This Feels Like Falling In Love

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CHAPTER 2 - The Party Part 1

***TRIGGER WARNING*** for Homophobia, sexual harassment, and mild sexual assault. There's nothing too graphic or overly descriptive but some of the things that are said are blatantly homophobic and crude. If you want to skip that part stop reading when the dancing scene is over and skip to the next chapter.

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They decide on a topic for their group project.

Since they're both so obsessed with NASA and outer space, Lexa and Raven decide to do their research project on star visibility and light pollution. Their plan is to drive to different locations outside of the city, gathering data by using a sky quality meter to measure sky glow. The purpose being to find the effect of light pollution on star visibility. It's fairly simple, and is likely to have obvious results, but the purpose of their project is to create a valid research study, not make a new discovery, so they both agree to it.

They start up a texting relationship which mostly consists of Raven texting Lexa cheesy pick up lines and asking her to save her a seat in class, for which she is repeatedly late. Lexa begrudgingly agrees to do so, since they're often required to work together in class. Raven tries to make up for it by bringing Lexa coffee and compliments, and for the most part it works. But Lexa makes it quite clear that she's not interested in Raven's advances, ignoring her inappropriate texts and comments, but it only seems to make Raven want her more.

It's almost like Raven becomes low-key obsessed with her. She's always trying to flirt with Lexa and tell her how hot she is. Lexa would be lying if she said she didn't find it to be somewhat of an ego boost, though she would never admit that to Raven out loud. She's never had someone be so blatant and bold with their interest in her, and most of the time when Raven lavishes her with attention, Lexa is shy and gets easily flustered and embarrassed.

Raven seems to love it.

Although Raven is persistent in her pursuit, she's pretty much harmless. Always knowing when to back off or when she's pushed Lexa too far. After awhile Lexa starts to get used to their interactions, throwing back some of her own blunt and sarcastic remarks. She'll never admit it, but despite how distant and annoyed she acts, she secretly starts to like the way Raven flirts with her and looks at her.

Raven must sense the change, because she becomes more serious and persistent. Talking about how she plans on "wooing" Lexa, and Lexa just rolls her eyes and pretends not to care, but secretly can't wait.

They see each other around campus a few times at the cafeteria, library, and coffee shops. Lexa tries to keep her distance. Sometimes even going so far as to pretend she doesn't even notice Raven is there. For the most part, Raven respects that distance outside of class and leaves Lexa alone.

That all changes one night when Lexa finally allows one of her dorm mates to convince her to go to a frat party. From the moment she walks in, Lexa knows it's a mistake. The girl from her dorm immediately disappears, leaving Lexa alone to fend for herself.

Lexa makes her way over to what looks like a makeshift bar, opening a new package of red solo cups and mixing herself a drink. Making sure to only use a fresh can of soda and a sealed bottle of liquor. She's seen enough d-list horror movies to know better than to trust the mixture of jungle juice no doubt whipped up earlier that night. Who knows what's been slipped in there by now. She's leaning against the counter by the bar, minding her own business when she feels someone tap her on the shoulder.

She turns around, getting ready to tell off whoever it is and—

It's Raven. And she looks...good, if Lexa's being honest. She's wearing a pair of converse with black, ripped jeans, and a white v-neck tee under a button up denim shirt that she's left open. Her hair is still wild and tousled, thrown mostly over one shoulder. She gives Lexa a once a over, before meeting her eyes with a sly grin, and Lexa tries not to blush under the intensity of her gaze.

"Not that you don't normally, but you look really hot tonight." Raven says before offering to make Lexa a drink.

Lexa refuses, holding up the one she already has. "Nah, I'm good."

"Pity," Raven says. "Well, next one's on me." She moves around Lexa to mix her own drink. Careful to inspect the cups and drinks, much like Lexa did, and Lexa slides Raven the bottle of Jameson she used earlier, knowing it's safe.

"Whisky?" Raven asks, giving Lexa a questioning look, and Lexa just shrugs as Raven pours some into her cup. Once her drink is mixed, she sidles up next to Lexa, leaning against the counter so they're standing face-to-face.

"I'm surprised to see you here. You don't really strike me as the party going type. At least not the frat house variety."

"I'm not, usually. One of my dorm mates dragged me here and mysteriously disappeared. I think she only used me to get in because I'm twenty-one. I should have stayed home."

