A/N: So, full disclosure, I've never written a College AU before so I've got mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, this was very fun to write and all. But on the other, I'm not sure if this was good and very... AUish. Well, regardless, I still got to give credit where credit is due. The light inspiration for these idea came from Tumblr user fmayyy. They made a pretty sick high school football AU fanart, and I thought, I wanna envision Rayla in varsity jacket.

And so I wrote this.

'Nuff said, hope you enjoy...

Chapter Summary: Callum, a socially awkward artist, has been forcefully dragged to a frat party. The best part? His friends ditched him. Now he's got to entertain himself and make do with a terrible situation. The greatest part? He runs into one of the football players of his college's team.

Actually, maybe that last part isn't as bad as he thinks...

Word count: 5,909

Expectations

Callum wasn't much of a party animal. In fact, he was the exact opposite, he would rather not be anywhere near a party at all. Being cooped up in an art studio all day and night did that people. So of course, when Soren and Claudia hauled him out of his studio earlier that night, he loathed the fact that they practically dragged him to a frat party. He hated that they not only removed him from his safe haven, but they left him no chance to even change out of his outfit. So there he was, leaning up against a wall, arms crossed against his paint stained, blue v-neck sweater.

He shook his head and sighed as he glanced down at his body. No one could really notice his caramel pants, as they were covered by his large stained black apron. It stopped at his knees, and the Katolis crown embroidered at the bottom right, which was barely noticeable what with all the paint stains splattered around it. Point being, Callum was all by himself. Looking like a homeless painter. Of course, Soren thought up a brilliant idea and threw his varsity jacket over Callum, offering something to cover his upper half. But, it was way too big on him and barely covered his apron. He rolled his eyes and scanned the scenery.

A bunch of young adults, grinding up on each other, dancing mindlessly to eardrum bursting music and chugging copious amounts of liver lynching liquor. Yeah, parties were definitely not Callum's scene. Even though he hadn't drunk anything at all, he decided to head to the bathroom. Figuring that hiding out there might be better than literally anything else happening around him.

As he walked around, searching for the restroom, he contemplated the consequences of just slipping away indiscreetly. Sure, he'd have to return Soren's jacket the next day, thus resulting in him getting lectured by Claudia and Soren. But at this point, he'd take a lecture about socialism over being social himself. And even if someone caught him, he doubted that any stranger would stop him or even care. He was even more confident in that neither of his friends would catch him. Soren was too busy getting drunk playing beer pong, and Claudia was playing pool with her squad. No one would notice.

So, slipping out was the best option. Callum changed his current destination and made his way over to the front door. He hurriedly walked over to the door. The sooner he was away from this nightmare, the better.

"Leavin' so soon Soren?" a Scottish voice came from behind.

Callum froze up just before the door. How did anyone think he was Soren? He looked down and internally groaned. Well, he supposed if someone was intoxicated and looked at him from behind, where all they could see was the jock's name, he figured they weren't entirely wrong in their assumption. Shaking his head, Callum decided to ignore the voice behind him as he took one more step.

"Wait a minute," she said skeptically, almost sounding as if she was nearing the boy. "Ya're not Soren."

Callum turned around with small smile and shrugged. "I'm not indeed!" He looked at the girl and was surprised to find her donning a similar varsity jacket. She had the Katolis crown emblem embroidered on the sleeves, much like the jacket he was wearing, and a black shirt underneath that said My Way is Better. She tucked her hands into the pockets of her blue jeans and walked forward, leaving the hallways to echo with the sounds of her black boots stomping.

"So why're ya wearin' it then?" she inquired, shooting him a raised brow. Her tone was that of an accusatory one. Did she think he stole this jacket?

Callum let out a nervous chuckle as his eyes avoided her hardened glare. "S-Soren lent it to me," he stammered. Mentally, he sighed at himself. Stammering made him look even more guilty.

