. You got it bad," this time there is no laughter just a giant smile as brown eyes lock onto blue. If he was there Clarke would definitely be pulled into a bear hug. "Shut up. Both of you. Raven I hate you."
"You love me," Raven retorts using one leg to kick herself back over to Clarke. Then pulls Clarke down into her lap. "Nope. Preeetty sure I hate you. And Wells. I hate you too."
"What did I do?" Wells chuckles.
"You agreed," Clarke pouts. She pinches at Raven's amber arm that's holding her hostage.
"Ow!" Raven pushes Clarke away, "Pout all you want. But you know that when you want to draw people that means you like them." Clarke's only response is to grumble. Because honestly, Raven's right. Not that she'd tell her that. So what if she likes Lexa and wants to draw her. She's drawn both Wells and Raven multiple times. She's drawn all of her friends before. "I know what will cheer you up. Guuuess who's going to be the Chess Club Vice President next semester."
"Somebody dumb," Clarke replies trying not to smile.
"That's arguable but," wide smile returning he points both thumbs at himself saying, "This guy."
"That great!" Clarke exclaims this time meaning it as she sits on Raven's lap and moves them closer to the screen.
"I really wasn't expecting it. Like treasurer or secretary maybe but I actually got Vice President."
"It's because they know you're an asset to the club. Probably the best one on the whole team."
"Well, I don't know about that."
"Don't be humble. You are. Tell him Raven."
"You're a badass Wells," Raven says poking Clarke's sides. Trying not to laugh Clarke pushes Raven's fingers away but stands up. "You haven't even seen me play before."
"You're the Vice President of the club. Badass," she replies like it's the most obvious thing in the world. Getting up she begins to round up her necessities for a shower. Clarke sighs, "I guess that's my cue to actually finish my homework so I can get in the shower after her. I'll text you later okay."
"Okay. Good luck with Lexa."
"Yeah, yeah. Congrats on being a nerd."
"Haha, goodnight!"
"Night." Wells' grinning face disappears and Clarke gives her smirking roommate an attempt at a serious glare.
"Finally something hands on," Clarke says dropping some magazines onto the table. She sets her laptop down next. "You didn't have to bring anything Clarke. It said on the syllabus that material was being provided."
"I know. But what if I don't like any of it." Sliding onto her stool she looks over at the magazine in Lexa's hands, "Like that. What is that? A quilting magazine?"
"Yes it is," she moves it away from Clarke, "and I can guarantee that I'm going to find some really good designs in it."
"Sure you are," Clarke teases before opening hers. Before anything else can be said Professor Diana walks to the front of the room saying, "Alright, looks like it's time to start," she then begins to explain the next project.
Flipping through one of her magazines Clarke was hoping that she'd be hit with inspiration for one of the themes for the assignment by now. She noticed that Lexa was already ripping out a few pages. Meaning she must have at least some idea. Clarke sets her magazine down before picking up another. Attempting to sound nonchalant she asks, "So…you figure out what you're doing yet?"
"Mhm," Lexa hums after a few seconds of silence. She was busy cutting out a specific section from the magazine. Tapping her fingers on the table Clarke waited a few more awkward seconds before asking, "So, what are you doing?"
"Why? Have your magazines been unsuccessful in giving you inspiration?" The smirk on Lexa's lips is very poorly concealed. She's still focused on her magazine, but Clarke can see the amusement in her eyes. "No. That's not why. I was just trying to start a friendly conversation."
"Mhm."
"I was."
"Well then, what is your idea?" Lexa asks finally meeting Clarke's gaze.
"Hey, I asked first."
Lexa just gives Clarke a look like, really? Are we five? Clarke's response is to throw her hands up in a shrug. "I don't make the rules."
"What would it even be a rule of?"
"It's a rule of…of…communication etiquette!"
"Communication…etiquette, really."
"Yup," she nods her head and crosses her arms. The smile on Clarke's face is trying to coax a similar one from Lexa's lips. And it's nearly succeeding. "Fine. I'm planning on doing the nature/naturalistic theme. What are you doing Clarke?" The almost smile turns into a full-blown smirk. An evil smirk in Clarke's opinion. "My idea…it's um…it's—
"Hey Clarke?"
"Yeah," Clarke quickly turns on her stool.