"Oh, come on now, Lexa. Don't be such a buzz kill. The night is still young. Who knows what kind of fun you could have." She says, wiggling her eyebrows and giving Lexa a cocky grin. And really, it's not fair how uncreepy Raven looks when she does that. It's actually borderline charming.

"Well, I'm sure it's not the kind of fun you're thinking." Lexa says, taking a large swig of her drink, and oh god, she really just said that out loud.

"Really?" Raven says, giving her a knowing look. "And what kind of fun is that?" The words are suggestive and Lexa hates the way her heart starts to race when Raven's eyes flicker down to her lips.

"I don't know. Something obscene and wildly inappropriate." Lexa sputters out, before finishing off her drink.

Raven just smirks. "Need a refill?" She asks, nodding her head toward Lexa's now empty cup.

Lexa shakes her head, moving to mix herself another drink, before shifting back to meet Raven's gaze.

"Are you just trying to get me drunk so you can get into my pants?" Lexa asks. She knows it's blunt, but she's tired of Raven playing games with her and she'd rather just be direct.

Raven snorts, coughing from inhaling some of her drink. "What? Of course not!" She scoffs, when she finally catches her breath. "I may be cocky and shameless when it comes to flirting and going after someone I like, but I'm not a total creep."

"Could have fooled me." Lexa shoots back and Raven scoffs again. "Also, I'm perfectly capable of making my own damn drink, thank you very much." Lexa adds, taking a sip of her drink for effect.

"I'm sure you're capable of a lot of things." Raven replies, her voice low and her eyes never leaving Lexa's.

Lexa can't help but blush at the heat behind Raven's words and the barely contained desire she sees swirling in her warm brown eyes. And yeah, Lexa is definitely not drunk enough for this conversation.

"So," Lexa says, clearing her throat a little awkwardly after taking a few more sips of her drink. "Whatever happened with that barista?"

Raven looks confused at first before a look of recognition crosses her face. "What? You mean Melissa? From the coffee stand?"

"Yeah, I guess." Lexa just shrugs, trying to look disinterested. Hating how much she's dying to know the answer. Not really sure why.

"Oh, that was nothing. Just having a little fun. She's not really my type if you know what I mean." Raven says giving Lexa a brazen look.

Lexa doesn't know why but suddenly her cheeks flush, her palms are sweaty and her heart skips a beat. She gulps down the rest of her drink, and really Lexa needs to pull herself together, because there's absolutely no way she should be feeling this way about someone like Raven Reyes.

"Really?" Lexa swallows nervously. "And what is your type?" Her words come out strained and almost husky and Lexa wants to take them back and smack herself in the face for being so easily affected.

Raven takes a step closer into Lexa's personal space and she's so close that Lexa can smell the whisky on her breath and feel it's warmth as it brushes over her lips. "I think you know by now."

Lexa gulps and tries to ignore the way her pulse starts racing and the tingling feeling between her thighs, and god, the two drinks she had must have been stronger than she realized because it's the only logical explanation for what she does next.

"Do I?" She asks coyly before licking her dry lips. Regretting it as Raven's eyes dart down to her mouth before flitting back up to meet her gaze, a dark and hungry look in her eyes.

"Yeah, you do." Raven breathes out, a challenging edge to her voice.

They're somehow standing even closer now and Lexa honestly thinks Raven is about to kiss her, when she's jolted from the moment by a large, muscular arm wrapping around her shoulder and pulling her away.

Her whole body tenses as she tries to pull away and realizes with mild relief that it's Brett. One of the star quarterbacks from their football team. He's in her philosophy class, and they're on polite speaking terms. She's not close enough with Brett for him to be casually touching her like this, but at least he's not a complete stranger.

Lexa tries to be polite and move away, but Brett just tightens his hold.

"Hey babe, don't I know you from somewhere?" He slurs loudly in her ear. He's clearly drunk and Lexa tries to pull away but Brett's hold is too strong.

"Yeah, Lexa Woods. From your philosophy class?" She's finally able to escape and holds out her hand as a more formal greeting. Brett looks at her hand momentarily confused.

"Oh right, yeah." He says, reaching out to shake her hand. "You're the hottie from the front row who asks all those questions." He grins, tightening his grip on her hand.

Brett continues to hold her hand longer than is appropriate before pulling her closer into him. Lexa is caught off guard and winces as she stumbles forward, thrown off balance by the sudden shift. The whole thing makes Lexa feel uncomfortable.