The girl neared him, stopping just a few inches from his face, staring him down. Her navy blue eyeshadow was actually really… pretty, and very well supported her narrow stare. Callum's eyes lingered away from hers as he noticed how her white hair had some light purple streaks, coming down to her shoulders. She was really, really pretty. Callum's face flushed red as he realized two things. One, she was really close to his face and two, he was staring at her for a long time.

"Uh-uh, I—"

The girl bursted out in a fit of laughter, holding a hand to her stomach as she shook her head. She was in a clear state of euphoria, giggling like a teenage girl. What did he do? He looked at her in utter confusion. Was he funny? Since when? He began nervously laughing with the girl, eyes darting all over the place as he wasn't even sure how to react.

"Ah hah!" she exclaimed, "Ya shoulda seen your face!" She snorted very loudly and proceeded to continue her pursuit of giggles. "Oh man… Soren did say you were a gullible one." She wiped a tear from her eye as she coughed. She actually cried, from laughing.

Callum frowned at the girl as he concluded that he officially didn't like her at all. Her laugh was obnoxiously annoying and her smug smile was the of one he wished he wipe off her pretty face. Internally, he berated himself. Who cared if she was pretty? Trying to remain defiant, he crossed his arms across his chest and raised a brow at the stranger.

"So I'm assuming you know who I am?" he inquired.

The girl cleared her throat as she straightened her back, composing herself. "Yessir. Soren's told me all about ya." She stuck her hand out to Callum. "Rayla. Quarterback," she said with a grin.

Callum's facade of anger—if that was what you could call it—faded at her politeness. Still, ever the skeptic, he cautiously shook Rayla's hand. "Callum. Artist." Again he mentally face palmed, because she literally just said she knew him.

"I know," she nodded with giggle. "I also know that you're the type of guy who'd carefully shake a friendly stranger's hand." She lifted their joined hands and smirked.

Callum snorted. "For the record, friendly strangers are the type who can mean the worst business." He retracted his hand and added, "I mean, if a stranger offered you some candy in a white van, that's a bit suspicious."

Rayla laughed. "Very true!" she agreed. "Then at least allow me to prove I'm just a regular friendly stranger with no ill intentions." She placed her hands on her hips and slanted her body to the right. "Swear it on my varsity jacket."

Callum smirked and feigned a pondering look, acting as if he was actually considering the offer. He settled with a blank stare. "I'll pass," he denied. "I was on my way out anyways…" he trailed off, pointing to the door.

The white haired girl frowned. "Booo," she shouted. "C'mon, why even go to a party if ya're gonna leave?"

Callum scoffed. "Because I didn't willing go," he answered. "I was forcefully removed from my studio," he gestured down at himself, "as you can tell. Soren and his sister are the kidnappers."

Rayla acknowledged his attire as she looked him up and down. She held her chin as she observed him. "Yeah, I will say," she shrugged, "apron looks cute." Callum's cheeks immediately flushed at her compliment. Rayla's brows raised as a chuckle escaped her. "Jeez, relax it just a compliment."

Callum cleared his throat as he crossed his arms. "Y-Yeah, I know. Thanks." Why was he did he make things so awkward? It was literally painful for him to even drag out this conversation any longer.

Rayla snorted as she shook her head. "Alright, how 'bout this," she tilted her head at him, "Ya stick around for like, fifteen minutes, and I'll show ya some fun."

He shook his head with a laugh. "Thanks, but uh, no thanks." He turned around. "My type of fun is more arts and crafty than your usual drinking and party games."

"Aww, c'mon!" she whined. "Who said anythin' 'bout drinking?" She shot him an offended look. "I'm sober, thank ya very much. And I meant just going around mingling!"

"All the more reason to leave," he muttered under his breath. He grabbed the doorknob and opened the door.

"Booo!" Rayla teased. "Ya're being boring."