"Can you look at this for me? I need a third opinion."
"Sure Harper, give me a second," sliding back around Clarke quips, "I don't have an idea yet, okay. You win." Before standing up to go to Harper's table Clarke makes a face at Lexa like a five year old. When Clarke's back is turned. Lexa allows herself a small laugh before returning to her magazine.
Another M&M falls to the floor, joining its siblings that have all missed Raven's open mouth. "Too high," Raven laughs shifting a bit in her seat. A group of them decided to get lunch in a dining hall for once. Eating the same makeshift meals day after day can only go so far. Octavia's fingers noisily shuffle around in her small plastic bowl. She pulls out a blue and red M&M that is molded together. "If you miss this, I might cry."
"Well then you better work on your aim."
"Maybe you need to learn how to catch." As Octavia tries to determine exactly which angle is the best Clarke can only shake her head. Twirling some pasta around on her fork she turns to Finn. He was in the middle of a story that she was getting tired of listening too. But she must try. She must try and give him the same attention she used to. Forgiveness is a virtue. Or something. As he talks he runs a hand through his long dark hair that Clarke used to love. Now it's just stupid hair. On his stupid face. Jasper cuts him off mid-sentence. Arm sweeping in front of his body, physically cutting Finn off as well. As Jasper excitedly fills Clarke in on his side of the story, suddenly he's interrupted by a cheer of, "Oooh!/Niiice!" Raven kicks back on her chair pointing triumphantly to her tongue where the blue and red M&M rests. "Who's fucking awesome? I am."
"We're pros. Bow down bitches," Octavia beams, high fiving Raven.
"You're tossing M&Ms into Raven's mouth. What exactly are you pros at?" Finn asks teasingly with a smirk.
"No, no. Let the ladies have their moment. Me and Monty will quickly show them how it's done. Right Monty?"
"Sure. But only if I get to eat the M&Ms."
"What? Mmm…fine. The Jaz-man's got great aim," Jasper grins, waggling his eyebrows at Octavia.
"Mhm. I'm sure you do," rolling her eyes Octavia pops a handful of M&Ms into her mouth, "Clarke, I need your help with my biology homework."
"Okay, just come back to the room with us. Your stuff's in the room right?"
"Mhm." To say that time stopped for a moment would be cliché. But before Clarke can say anything else; across the dinning hall, walking through the entrance, tray in hand, is the last person Clarke expects to see. Fork slipping from her fingers and clattering on her tray Clarke whispers, "Oh my god."
"Whoa. I need to know what this reaction is for," Raven scoots her chair closer to Clarke and follows her line of sight. Well the whole table turns to see what Clarke is looking at. The dining hall looked normal to everyone. Noisy. Full of starving college students. No one's sad spilled tray on the ground. Turning back confused Monty asks, "What? What is it?" Hair a wild mane but still recognizable from the back was Lexa. Filling her bowl with salad condiments. Clarke has to fight the urge to get up and figure out an acceptable excuse to talk to her as she walks. What is she doing here? Does she live on this side of campus? She can't. I would have seen her around before. Right? "Earth to Clarke," Finn is waving his hand in Clarke's face. Fingers practically touching her nose. Finally blinking her eyes away from Lexa, Clarke whispers, "Lexa just walked in."
"Lexa?"
"Oooh! Where? Show me, show me," moving so to practically be on top of Clarke Octavia fights for a look. "Is it her? Or her?"
"Octavia! Don't point!" Clarke quickly grabs her friend's hands. Shooting them down onto the table. "Forget that. Hey! Lex-mmmfff."
"Octavia!" Clarke nearly squeals. (But if you were to ask her about it later she would adamantly defend that it wasn't a squeal. Clearly it was a simple shout…of a reasonable pitch.) Hands moving quickly to slap Octavia's big mouth shut Clarke could not ignore the laughs spilling from Raven's equally big mouth. "Holy shit. Clarke, you are SO crushing on her harder than we thought."
"Who is Clarke crushing on?" Jasper asks looking around nosily. Octavia pries the hand from her mouth laughing, "I mean I see why now. She's hot Clarke."
"You know how to pick 'em girl," Raven adds still laughing. Clarke glares at them both. Watching the whole interaction with a puzzled look on his face Monty finally asks, "Who's Lexa?"