"Okay well it was nice to officially meet you Brett, but I have to get back to my friend."

"What? Who? I didn't see you come in with anyone. It seemed like you were here alone."

This only makes Lexa feel more uncomfortable to know that Brett has apparently been watching her.

"Um, well, I was just..." Lexa trails off, trying but failing to come up with a good excuse to get out of this situation as quickly as possible. She feels a slim hand loop through her free arm and breathes out a sigh of relief.

Raven.

"She's here with me. I invited her." Raven says firmly. Lexa glances over at her giving her a grateful look and Raven gives her a small nod in return.

"Raven? Lexa's here with you?" Brett asks skeptically. And something about the look in his eyes, and the way that his grip on Lexa's hand tightens, only increases her discomfort.

"Yeah, Brett. Do you have a problem with that?" Raven retorts, swinging her arm around Lexa's shoulders and leveling him with a harsh glare. Brett scowls and opens his mouth to respond, but before he can do so Raven cuts him off. "Oh, and while I've got your attention, why don't you get your hands off of her. You're clearly making Lexa uncomfortable, incase her multiple attempts to pull away from you haven't made it obvious."

Brett gives Lexa's hand one last hard squeeze before abruptly letting go. It throws her off balance again, but thankfully Raven is right there to steady her with an arm around her waist. Brett just glares at them with a look of disgust.

"Whatever, I have better things to do with my time anyway." He spits out at Raven angrily, before shifting his gaze to Lexa. "Nice to see you Lexa," he says giving her a sickeningly sweet grin. "Maybe we can hang out together sometime. I'll see you in class."

Lexa doesn't really know how to respond, just gives him a stiff nod. "Bye, Brett. See you."

"Oh, you definitely will." He replies, a slightly predatory look in his eyes and Lexa feels Raven's body tense beside her.

"Beat it pal!" Raven practically growls out, tightening her arm around Lexa possessively, and Lexa feels a spike of anger in her chest.

Brett just grumbles before turning and walking away, and Lexa spins around angrily to face her.

"Was that really necessary?" Lexa seethes, and Raven looks confused.

"Are you serious right now? Shouldn't you be thanking me for helping you get out of that situation?" She gives Lexa an incredulous look, completely thrown off by the sudden turn of events.

Lexa lets out an angry huff. "You didn't have to step in like that. I was handling it just fine."

"Oh yeah," Raven scoffs, "It really looked like you had things handled there, what with the way Brett was grabbing you and disrespecting your boundaries. I was just trying to help you out, no need to be rude. Next time I see you in a situation like that I'll just let you fend for yourself!"

She gives Lexa an angry look before turning to leave and Lexa panics, realizing how much of a jerk she's been.

"Wait, Raven. I'm sorry!" Lexa says pleadingly, and Raven stops and turns back to her. "I shouldn't have gotten mad at you like that. I know you were just trying to help. I'm just not used to people standing up for me. Normally I take care of myself."

Raven's expression softens and she nods, seeming to accept Lexa's answer. "Hey, I get it. It's fine. Tough, bad ass chick who can take care of herself and doesn't need anyone's help. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt." Raven tries to joke and lighten the mood.

"It's not just that, it's..." Lexa pauses, taking a deep breath, and Raven gives her a questioning look. "I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at Brett. And myself for coming across as the type of person guys like him feel comfortable being that way with."

Raven's eyes go wide in shock.

"Lexa," she says earnestly, moving a hand to grip her arm. "What Brett did was on him. He's the one at fault here not you."

Lexa sighs. "I know, you're right. It's just, there must be some type of vibe I'm giving off that gives someone like him the idea that he could just do something like that to me and have it be okay."

"That sounds a lot like victim blaming, Miss hot shot lawyer." She says, giving Lexa a pointed look. "Total bullshit if you ask me."

"That's not what I mean!" Lexa huffs, having difficulty explaining herself. "I know it's not my fault. But what is it about me that made Brett feel like it was okay to do that? I mean it's not like he came up to you and did that, but for some reason he felt like it was okay to do it to me. Why?"

"Besides the fact that Brett's a drunk douche and you're insanely hot?" Raven says that last part while giving Lexa a once over, and it makes Lexa blush.

"Raven, I'm serious!" She says, swatting at Raven's arm.