Callum turned back as he stepped into the doorway, and shot Rayla an unamused look. "Well, you and I clearly have different tastes, so…" he shrugged. "That's that. Nice chatting with ya." And with that as a close, Callum marched out the room not even considering how disappointed the football player really looked.

He walked out of the fraternity house, brushing past the partygoers who were gathered out on the front lawn for some reason. He didn't care, he just wanted to get back to the art studio and paint. He ignored all the catcalling people made and the explosive energy they had as they pumped their liquor filled red cups into the air. He just kept on walking until he got to the street. He let out a breathy sigh as he finally had some space to himself outside. Callum continued walking down the street, lost in his thoughts. At least until he heard a voice call out to him.

"Callum!" he turned back and raised a confused brow as he saw Rayla running after him. She was waving at him as she sprinted down the sidewalk. He wasn't sure if he should keep walking or wait, as he wasn't really up for more conversation but didn't want to be a complete jerk at the same time. "Man, ya walk fast," she stated as she caught up with him. "Ya should join track with speed like that," she jested.

Callum rolled his eyes as he turned around. "I'm only fast when I'm in a hurry to get somewhere I want to go," he simply replied, continuing his pace.

Rayla snorted as she walked up alongside him. "Figured as much." She grinned at him. "Still, ya could've at least waited for me." She jerked her thumb back at the house. "I had to let my friends know I was leavin'. Because unlike you, I didn't want to be rude."

Callum shot her a bewildered look. "They ditched me first!"

"And revenge never solves anythin'," Rayla countered with a knowing look. "Ya're only spinning a terrible wheel of hate."

Callum scoffed. "Whoa. Sorry, didn't expect to be lectured oh so wisely this evening," he sarcastically retorted.

"What did ya expect?" Rayla curiously inquired.

"Drunk screaming, alcohol all over the floor and walls, deafening music, and inappropriate dancing," he listed off on his fingers. He turned his head at Rayla and smirked. "So far it's been four for four, at least until you surprised me. So congrats," he complimented.

Rayla chuckled. "Thanks, but that's not what I meant," she explained, "I mean, before Soren and his sister kidnapped ya." She tilted her head as a curious look formed. "What were ya doin' in your studio?"

Callum let out a content sigh. "Ahh, I was gonna paint." He frowned as he remembered how unfinished it was. "Well, at least, try to anyways."

"'Try'? How'd ya mean?"

"Nothing, just… a creative block," he muttered under his breath.

"This for a project?"

"Nah, just a side thing," he casually answered. "Nothin' too special."

"Booo," Rayla complained, "stop being vague."

Callum cocked a confused brow. "Sorry, just, I dunno, thought that the details are kinda boring." He shrugged.

"I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't interested," she defended. "Besides, I kinda wanna see what it is that's so worth ditching a party for."

Callum stopped walking as he looked at her with even more confusion. "Is that why you're following me?" he asked as she stopped as well.

Rayla grinned. "Aye. Soren's always talking 'bout your pieces and I've never seen them at our school's art show casings." Callum's brows went up at that detail. She went to those? "So, I'd love to see what the hoopla's 'bout." A chuckle escaped her as she nudged his elbow. "It's also a late night and we just came from a party of drunks." She gestured all around them as she said, "Who knows who's out there? I'm merely makin' sure ya get home safely."

Callum snorted. "Appreciate it, but I'll be fine," he assured her, "My dorm's near the art wing, I'd barely be in any danger."

"Ahh, but 'barely' still means danger is afoot, so I'll be your bodyguard for the evenin'," she declared. When she noticed Callum's frown, she frowned back. "What? Ya don't want a bodyguard?" Before he could even respond Rayla cut him off, "Or ya just think I'm too much of a meathead jock to 'get' art?" She shot him an accusatory glare.

His eyes went wide as he stammered, "I-I don't! N-No!"

"Ya kinda implied it back at the party," Rayla reminded him. "'Different tastes' right?"