"She's—
"Lexa is the girl in Clarke's Photoshop class that she flirts with," Raven grins.
"I do not."
"No use lying, we've seen her now," Octavia motions to both herself and Raven.
"Is she the one girl you were complaining about in the beginning of the semester because she always replied to your questions rudely?" Finn asks switching positions in his seat.
"That's the one. Oooh look Clarke she's getting closer."
"You're getting too much joy out of this," Clarke deadpans trying to remain serious.
"Maybe I should—
"Octavia you call her over here and I'm never helping you with your biology homework again."
"Sheesh. Just trying to help a girl out," she replies giving Raven a look. After giving Octavia a wink Raven quickly stood up. Nearly falling over but prepared to charge towards Lexa. Clarke however wastes no time swiveling in her seat, grabbing onto Raven by her waist, and pulling her back. "Hey, careful with the cripple," Raven laughs.
"Don't even think about it. Finn continue telling your story so these two can be distracted."
"I don't know, I kind of want to see where this is going," Finn smiles.
"Same," Jasper adds.
"Nowhere. Me and Lexa are just friends…kinda of…"
"But Clarke wishes they were moooore," Octavia teases making kissy sounds.
"What are we? In kindergarten?" Clarke can't help but release a laugh. Octavia is an idiot. "I don't know Clarke. Are we? Have you pulled her hair yet?" Raven asks poking Clarke in her cheek. "Oh my god. You two are unbelievable."
"Oh my god!"
"What? What's wrong?" Lexa looks up from her screen alarmed. Eyes quickly looking down at Clarke's laptop to see if all hell broke loose on Clarke's screen, again. "Lexa, that looks freaking amazing," Clarke motions to Lexa's screen. She hadn't meant to look at it. But as she looked away from the pain that is her work she happened to glance down at Lexa's. "Oh," Lexa breathes. Pink quickly growing on her cheeks as she mutters, "Thanks. It still has a lot of work that needs to be done though."
"It's a million times better than anything I'm going to do. Can I see it?"
"Um. Sure." Lexa turns her laptop so it faces Clarke more. Folding her arms together on top of the table she attentively watches Clarke's eyes scan the screen. Noticing each movement and reflection. "How'd you do this part?" Turning the laptop back towards its owner Clarke points to the area in question. The fact Clarke's eyes were still on the screen and hadn't connected with hers lessened Lexa's embarrassment. The adorably confused look Clarke was giving her on the other hand wasn't helping. After a few mental words to herself about how rude it was to stare Lexa finally focuses on her screen. "Well, first I used some filters and then some blend modes. But I used a mask over this part," she points to it, "and then I blended this part over that area."
"This is why you're the graphic design major. You can have your laptop back," Clarke says.
"Thanks. How is yours coming along? You have any questions?"
"Mine's crap compared to yours. But this is it," she turns her laptop.
"I like it."
"You don't have to lie."
"I'm not. Did you go with the imagined city theme?"
"Yeah."
"I definitely see it. And you used a blend mode here with the buildings didn't you?"
"I did," Clarke answers smiling proudly. Maybe she was actually doing something right in this program for once. Lexa was still trying to keep her blush at bay, but offered, "My one suggestion would be to put something on the left side. Your composition is looking too off balanced." Clarke leaned over to stare at her screen. Face becoming quite close to Lexa's. Who bit her lip while leaning away as much as she could hopefully unnoticeably. "Okay, sure, yeah, I see it. Thanks." When she smiled at Lexa it was like someone had opened a container of butterflies in Lexa's stomach. Clearing her throat nervously Lexa blurts out an, "You're welcome," before grabbing her laptop and turning away from Clarke. Pulling her own laptop closer to herself Clarke focuses on her project with new enthusiasm. Not noticing Lexa's stool move further away from hers.
After walking back from refilling her water bottle Clarke happens to (and in no way purposefully) glance at Lexa's screen again. "Wait, wait, wait. How in the world did you make your text look that cool?" Clarke sets her water bottle down and leans her arms on the table right beside Lexa. Shifting in her seat Lexa glances at Clarke. "Well I did most of this in Illustrator first. Then brought it into Photoshop to do some additional edits. I'm still working on it though."
