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Isis X Morgan 3.0
message 101:
by
Morgan
(new)
Sep 14, 2016 03:13AM
What the- Derrick had known this was a class for drawing people. But when he pictured it he'd thought there'd be a little more clothes? Okay maybe some nudity- but not Ava. Sighing he rubbed at his temples before he began packing up. He wasn't even much of an artist so he might as well leave now. Derrick shot a glare at Carson as if he was to blame, even though he was an innocent in all of this. All he could he thankful for was the fact the twins hadn't noticed him. Just as she was unloosening her robe his eyes fell down towards his easel as he began packing up the few things he pulled out. Nervously he took a sip of water before shoving that into his bag as well. Carson who was fully distracted by the class breifly looked his way with a raised eyebrow. "Sorry, forgot a have a meeting with a student." He murmured before turning on his heels and leaving. As he did so he could practically hear the robe fall to the floor, but he ignored the temptation to turn around. Instead he adjusted his bag across his shoulder and exited the classroom. Once outside he pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned against the wall. "Of course they had to be there. And everywhere." He said to himself, figuring maybe if Ava had just been there to paint, sketch, draw, whatever he would've been perfectly fine with the situation and he wouldn't have left.
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Only as he was standing and leaving did Ava really see him. She had ignored the feeling that he was there, which had been stupid, and now he was leaving along with some of her confidence. She had to wonder why he came to a class like this if he was just going to leave because he didn't like the model. This was the guy that was supposed to be her mate and he didn't even want to look at her. There was nothing like that to chip away at a girl's confidence. In fact, she was very much considering grabbing her robe and making a run for it.Instead though, she looked toward Jay. He shook his head, knowing what she was feeling and trying his best to tell her it didn't matter and that she shouldn't bolt, because she looked like she wanted to. The guy was a jerk and he hated that someone could make Ava's confidence slip. That had never been possible before.
Derrick was still leaning against the wall minutes later until he finally got his feet to move. Noticing the window on the door he was once again tempted to look in, but managed to keep his eye contact with his shoes. He didn't want to risk his wolf getting excited just at the sight of her naked. That would be a difficult situation. His breath had already been taken away anyways when she'd stood in the platform in just the robe- a robe that certainly didn't leave much to the imagination. For a while he paced up and down the wing of the art hall before finding himself back at the stairs. Part of him wanted to go back in that room and just sit there and watch her, like so many others seemed to have been doing, but he couldn't. He wouldn't. Running his fingers through his hair he messed up the perfectly combed back look as he jogged a bit down the stairs, feeling as though he had to let out some form of energy.
Ava stayed on the stage, standing still and listening to the sweeping of paintbrushes and the whisper of pencils as people created her image. She didn't do this because she wanted the attention, but it was a confidence booster. Even if no one said anything she got to look at the images of herself through other people's eyes. It helped put her body in perspective. However, it was hard to focus on being still and being confident when she was thinking about Derrick and his rush to get away. It all made her rather sad. Jay loved to paint people like this because it was difficult, particularly when the person was his sister. No one wanted to mess up the painting of someone, especially a nude someone. It was also uncomfortable, which made painting at all rather difficult. It was a test of talent, and he liked to believe that he had at least a little bit. So, he focused on the painting rather than Derrick, because painting was more important for the time being.
So how was your day? Do anything fun after modelling?? It was fair to say Derrick had expected radio silence until tomorrow during class, but now things were too awkward to just stay silent till then. He was still unsure whether either of them had even noticed him, but due to his text message they would either way now. Biting his lower lip he closed his phone before setting it down on the table. Having just finished up his latest class he was enjoying a dinner. Or at least trying to. Sure the university food was a bit better than the food he'd had at home, or what you'd find in a high school, but it didn't really reach a high score on the scale of delicious. That's why he continued settling for Salads, as he knew a majority of the menu wasn't good for him. Derrick would have to fix the lack of food in his apartment and start filling his empty fridge. He was an okay cook, he just had been running around too much at this new place to really consider actually visiting a grocery store.