Suddenly, guilt crept up on Callum. "Look, I… I'm sorry if I offended you, okay?" he admitted. "I just want to work on my stuff, be in my studio and do what I like," he sincerely explained. "Alone…" he quietly added. He didn't want to be rude, nor did he want to ditch her completely, but… he wasn't exactly comfortable sharing.

Rayla's face shifted into a skeptical smirk. "Nah, I think I know what needs to happen," she said, "I'll kill two birds with one stone." She grabbed his hand and began taking the lead, walking ahead of him.

Callum was glad she was ahead because she wasn't able to see his red cheeks. "Wh-What?"

"I'm going to show ya somethin'," Rayla stated. "And, if I can prove to ya I've got a good understanding of art, ya got to show me some of yours."

"Wh-What! I don't agree to this!"

"Too bad, we're already on our way!" she laughed, leading him toward the Katolis campus. She hurried their pace, leading toward through the courtyard.

Callum thought about his options. He could've pulled his hand and hightailed it over to his studio, but she would no doubt catch him. Or, he could entertain whatever this was for a bit longer, then rush over to his studio. He settled for the latter, hoping that whatever Rayla had in mind wasn't too long nor too extreme. "Where exactly are we going?" he asked, because he might as well try.

Rayla replied, "It'll ruin the surprise!" And that was what she left if off with.

Callum frowned at the irony of her being vague when she accused him of the very same thing literally minutes ago. He had no idea why he was even entertaining this. Maybe he really was interested? Or it was boredom. He nodded at that thought. It was definitely boredom that was driving him. Or maybe it was the fact that he didn't mind her dragging him around. Regardless, he noted how nice it felt to hold her hand. It wasn't a firm grip—he actually could've slipped out with ease anytime—but it was enough to tug him along.

As he let her lead him around, he noticed how faintly familiar their surroundings were. Callum's eyes widened as he realized where she, the football quarterback, was leading him. "Are… are we going to the football field?"

Rayla sighed as she suddenly hurried their pace even more. "Knew I shoulda blindfolded ya," she said under her breath. She looked back at him and held a half-smile. "I don't suppose anything I say will change your reaction?" she inquired. When she was met with Callum's blank face she pouted. "C'mon, gimme a chance! I promise it'll be worth it!"

He should've said no. But he didn't.

So Callum found himself being led up to what he presumed to be the stairs of the stadium. He never attended a game before, so he never saw what it was like. He was surprised as to how big the interior was. Not even five minutes and Rayla was still leading him up throughout the halls. It was notably dark in certain spots, as if by selective conservation only every other light was lit within the hall. Finally, he and Rayla approached the tunnel.

It was then when Rayla released his hand that he realized she too had a faint blush. Callum could see a stream of light pouring into the tunnel entrance, no doubt from the stadium lights. "Okay, so, brace yourself, alright?"

Callum merely rolled his eyes. "I think I'll be okay," he sarcastically shot back.

Rayla countered with a determined smug smile. "We'll see about that," she happily replied.

Taking the lead, she walked out the entrance and stood at the end, patiently waiting for Callum. Slowly, he trailed down the hall letting his eyes scan out the scene before him. And boy, he was not prepared. Just as he stepped right out of the corridor, his eyes widened at the sight before him. An entire stadium, empty. Nothing for yards on end, just emptiness. The bleachers were so vacant, so devoid of presence that the air of the nothingness crept all over Callum's spine.

But the lighting, that was a whole other story. Nearly all of its focus was on the field, the bright, grassy green field. Sure, the bleachers had some lights, in between the rows and such, but the center of Callum's focus fell where he knew it should have. Where the light was focused. It was so strange for him to see something so captivating on something so empty. All this energy, all these lights, all these stands were presented toward a stage that didn't exist.

In simpler words, Callum was in awe.