"That's awesome," leaning her head on her hand Clarke looks at Lexa. Distracted for a moment but then exhales, "Anything I would do would just look like someone smashed their keyboard in Word."
"I'm sure it wouldn't look that bad," actively not looking at Clarke Lexa offers, "You've gotten a lot better."
"That is definitely true," watching Lexa and tapping her fingers on the tabletop Clarke asks, "Do you, um, would you mind showing me a bit of how you did the Illustrator part?"
"Um. Sure. But are you sure you want to try and test your skills with another program."
"You're a great teacher, I'm sure I'll get the hang of whatever you show me." Clarke smiles again and the butterflies remerge in Lexa's stomach.
As Professor Diana was completely destroying a boy's hopes and dreams Clarke was trying not to fall asleep on her stool. The whole class was clustered together around the tables by the far wall. Everyone's work printed out, framed, and tacked onto the wall. Clarke's love hate relationship with critiques was currently in the hate department. They've already been listening to Diana talk for practically 30 minutes straight because Emori is the only student who willingly gives feedback on everyone else's works. Gaze bouncing around the room out of boredom Clarke was doing her best not to settle her eyes on Lexa for too long. Lexa was only a few seats away but she was actively listening to each and every critique like it was her own work she was getting feedback on. "Okay, who's work is this?"
"Mine," Clarke says sitting up straight.
"Okay Clarke. Tell us about it."
"Well. I think it's the best work I've done so far. Certainly not perfect. But it's one I'm finally happy with. I chose to do the imagined cityscape. It's kind of like a city in space. But not a cliché futuristic one."
"Okay. What do you think the strengths and weaknesses are?"
"Weakness is definitely technique and craft. My edges and stuff still need work," leaning back with her stool she adds, "Strengths would be composition. I think it works nicely."
"Okay. Anyone have any comments or suggestions for Clarke?" As the class remained silent Clarke stared at her piece some more. It really wasn't that terrible. Especially compared to the one it was next to. Whoever's it is needs to be told that sometimes a simple color scheme is best. "I actually wanted to add that I appreciate the depth that the piece has." Clarke's eyes jumped to Lexa. I think this is the first time Lexa's ever talked during a critique on a work that's not her own. "Explain," Professor Diana said moving closer to Lexa.
"Well. Her use of the different sized buildings and the progression of the decrease in size of the buildings on the left really helps to bring space into the piece."
"I would agree…" As the Professor keeps talking Clarke isn't listening. Instead she locks eyes with Lexa giving her an appreciative grin. Lexa gives her a smile back before turning back around. I guess now I gotta say something nice about Lexa's too. That'll be easy.
Raven was sitting on her bed. Surrounded by textbooks and staring intently at her laptop screen. Every few minutes there's the sound of a flip of a few pages then the taps of her fingers hitting her keyboard. Clarke is on the floor. Using the hanging mirror on their wall as a means to draw her self-portrait. Music was coming from Raven's laptop filling the silence between the two. "The semester's almost over," Clarke says, pencil making another pass over her ear on the page.
"Yup," Raven responds biting on the edge of her pen.
"I still can't believe how fast it went. I feel like I just got here."
"Well, you kinda did freshy."
"Quiet."
"It's okay, you'll be a big girl someday," Raven laughs.
"Oh my god. Shut up," Clarke can't help but laugh and has to stop drawing, "You're only a year older than me."
"But I'm still older," she uses her pen as a pointer and gives Clarke a wink.
"Whatever." There's relative silence for a moment. Only Clarke's pencil scratching over the surface of her drawn collarbone and Raven's light humming preventing the silence between songs. "So I've come to the realization that this might be the last class I ever take with Lexa."
"And."
"Aaaand I don't like the thought of that."
"Cause you haven't gotten to kiss her yet, go on," Raven sets her pen down and gives Clarke her full attention.
"That's not the reason."
"Mhm."
"It's just we're just starting to really become friends and she's pretty cool—
"And pretty pretty."
"Will you let me talk," Clarke glares playfully.
"Go on," Raven motions for her to continue, smirk firmly plastered on her face.
"Okay. As I was saying, we're becoming friends, and she's pretty cool. I just kinda wish this wasn't the end of it."
"Ask for her number."
"I can't do that."