Ava gritted her teeth when she read the message from Derrick. She really didn't want to answer him, but it was like she was powerless not to. Why are you even bringing it up? You ran out of there like we were the plague. This was the much nicer version of the several texts that she had written and rewritten. Eventually she had just decided to settle on that because it was the least horrible and she wasn't wiling to try anymore. "You text him again, didn't you?" Jay asked from the couch when she came into the room looking more than a little guilty. "I thought you told me you were going to ignore him if he tried messaging you again. When are you going to realize that this guy is bad news? We'd be better off on our own."
Ava put her hands on her hips. "We have to try. He said he wanted to try and so we have to try. You said you would. You're the one who connected with him first, you should be more about this than I am."
Jay shrugged. "I'm not about to let him hurt me, or you."
Derrick was surprised to get an answer so quickly, or at all. Reading the message he tensed up a bit, pausing as he closed the plastic container of his finished dinner. Rolling his jaw he thought of the best way to approach the situation without being an absolute liar. I mean, I didn't want to. I just thought you'd be uncomfortable with me painting you fully butt-naked. Especially when we are already on such rocky terms. Why would it even annoy her that he'd left? Derrick had a troubling time trying to find an answer for that one. Sorry, next time I'll make sure to be front row and center. He quickly sent after that wondering whether she actually did pose like that often. She's been friendly with Carson, and had said as much as that it wasn't her first time doing the job. Derrick was also wondering how the hell she did it- just standing there in front of people but he wouldn't question her about it. After a few minutes with no reply he slid his phone back into his backpack before straightening his bike that was leaning up against the wall behind him and taking off. Already it was beginning to darken and there were less students out, which set a more relaxing mood on the evening.
Please, never come again. I look forward to my time modelling and I don't need you being a sarcastic asshole about it. Thanks. Ava replied with her own sarcasm, only wishing she could glare at him while she was speaking. "Stop texting him," Jay told her absently. "I don't want to hear you huffing about this all night. He's not important right now. Just relax and try not to think about him. Ok? I'll make dinner. What do you want?"
"Grilled cheese," Ava answered absently, holding her phone in her hand and trying to decide if she wanted it to buzz with another message or if she wanted to just crush the thing. Thankfully, Jay would be making her favorite food and that would calm her down.
Derrick locked up his bike, letting out a small groan when he heard his phone go off once again as it reminded him every three minutes he had new messages. "I think I got it the first time." He muttered. Too bad he wasn't the best with technology so he didn't know it was changeable in settings. Grabbing his phone he quickly shut it up, not reading or reacting to the message until he reached the fifth floor. Only after he opened the door and relaxed onto the couch did he see her response. If that's what you want. I think you're translating my texts wrong though, I don't mean to be an asshole. Or at least I try not to be. It'd be easier if we talked face to face. Why would my leaving even bother you though? Derrick was unable to not ask. Especially considering she was now refusing he ever show up again. It was either one or the other and he wasn't exactly clear on what road she was taking here.
Ava sighed in frustration when Derrick texted back asking his question and telling her she was misinterpreting him. She was so used to talking to Jay that she almost never had to explain anything and it was beyond rare for her to misinterpret anything. She was almost starting to wonder if this was a good idea, talking to Derrick without Jay there to back her up. Or maybe Jay was right, they would be better off without another person trying to get close to them. Except, even her knew thoughts didn't seem to stop her fingers from sending the next text. It's embarrassing to have someone walk out of the workshop the second they see the model, especially when I'm the model and my "mate" is the one walking out. I don't want to talk about that anymore. I don't want to text anymore, actually. It's confusing. She sent the text and then laid back on the couch, thinking about how it would be easier to talk if they were face to face. Once again her fingers were working without her brain seeming to tell them to do so. Come over, if you want. Jay is making grilled cheese. They're the best. I promise I'll be clothed. She knew she was just setting herself up for disappointment, but it was too late.
Derrick flung his legs across the couch just as the next message came. He read it quickly before throwing it down on the coffee table. Whatever, crossing his arms over his stomach he itched to do something. Anything. In stressful situations like this he'd generally start grading some class work to put it out of his mind- but clearly that wasn't something avaliable to him right now with the semester having only just begun. He jumped up a bit when he heard his phone go off once more. Reaching over he was surprised to find it was another text from Ava. Derrick was even more surprised by what he read. She actually wanted him to come over? Okay, she hadn't said as much- but he was sure she wouldn't invite him over if that wasn't the case. Instantly he responded, I'd love to. Is Jay fine with that though? He asked, wondering if this was a decision that had been made by both of them. After all he didn't want to show up with half of an invitation. Do you two live on campus?