He found himself gripping onto the guard rail, tightly. He felt a pair of eyes on him so he flew his gaze back over his shoulder, frowning as he saw Rayla's smug look. "Okay, yes, this looks amazing," he admitted. He turned back. "Just.. wow…"

"I know right?" she agreed. "C'mon, sit," she suggested as she sat down at a nearby seat. Patting the spot beside her, Callum wordlessly obeyed. "It's so simplistic, but a killer view eh?"

"It's contrast," Callum explained, eyes still focused on the field. "A lime green, white striped field, and surrounding it are walls with a darkish grey, with a burgundy border at the base. Our school's colours are very cold, dark," he looked around them, "Much like the shadows and dim lighting around us." He then pointed over to the field. "But at the centre, it's just this warm lighten up spotlight. But the irony of it, is how empty it is." He edged out a large smile as he looked.

This was a great scene. A beautiful idea.

A light whistle startled him from his thoughts. Rayla grinned as she began a slow clap. "Damn, well spoken," she smiled, "you truly have a way with words."

Callum sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "O-Oh, sorry, I kinda went on a ramble there, huh?"

Rayla nodded. "Aye, but nothin' wrong that! What ya said was very… beautiful," she admitted. Leaning back in her seat, she rested one arm behind her chair as the other fell onto her lap. "I sit here before the start of every game," she softly said.

Callum's brows rose. "Why?"

She shrugged. "I dunno, I guess… the view's nice." Her smile upturned more. "It's like, when I'm down there, there's this whole world of expectations and pressure. Hundreds of eyes on me, my team. Like, it's easy for me to lose myself down there. In the crowd, or in the game." She let out a content sigh. "But up here? It's different. When nobody's around and all I have is just this vision of what it really looks like to just see it all empty, I think it's calming."

"Because you're so used to seeing everything so full and energetic that emptiness is a nice change of pace," Callum explained, staring at her. "That's actually… really beautiful Rayla." Her brows shot up as her eyes widened at Callum. Hastily he threw up his hands and shook them as he said, "I-I-I meant what you said! Th-That pregame stuff!" He coughed into his hand and silently prayed his blush was settling. "Like, I get what you mean. Having this view of something you usually used to be flipped around and shown in a more… intimate, personal light makes you feel good." He looked back at the field. "It-It's like having a show out in the middle of an empty audience, but it's a show that's got something to say even though there's nothing there!" Callum's grin grew once more. "It's saying that show is about to begin, and you're lucky you get to see how it starts…"

"I knew you'd get it," Rayla proudly claimed as she lightly punched Callum's arm.

"Ow—what? What do you mean?"

"Nothin'," she shrugged, "But I told ya I have an eye for these things." She crossed her arms across her chest. "I've only started going to those monthly art showcases three months ago," she stated, "They're all so beautiful. So many artists with stories to tell, and I'll admit I don't get all of them, but I still find them to be pretty insane." She looked at Callum as she said, "All of these artists are tellin' stories even though not everyone can relate to 'em, but when ya the picture ya just… get it."

Callum chuckled. "Wow, I'm glad to hear someone appreciates it regardless." He shook his head as he scratched his cheek. "You don't know how many times I've had to explain to Claudia or Soren that the piece I'm making is about childhood, or loneliness, or hate, or vengeance." He rolled his eyes. "Not a lot of people can relate to those feelings, maybe it's 'cause they've never felt them."

Rayla cocked her head and shrugged. "I haven't felt much of those either," she said casually. She stopped and pondered the idea before elaborating. "Actually yeah, I haven't.

"So… you don't have a connection to your childhood?" the artist questioned.

"Don't think so," Rayla admitted.

"What about when you threw your first football? Your first real game?" Callum suggested. "Memories like those had to have resurfaced at this," he gestured to the field.

Rayla's face shifted into a look of realization. "Aye, I suppose you're right." She pondered the idea more and followed up on the conversation. "And I guess I've felt loneliness and hate before trying to get into a football team." She scoffed. "I was lucky enough to get into my high school's all boy team."