"So am I. I would never joke about your hotness, Lexa." Raven says with the most serious look on her face, and Lexa rolls her eyes, grateful they're back to this easy banter between them.

"Look, Lex," Raven says, and Lexa tries to ignore the way her heart flutters at the nick name. "In all seriousness, I don't know what makes assholes like Brett think they have the right to touch women's bodies without permission. Especially when they're clearly uncomfortable and trying to pull away. But if you're wondering why Brett went for you and not me, it could have to do with the fact that he knows I'm gay. He's tried things on me in the past, and found out the hard way that he's definitely not my type."

Lexa wants to ask more, but the look in Raven's eyes tells her she won't be getting any more information on that matter.

"Now," Raven smiles, sidling back up to Lexa's side, "Why don't you let me make you that drink?"

"Not a chance." Lexa smiles, bantering back, and Raven just lets out an exasperated sigh.

After they've both had more to drink, Lexa pokes fun at Raven for getting so protective.

"You know, I never really took you as the jealous type, Raven." Which is a lie, because Raven is the epitome of a protective jealous person.

"Oh, please! Don't flatter yourself, Lexa. I'd do the same for any of my friends." Raven retorts.

"Oh, so we're friends now?" Lexa teases back.

"Well, considering you're refusing to be wooed, I guess that's what I'll have to settle for," Raven sighs before lifting up her drink and looking Lexa in the eyes. "Friends?" She asks, somewhat hopefully.

The look in Raven's eyes is genuine, and honestly after Raven stood up for her tonight Lexa can't reject her. "Friends," Lexa agrees, lifting up her cup and clinking it, before they both take a drink. "Don't make me regret it." She says, before thinking better of it.

"Oh, I definitely will." Raven smirks.

Lexa just rolls her eyes and laughs.

"You know, this is actually kind of fun." Raven smiles, taking another sip of her drink.

"Yeah, it is." Lexa replies, giving Raven a small smile back.

Lexa has to admit she's having a good time, and she really likes this funny, more nerdy side of Raven. Prefers it to her normally cocky self. So maybe that's why Lexa agrees to it when Raven asks her to dance.

Raven is silly and chivalrous about it. Holding out her hand and giving a slight bow as she says, "May I have this dance, my lady?"

Lexa rolls her eyes and makes a comment about them not being at a gala but at a frat party, but she still takes Raven's hand and lets her lead them through the crowd of people to the dance floor.

The dancing is pretty innocent at first.

They dance face to face, barely even touching. As the music plays on, they become more comfortable with each other, and start to get more touchy. It's still pretty innocent, nothing beyond holding hands or brushing each other's arms or holding onto each other's shoulders, all while keeping a respectable distance between them. It's all very middle school dance friendly. Eventually a slower song comes on and Lexa is about to leave the dance floor, but Raven insists they stay and dance.

They're slow dancing.

They're actually slow dancing. Raven pulls Lexa close, looping her arms around Lexa's neck and closing the space between them until their hips and chests are practically flush. Raven's body is warm and solid pressed against her own, and Lexa settles her hands around Raven's waist, trying not to think too much about the fact that she can feel Raven's toned muscles rippling beneath her fingertips as she moves.

Lexa's mouth goes dry when Raven starts to grind against her.

She's powerless to do anything other than give into the dance. It's a slow, steady grind of thighs and hips, and they both lose themselves in the sway of the steady beat. Lexa can feel Raven's hot humid breath against her neck, and the hypnotic way her hips move back and forth, swaying and stuttering when the beat shifts. The whole thing makes Lexa feel so incredibly hot and bothered, and she hopes Raven doesn't notice the thin sheen of sweat covering her skin, or the way her breath hitches and her hips arch when Raven presses against her just right. And god, it's been way too long since Lexa last had sex. It's the only explanation for why her body is responding like this.

When the music switches back to something more upbeat, they go back to normal dancing with minimal touching and Lexa actually misses having Raven so pressed so close to her. Despite Raven's shameless flirting all night, she seems completely unaware of the effect she's having on Lexa, and she's back to being her normal, goofy self. Lexa tries to ignore the disappointment she feels, chalking it up to the effects of alcohol and the serious lack of sex she's had over the past few years.