"Sure you can," Raven gets out of her bed and walks over to the fridge, "Invite her to Bellamy's party this weekend. Ask for her number so you can give her the details. Keep texting her afterwards. There you go."
"It's not that easy," Clarke mutters.
"Uh, yeah it is," Raven replies pulling out a box of pizza rolls, "Want some?" Clarke looks at the yellow box for a few seconds. Face scrunching up in thought. "Sure." Raven opens up the box. Grabbing a semi-clean plate from her desk before ripping open the plastic. "This is the only time I'm going to say this and if you tell Octavia I'm going to deny it forever but…I have to admit Lexa is really attractive and the thought of not having her in class to look at is also disappointing."
"And there it is," Raven smirks, "But she's an art major isn't she?"
"Yeah. However she's Graphic Design."
"So she's still an art major. You're bound to have at least one more class with her."
"Maybe."
"If you do I bet you $5 that you're going to crack and be the one to kiss her first."
"What? Why are you so obsessed with me kissing her?" The microwave beeps. Raven then opens it and takes the plate out before quickly dropping it on the desk. "You need some action in your life and you obviously want it from Lexa. I'm just keeping you on task."
"You should focus on your own action."
"Please. We both know there's currently no action in my life." Raven sits in one of the desk chairs before rolling herself over to Clarke. Plate in hand. Rich brown eyes meet the black and white of Clarke's page. "Wow. That looks awesome."
"Thanks."
The smell of alcohol and sweat was clogging the air. People milling about, leaning on walls, and squished together wherever seats were found. It was literally a madhouse. Music was blaring through the speakers throughout the house. Bodies were jumping and dancing all around. Two cups in her hand Clarke fights her way out to the back porch over to Bellamy, "Here you go," she says holding out a red cup.
"Thank you," a lopsided grin on his face before he tilts the cup back. Suppressing a wince he replies, "What is this? Straight vodka?"
"Eh. Like 80-20 vodka and juice."
"Might as well of just not given me any juice," he grins before taking another gulp.
"Well, next time make your own drink," Clarke offers.
"Hey, I'm graduating. You've gotta be nice and do me favors."
"No I don't. That's Octavia's job."
"What's Octavia's job?" Octavia asks popping up. She takes Bellamy's cup from his hands before downing a good amount.
"Hey," Bellamy grabs his drink back, pushing Octavia away lightly.
"It's your job to do what he says since he's graduating," Clarke answers watching Octavia continue to grab for Bellamy's cup.
"Fuck no. He wishes," Octavia says, "Oh yeah, I came to tell you that Raven's looking for you."
"Where is she?" Bellamy asks.
"Well she was in the kitchen when I left her. But who knows if she stayed there."
"Alright, I'll go find her," he hands his cup to Octavia before walking off. Cup between her lips Octavia asks, "Your date here yet?"
"She's not my date," Clarke replies poking Octavia's side. Barely refraining from spitting out her drink Octavia moves away from Clarke's hand. "If you say so," she grins, "now come back inside and dance with me." Octavia finishes off her cup before grabbing Clarke's arm and pulling her through the other bodies to the living room.
It takes about five songs, Octavia getting ahold of a bottle of Tequila somehow, and Raven and Bellamy returning for Clarke to feel the mixture of alcohol hit her brain and her bladder. She was making Bellamy dance. Her and Octavia singing, "I gotta stay high all the time! To keep you off my mind! Woo ooo wooo ooo! Woo ooo woo ooooo!" When she felt her phone in her bra vibrate. Letting go of Bellamy she pulls it out reading Lexa: Hey, are you still at the party?
Yup!
Okay.
Clarke stared at her phone for bit. Waiting to see if there was going to be more to it. But when another text didn't come she put her phone back in her bra. Continuing to dance with Bellamy until the song changed. Then she leaned up to his ear yelling over the music, "I'll be right back."
"Okay," he yelled back. Weaving her way between bodies Clarke headed to the bathroom. Passing the one on the first floor, which was probably a mess not to mention had a line of people she was not waiting for, Clarke heads to the upstairs bathroom. Figuring by 12 most people are more drunk than she is and won't think of using the upstairs bathroom. The stairs are only a slight challenge. Cups strewn about. Ready to be slipped on (which she kicks down the stairs). And only one passed out body. Once she reaches the hallway she sees that she was mostly correct. Only one other person was waiting outside the door. Leaning up against the wall, arms crossed, the blonde looked less than enthused to be there. Glancing at Clarke she says, "I'm not actually in line. Just waiting for my friend."