"And now you're in a coed team!" Callum cheered. "That's a step up!"

"Yeah, it is!" she agreed, laughing.

Callum eyed her suspiciously. "But wait, even with all that gender discrimination stuff, you're telling me you've never had a lust for vengeance before?" he skeptically asked.

Rayla shook her head. "Nope. I mean, grudges I guess but I've never really wanted to attack someone before," came the earnest reply. When she glanced over at Callum's face, she raised her brows at his blank expression. "What?"

"That's a lie," he declared.

Rayla feigned an offended look. "What? How dare ya! I'm bein' honest!"

"In a sport where you literally tackle other players, you're saying you've never had the urge to get even with another dude?"

Rayla opened her mouth but stopped herself as she realized what he was implying. "Fair point," she replied. Soon enough, two burst out into a fit of laughter, holding their stomachs as they laughed to their heart's content.

Callum wasn't sure what it was, but Rayla's laugh was suddenly something he liked hearing. Earlier that night, he had an issue with how obnoxious it sounded. But now? He wanted to hear more and more the longer she laughed. It was very genuine, very pure. Very her. Much like her smile when she talked about this gorgeous view, he admired its vulnerability and how small it was. He eyed her with a small smile of his own as he watched her compose herself. She cleared her throat and smirked back at him. Why was he so entranced with her?

"Callum?" she spoke up, with worried look. "Ya good?"

He startled himself as he focused back in their conversation. "Uh, y-yeah! I was just… lost in thought," he answered. It was not entirely a lie.

"'Bout what?"

"Uhhh," Callum's gaze fell down to his hands rested his lap. An idea came to his mind as he looked back up at Rayla with an eager smile. "Wanna help me get some vengeance?" he excitedly asked.

Rayla's brows shot straight up. "What? How?"

Callum cleared his throat as he straightened his back. "Well," he began in a formal tone, "I was just dragged out of my studio, taken to an obnoxiously annoying party, then ditched all to my lonesome."

Rayla giggled at his story as he explained. "Aye, that sounds terrible," she chimed in.

The artist grinned as he pointed at the football player. "Exactly! Just dreadful," he declared. "Fortunately, Soren was bright enough to lend me his varsity jacket during his drunken despair and so—"

"This'd be the perfect chance to do somethin' to it," Rayla concluded, wearing an excited smile. "Oooh, I am so in!" she cheered. "I love messin' with him!"

"Great!" Callum gleamed. He pulled off the jacket and eyed it with a raised brow. "Now the question is, what to do to it?"

Rayla smirked. "If I may?" she offered, holding her hand out. With a shrug, he silently handed the jacket over it the football player. He watched her stare at it with devilish eyes for a few seconds. "Step one," she announced, hopping out of her seat and kneeling on the ground, "grossify!" Rayla looked underneath her seat and proceeded to shove the jacket right under, pressing up against the bottom for a few moments, then pulled it out like a magician. She whipped it right out from under and stood tall and proud. "Tada!"

Callum's eyes went wide as he saw the once burgundy varsity, now covered in old chewed up gum and some questionable stains he did not want to know the contents of. He brought his hand up to cover his mouth as he fought a gag.

"Yikes," Rayla chuckled. "Strong gag reflex?"

He shook his head. "Not usually, but then again, I don't think I've seen anything more… ugh," he shivered. He stood up from his seat and crossed his arms across his chest. "What next?"

The devilish smile she shot Callum's way sent chills down his spine. With some hasty walking a few minutes later, the two found themselves near the front of the campus. Again, ever the skeptic, Callum was wondering why they were there, but he decided at this point keeping shut and following the football player seemed to reap no downsides. So, he silently watched Rayla approach the flag pole.

With a grin, Rayla proceeded to tug on the pulley system, watching the flag drop straight down to her feet.

"Rayla?" came the strained call, "What if we get caught?"

