Paint Drops - Xavier Thorpe x Reader

Chapter 2: First Impressions

After getting changed into the new uniform, so as to not be outed as the 'new kid' immediately, I came out of the dorm to see Devyn waiting patiently.

"Hey, not too shabby! Fits like a glove," I couldn't help but look at the black and purple uniform in response. "Eh, I don't know, not sold on it yet."

I looked up from my uniform to my roommate as I heard them laugh. "Don't worry, you get used to it fast... now come on, we have the whole school to tour."

As we made our way to the courtyard, I noticed the dark shades Devyn had put on.

I couldn't help but ask, "Devyn, I'm not trying to be rude, but why do you have those glasses on?" They turned around to look at me and flashed me a big toothy grin, "everyone is peculiar in their own way here, you'll see what I mean in a bit."

Right as we made our way to the courtyard, I saw someone without any distinct facial features. I took a quick glance as to not be rude and it quickly set in what Devyn meant.

The dark skinned student turned back to look at me, arms spread out, "welcome to the quad!"

I looked around in awe at the variety of people in front of me. "So this is what you meant by peculiar?" Devyn shook their head, "not exactly."

We began to walk around as Devyn explained the main cliques of the school, "so, time for a guessing game."

"We'll start easy so no fret, what do you think the clique 'Fangs' are about?" They asked bouncing on the heels of their feet, arms behind their back, expectantly.

I looked over the whole quad, seeing who might fit the description. I could only really guess towards a group of kids goofing around.

"Close! Those are 'Furs', they are the werewolves of the school. 'Fangs' are like yours truly, you can usually identify us from the dark shades we wear." They flashed me a toothy grin revealing fangs that adorned their features.

"Now 'Furs', it just depends how they dress themself, they'll usually be goofing off though." Devyn leaned against a pillar tilting their head, "how about 'Scales'?"

I stopped to think about this but all I was coming up with was a mythical creature, I could only squeak out, "Mer..maids?"

"Hey, you're getting better! But no, sirens, they usually hang around the fountain." Was not expecting that. "Also know that Bianca over there is pretty well known, she's not the nicest but I don't think you're on her radar."

Devyn was pointing to a girl who was touching the water in the fountain, she had beautiful dark skin and striking bright blue eyes. I decided to make a mental note.

"Last but not least, the 'Stoners'." I looked at the last group of people available, and then realization hit me.

I looked at Devyn perplexed. "Wait, did you say 'Stoners'? Like, that's their clique name? Is that even appropriate here?"

Devyn burst out laughing patting me on the shoulder, "(y/f/n), they're gorgons. Ya' know, turn people into stone." They made a movement with their hands, wiggling their fingers, in an attempt to imitate their powers.

As Devyn continued to show me around, I saw a mural that was still in the process of being completed. It consisted of ravens flying in the sky, I couldn't help but smile to myself.

Artistic choice?

There's something so nice admiring others' pieces of work, you may have an idea of what goes through their mind, but never the specific outcome or expectations.

Your worst critic is yourself.

Analyzing it, there seemed to be no flaws, every mark made intentionally. But to them, who knows how they saw their own work.

I became curious as to who made it. "Hey, Devyn, question!" I heard them hum in response, signaling for me to ask.

I couldn't help but stare at the piece of art again, "do you know who painted the mural here?" They nodded with a soft smile now looking at the painting, "the infamous Xavier Thorpe, he is well known for his art and for his past relationship."

As if Devyn read my mind they answered, "Bianca." Devyn turned back to me, "Bianca Barclay and Xavier, it was all over the school when they broke it off."

Just thinking about being the center of attention like that made me feel gross, well, maybe not for Bianca. They spoke up again, breaking the silence between us, "maybe another reason as to why he's now dubbed the 'Tortured Artist' of this school."

"Anyways!" Devyn clapped their hands, "can I have your phone for a quick second? Promise I'll give it back."

I happily gave them my phone, not before unlocking it. They came up beside me and requested to follow an Instagram account, "so we can keep in touch if we're not nearby."

Devyn pointed at an account on the recent searches. "This is a blog about all the juicy details that go on here. Run by our lovely Enid Sinclair."

They gave me a big toothy grin as they backed away, they're box braids with beads making a slight noise as they shuffled around. They cleared their throat, grabbing my attention. "You don't have to follow the account, I just thought you might want it just in case."

I couldn't stop the grin on my face that was growing by the second, I followed the account and put my phone up. "Thank you, Devyn, I mean it." I looked over to them, "you're incredibly kind."