"Okay cool." Clarke stares at her feet. Shuffling them back and forth while she waits. When she hears the toilet flush and the water run it's like a signal to her bladder. She does her best to stand still but in her head she's chanting, Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up. Hearing the click of the lock she walks passed the other blonde ready to squeeze quickly passed whoever is leaving the bathroom. She's going to pee on herself in like 0.2 seconds. As the door opens and her eyes meet surprised hazels the pee in her bladder is forgotten for a moment. "Whoa, Lexa?"
"Clarke?"
"Is this the Clarke you've been talking about?" The unnamed blonde asks.
"Yes. Anya this is Clarke. Clarke this is Anya," Lexa says motioning to each during her introduction. Instead of responding Clarke's eyes are stuck on Lexa's never previously exposed cleavage. Lexa definitely knows how to dress when she's going out. The protest of Clarke's bladder quickly reminds her that she was actually doing something. Blue eyes snap to Anya's brown as she says, "Nice to meet you. I will be nicer to talk to in a minute. I really have to pee. Like my bladder is ready to explode…which you probably didn't want to hear. So 'scuse me," she squeezes passed Lexa and practically runs into the bathroom. But not even the relief of peeing can make her ignore the fact she blatantly just stared at Lexa's chest. Like forget checking her out. She just went straight to staring. In front of Lexa's friend who'll probably think she's a perv now. Hands cover her face as she groaned. Nice going. Flushing and washing her hands she's only a little surprised when she opens the door to see that Lexa and Anya are still there. "Alright. I feel a trillion times better. How's your guys' night going?"
"It's time for a drink," Anya says leading the way down the stairs.
"Did you guys go anywhere before coming here?"
"Nope. We pregamed in our room first but that buzz is gone."
"Well there's gotta be something in the kitchen still. Probably just beer though."
"That'll do." Anya more or less barreled through the crowd. Not caring who she pushed or bumped shoulders with.
They had a mild success. Lexa and Anya both holding beers and Clarke with about a shot of raspberry vodka that she was shocked to find. Leading the way out of the kitchen Clarke can only pray that Octavia and Raven are sober enough not to completely embarrass her. It takes some searching but she soon finds them. Both girls busy grinding on each other. Raven is the first to notice her, yelling, "Clarke! We were beginning to think you got lost."
"Or fell into the toilet," Octavia adds.
"Sorry to disappoint but no. I found Lexa and her friend Anya."
"Really now," Octavia grins, "Hey Lexa and Anya, I'm Octavia."
"I'm Raven."
"Hey," Both Lexa and Anya reply.
"Where's Bellamy?" Clarke asks looking around.
"Off with some girl. Probably making out," Octavia shrugs. Moving off of Raven she turns to Anya and Lexa, "Want some Tequila?"
"Oh my god, how do you still have that?"
"Good pacing," Octavia grins. She holds the half empty bottle out to Anya who takes a gulp before handing it to Lexa, who eyes it before taking a sip. "God that burns," she winces handing it back.
"You get used to it." Octavia drinks some more with a shrug. Nobody knowing what to say next an awkward air grows between them.
The awkwardness only lasts for a couple of songs. After that a stream of good songs started playing. Raven, Clarke, and Octavia dancing and singing along. And after Octavia coaxed a few more shots into Lexa she too was dancing. Not as freely but at least she wasn't standing still anymore. Anya found someone cute enough to dance on. Moving herself far enough away to not be in their circle. But close enough to make eye contact with Lexa every now and again. Then when Style came on Lexa's eyes light up. Not missing it Raven moved closer to her. She and Lexa singing as loud as they could as Raven grabbed Lexa's hands and began to dance with her. Octavia moves over to Clarke and says, "You really suck at this."
"What?"
"Me and Raven are dancing with her more than you are. And you're the one that can't take your eyes off of her." Clarke can't even respond as her face heats up. Lexa was kinda hot okay. She can't be blamed for noticing. Shaking her head Octavia mutters, "What would you do without me," the first couple beats of the next song start and an evil grin grows on Octavia's face, "You better thank me for this."