She snorted. "Relax, I'll take the heat," she replied, wrapping Soren's varsity around the rope. "This'll be a great thing to see first thing in the mornin'!"

"I don't have class tomorrow," Callum pointed out, "and I think I'll be too busy hiding to see this."

Rayla sighed. "Oh don't worry, Soren won't do anythin' to ya," she assured him. After one last tight knot, she proceeded to wring up the flag and jacket, with rapid pulling she giggled as she saw the varsity hang by its sleeves, just underneath the Katolis flag. "And besides, I said I'd be your bodyguard so that also entails handling Soren if he can't handle a joke," she reminded him. Taking a few steps back she sighed at her masterpiece.

Callum looked up at the sight and laughed. "I will say, it does look hilarious." He looked at her. "A real work of art—maybe you should make something for the next showcase?" Rayla laughed and once again Callum smiled at her echoing laughter. "Ohh, please tell me you'll film his reaction?"

She brought her fist up and smirked. "Count on it."

Callum nodded as he bumped his fist with hers, smirking at the sight once more. "You sure you've never gotten vengeance before? Because for something off the cuff, that was pretty elaborate and quick," he asked with a suspicious look.

Rayla shrugged with a smirk smile. "Guess I've been harbouring a little bit of revenge against Soren for a while now."

"Whelp, glad to know I'm bringing out this new side of you," Callum mused. "Turns out vengeful you is pretty malicious." He crossed his arms across his chest as he felt a chill. He guessed his v-neck sweater wasn't as warm as he thought. Though he giggled again as he stared at the jacket above them. "To be honest, I think Soren'll be too hungover to even notice right away."

"Aye," Rayla agreed, "Five bucks he doesn't notice until noon?"

Callum raised a brow. "I'll take that action," he shook her hand. "Two in the afternoon."

"Ahh, after his lit class?" Rayla noted. "I suppose he might notice on his way out." Callum shrugged as his teeth chattered. She tilted her head. "Ya okay?"

Callum smiled and nodded. "Y-Yeah." He nodded his head over back to the campus. "Now, would you mind 'escorting' me to my studio?"

Rayla smirked with a raised brow as she dug into her pocket. She pulled it her phone and said, "Really? It's already a quarter midnight."

Callum shrugged as he began walking. "Well, I'm feeling inspired," he simply replied, "now you coming or not?"

Rayla stared at Callum with an excited smile. "Sure!" she cheered, running after the boy. "Does that mean I get to see your studio because I helped ya out of your block?" she eagerly inquired. "I mean, I did just show ya somethin' crazy cool."

Callum pondered the idea as they walk. That was what she meant by two birds one stone. She really was something else. He smiled at her as he said, "Maybe some other time."

Rayla pouted but sighed. "I guess that's better than not at all," she reasoned.

"Exactly!" Callum agreed. A cool breeze blew against the two and left the artist to seeth in pain. Looking worried, Rayla began to take off her varsity jacket.

"Oi, just wear this," she offered, handing it to him.

Callum's brows raised as he motioned her to stop. "Uh, it's okay, I can handle it."

Rayla frowned. "I can handle it," she jerked her thumb to herself. "You," she pointed at him, "are clearly sufferin'," she blatantly stated. "Now stop being an idiot and put on the damn jacket," she sternly ordered.

Callum gulped his counterargument and nodded. Hastily, he threw on the jacket. He was surprised how well it fit him. It was then he just realized their size difference. Rayla was about an inch or so taller than him. The sleeves perfectly ended at his wrists and the jacket wrapped his body firmly. It was very warm, surprisingly comforting. He looked over to Rayla and smiled his thanks.

"Wow, ya look smashin'!" she grinned. "Fits ya well!" They walked in silence after that, shoulders brushing against each other. Eventually, she bumped her shoulder against his and asked, "Ya liked it right?"