They're still dancing and having fun when all of a sudden someone comes up behind Lexa, grabs her by the hips, and pulls her back so they can grind up against her, gripping her painfully tight. Lexa is so shocked and caught off guard that her whole body freezes, and she starts to panic when she sees Raven's face shift to anger.

"Hey! Get your fucking hands off her!" Raven snarls, moving to Lexa and pulling her free.

Lexa's heart is racing.

When she turns around, she sees that once again it's Brett who's grabbing her without permission and she shudders, feeling violated and disgusted. The only thing keeping her steady are Raven's strong arms and shoulders as she shifts Lexa behind her, placing herself between Lexa and Brett. Lexa just leans against her for support, gripping the back of her shirt.

"Hey relax sweetheart, I'm just trying to have some fun with that sweet piece of ass. No need to get so worked up. What's it to you?" Brett says mockingly.

Lexa can feel the anger and barely controlled rage as Raven's body tenses and starts to shake.

"Don't talk about her like that, you fucking asshole! And incase you didn't get the message earlier, she's not interested in your sorry ass! She has better things to do than deal with you trying to stick your micro dick where it doesn't belong. So walk the fuck away!"

This seems to anger Brett and Lexa is honestly afraid a fight is going to break out when he clenches his jaw and fists, and steps forward into their space. Lexa never really realized until now how large and imposing Brett is. He towers over them menacingly and he's close enough that Lexa can smell the nauseating scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the alcohol and tobacco on his breath. She's terrified, but Raven doesn't seem the least bit scared. In fact, she seems even more confident than before, puffing out her chest and squaring up to him.

"No one asked you, you fucking dyke!" He spits out so loudly that others around them start to stare.

Lexa finally snaps out of her shock at that and feels rage building in her chest. It's one thing to be dealing with a handsy, entitled frat boy, but someone who is all of those things, plus an ignorant bigot is a different story altogether. If Lexa wasn't so intimidated by his pure size, she'd want to punch him in the face. She has no idea how Raven remains so cool and collected when Brett is throwing insults at her.

"You need to walk away. Now." Raven says in a calm but threatening voice.

But Brett doesn't listen. He continues to spit out rude and demeaning comments to Raven. The anger and ignorance coming through his words and causing tension to build in the room. Lexa feels herself start to panic when Brett gets even closer into their space.

"Raven, come on. Let's just go. He's not worth it. You don't need to prove anything." Lexa pleads, trying to cut through the noise and tension in the room.

When that doesn't work, she tries to pull Raven's shirt and urge her to leave, but it's like Raven doesn't even hear her or notice her, and maybe she doesn't. Lexa's voice is shaky and the base heavy music is still blaring through the speakers and filling the room, making everything so much more chaotic and intense.

Eventually some of Brett's friends take notice and try to get him to walk away, but Brett is drunk and almost a foot taller than them and won't listen to reason.

"No, this disgusting bitch over here thinks she can tell me what to do!"

Raven remains calm under the onslaught of bigotry and disrespect, but when Brett turns his attention back to Lexa, it's like something inside of Raven snaps.

"You think a carpet muncher like you can satisfy a sweet pussy like hers. No fucking way. Just you wait until I get my hands on her and she'll know what it feels like to be fucked for real when I put my big cock inside of her. I bet she's so hot and tight for me that I'll split her in half. Isn't that right, Lexa? You want to be fucked by me, don't you baby?" He leers before making a disgusting motion with his tongue and grabbing his crotch.

And it's like something inside of Raven snaps. Lexa swears she literally hears her growl as she steps into Brett's space until they're standing chest to chest. "I told you not to talk to her like that you disgusting piece of shit! Last chance to walk away." She threatens, and that last part worries Lexa.

"Oh yeah, and what are you gonna do about it if I don't you stupid bitch? Hmm? Hit me?" He taunts, snickering in her face.

"Yup." Raven says with a jerky nod before shoving his chest and catching him in the face with a solid right hook that has his head snapping to the side as he stumbles back in shock.

When Brett pulls back his hand from his mouth and sees blood, the shock and surprise that cover his face quickly shift to anger and rage. He lunges forward into their space and oh god, Lexa is about to watch Raven get beat up by a guy twice her size!

Notes: Again, let me know what you guys think since I'm still trying to figure out if there's enough interest in this story for me to continue posting it.

Feel free to hit me up on tumblr at lexxaven and send me messages or asks on anon about the story or about Lexaven in general :)