"Octavia, What are you-" her sentence dies out as Octavia shakes her hips over to Raven. Nudging Lexa to Clarke, Octavia grabs Raven's arm and pulls her away. "Where are they going?" Lexa asks. She was in the middle of putting her hair into a ponytail. She was definitely getting too hot to keep it down. "No clue," Clarke says staring at the spot her friends disappeared into the crowd at. Then the song starts, "Asshole," she mutters to herself it would be this song. Turning to Lexa Clarke says, "I am apologizing in advance. But this is currently my song…so I am not in control of my actions." Lexa looks almost scared but Clarke doesn't have time to stop herself. Dancing she sings, "I'm too hot! Hot damn! Call the police and fireman!" Clarke can't help but dance around Lexa while she continues to sing. Probably making a fool of herself as she moves her arms about. But soon Lexa is singing and dancing with her. Lexa doing her version of the cabbage patch while Clarke does the running man. They end up having a mini dance battle. Clarke going all out. Both girls laughing by the time the song comes to an end. "Who knew you were such a great dancer," Lexa laughs. The smile that gives Clarke butterflies on her face.
"It's a hidden talent of mine," Clarke beams.
I can do this. I can do this. Clarke repeats mentally. Final critique for her Photoshop class having just ended. She was standing next to Lexa while they both took their work down from the wall. Setting her first two onto the table she turns to take down her next two. Planning to casually start a conversation with Lexa. But she's beaten to the punch. "I know I already said this during the critique but you really did improve a lot."
"Thanks."
"I'm still impressed with your last piece."
"Thanks, I'm impressed too haha," Clarke grins pulling out some tacks, "But you know I can't take all of the credit. I mean you were like an unpaid tutor. A good portion of my success is due to you."
"Hm. You're right. I'll be sending you my bill. I don't work for free you know," Lexa teases.
"Wouldn't you rather be paid with the knowledge that you've nourished another student's mind?"
"Hmmm…no. But I'll take it as an added bonus." Artwork all taken down Lexa starts straightening her pile. Clarke pulls out her last two tacks before bringing her work over to Lexa. "Alright, how about I pay you in art! Look at this beautiful selection," Clarke laughs. Most of it was crap and Lexa knew this first hand. Lexa taps her chin pretending to be deeply considering the offer. "Nope. I got enough of my own art to deal with. Plus that's certainly not enough to make up for my effort."
"Your effort. You're not the one who spent hours and hours, shedding blood, sweat, and tears making this stuff."
"I am the one who had to listen to it all though," Lexa laughs putting her work into her backpack.
"Now that was just mean," Clarke replies. Small pout in place. Lexa's eyes widened. She knows they were just joking around. But the sight of Clarke's sad pout makes her want to apologize for everything she's ever done wrong. "I..um..I…" is the mess that tumbles out.
"Haha don't worry. I'm kidding. Buuuut I do know how I can pay you back."
"I wasn't serious Clarke. You don't have to pay me back," Lexa says swinging her backpack onto her shoulder.
"I know, I know. But I want to," Clarke takes a deep breath, "Would you want to go get lunch with me…like now?"
"What," Lexa almost drops her backpack.
"I mean you don't have to. Like if you have another final or something today I totally understand. I just figured it might be nice to…hang out…" Both girls were turning pinker by the second. Clarke feeling like she never should have opened her mouth. And Lexa just completely surprised by the offer. The only time they've ever spent time with each other outside of class was at the party the weekend before last. She wasn't opposed to it. But finals week is kind of a weird time to start wanting to hang out. The longer Lexa remained silent the further Clarke's heart fell. Maybe Lexa really didn't want to be friends. Trying not to sound as disappointed as she was Clarke starts packing up saying, "Don't worry about it. It was a stupid offer. You've probably got some other finals to study for. I don't want to get in your way."
"What? No! I mean, um, it's no problem. I'm done for the day. So I'm fine with getting lunch…with you," Lexa looked down at the floor.
"Really, awesome! Have you ever been to The Café of Lights?" Clarke pulls her backpack over her shoulders.
"No I haven't. Is that the new one on East quad?"
"Yup, that's the one. I just went there for the first time a few weeks ago with my roommate Raven it was ah-mazing."