He looked Rayla and chuckled, knowing exactly what she meant. "Of course I did." He returned the bump and nudged her with his elbow, "You've really got a good eye." A very brief blush fell on her face, he didn't expect that. "I mean, I guess if you go to all those showcases…" his voice trailed off as a sudden thought occurred. He glanced a confused look over to the football player. "If you've gone to the past three showcases, how have you not seen my work before?"

He noticed as he stared, Rayla looked more sheepish than ever before. She had a faint blush on her cheeks and made a modest attempt to hide it. "I… I have seen your stuff before," she shyly admitted. "I just, I figured since ya never showed up at the events ya were kinda shy 'bout your stuff so…"

"You didn't want to mention it?" he confusedly guessed.

"I'm a big fan," she corrected, very quietly.

Callum's brows raised high in shock. "Oh."

Rayla nervously rubbed the back of her head. "Y-Yeah, I… I guess I just really wanted to meet ya. So, when Soren told me ya'd be comin' tonight, I thought I'd try to find ya." She was really trying to avoid his gaze.

They came to a stop. Callum glanced up and realized they arrived at the art studio. He let out an awkward chuckle. "Well, I guess I'm glad you did," he admitted. "What a weird turn of events," he pointed out, "Never thought a football jock would be a fan of my work… at all."

Rayla laughed. "Guess that's another thing ya didn't expect tonight," she joked.

"Guess so," he agreed. Another breeze blew threw and Callum watched in awe as he saw Rayla's purple streaked white hair fly through the wind. That was another image he did not expect that evening. "Can… can I sketch you?" Both their eyes went wide at the question. He did not mean to say that out loud.

Rayla's blush grew even more. "O-Oh! I… ya'd want to?" she asked.

Steeling himself, Callum nodded. "Yeah… I think you'd look great," he held his hands up and framed a portrait around her, "A nice sketch. Maybe I'll paint you. Sometime."

Rayla's smile grew as she nodded vigorously. "Yes! I'd like that!" She crossed her arms and smugly added, "And maybe we can work on gettin' back at Soren's sister too."

Callum smirked. "Yeah, I'd like that," he admitted. He turned around and gestured to the door. "This is me," he stated. As he reached for the door he noticed he still had the jacket on. "Oh," he began taking it off, "here—"

"Keep it," Rayla dismissed, holding up her hand. Callum ceased his actions and stared at Rayla. "I wasn't kiddin' when I said it looks good on ya." She smiled, adding a sly wink.

Callum grinned at her, slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah… and this gives you another excuse to come over!" he addressed.

"Aye," she agreed, "I'd like that." She started backing away, still smiling at him. "An-And, maybe it's a good excuse for ya to come to our next game?" she offered, wearing what Callum knew to be a hopeful look.

He chuckled, nodding at her. "I mean, my expectations have changed a lot… heck, maybe a football game would a surprise too." He grinned at her, noticing how her excitement seemed to increase even more.

"Great! Well, see ya around," Rayla waved. She turned back and walked off. Callum smiled as he saw the new bounce in her step whilst she walked.

"Yeah," Callum said, "See ya around."

A/N: So... that was like, REALLY fun. I actually really like this modern College AU thing. I might make more later on, after Rayllum week of course. Actually, leave review about whether or not you'd guys would like that later on! And if so, what types? College, high school, modern AU about... I dunno, it'll be your suggestions.

As for the fic, I hope you guys did enjoy it. I just found it really fun to make characters not only interact more modernly, but also just play around with their new roles. And for the record, yes, the Katolis College has a coed football team.

So yeah, that was that. I don't... really have much to say. Oh! Actually, make sure to read other rayllum week things and see all the fanart peeps have to offer! And follow rayllum-week on Tumblr, it's 'cause of them we're all doing this! Also, follow fmayyy as well, because, I was actually having a hard time coming up with an iddea and their post helped me a ton! So shout out.

Tomorrow? Moonlight... ooooh, spoopy...

Until next time,

- Bleh