"You're going to have to make a third grilled cheese," Ava called to her brother after she read the message and realized she probably did need to talk to Jay about this. "Um, Derrick is coming over. Sorry." Jay paused in his cooking and looked out at her. "Are you bloody serious, Ava? You invited him here? I've been out of the room for like five minutes. Seriously, why? Whatever." He rolled his eyes and went back into the kitchen. No use arguing the matter now.
Talked to him. He's mostly fine with it. Just come over. We're right off of campus in an apartment complex. She texted the message and then the address, hoping that he would actually show up.
Derrick wondered what mostly fine with it meant and whether that meant Jay was fine with it at all. He copied the address down to google maps before he found where they lived. It was only a block or two away from where he was no. Part of him wanted to just stay rooted where he was, but since talking to Ava yesterday that part had grown smaller and smaller- and he was overwhelmed with the urge to be near them. Especially if they were both upset with him, he certainly didn't want that. So, getting to his feet he pulled on a jacket and grabbed his backpack with a few of his essentials he likely wouldn't need, but brought anyways. Maybe only ten minutes passed before he reached their complex. Only when he was outside their actual door did he feel any sort of hesitancy. Derrick rapped on the door, loud enough for them to hear, but not to disturb their neighbors. After doing so he paced in front for a moment before holding himself still.
Ava put on some more appropriate clothes than her pajamas and then hid the painting that Jay had done of her. She didn't want that conversation to start up again and it wasn't really a good piece to have out in the open either. Jay, on the other hand, didn't bother to clean himself up at all. He wore sweat pants and nothing else while he worked away in the kitchen on the food. Right as Ava was finishing up she heard the knock on the door. She walked over and opened it up, putting on a half smile. "Hey, come on in," she said as she held the door wide open and let him in. "Sorry it's not much, but make yourself at him."
Their apartment was small but well taken care of and clean. It currently smelled like grilled cheese and other delicious things. Jay didn't come out of the kitchen but he grunted a hello from where he was working.
(view spoiler)Derrick referred back to his texts, wondering if he'd somehow gotten the apartment number wrong. No- he hadn't. Maybe she'd given him the wrong- just then the door opened. Looking up he grinned before entering their place, being sure not to show just how hesitant he was. It was a rather intimate setting and he didn't exactly know how this was going to go, or what he was even here to talk about. Derrick's gaze traveled around the apartment, it was a bit small, but also, "Cozy," He said aloud with a short smile before he leaned back on the wall besides the living area. Despite his earlier dinner the smell of the grilled cheese had his stomach growling. Pretending it hadn't happened he set his bag down. "How long have you two been living here?" He asked, slowly walking towards the couch and taking a seat.
(view spoiler) "We all know cozy is code for small," Ava smiled slightly, "Don't worry. We know it's small but we're broke college kids. We've lived here for about three years and it'll probably be the last since we graduate at the end of next semester." She shrugged. "Nice enough to place to live but not forever. So, what can I get you to drink? Water, iced tea, orange juice, coke, sprite, beer, wine? I can even make coffee if you want."
"Sorry, no coffee," Jay poked his head out of the kitchen. "Ava apparently forgot that she used the last of the beans and hasn't made a trip to the store for more."
"I thought you were going to get it," Ava retorted and put hands on her hips for a brief moment before just rolling her eyes and turning her attention back to Derrick. "Sorry, no coffee. Anything else strike your fancy? We'll be having four cheese grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon, and green beans. I don't know why the bacon..."
(view spoiler) "No, not it just has like a home sort of feeling." Derrick wouldn't exactly call the place small considering where he was residing at the moment. He was lucky he even had a cramped little bathroom to himself and didn't have to settle for some communal bathroom like those college kids. "Oh, this is your last year?" Had he decided to transfer over later he probably never would've met them- and what would that mean? "Well, alcohol doesn't get me far, so water is good." Derrick said as he watched Jay's head disappear back into what must have been the kitchen. "It looks like we all have to go to the grocery store. Don't worry, my fridge has a carton of milk, and that's about it. I don't even remember why I bought it as it's just sitting in there completely full." Second by second he forced himself to relax back into the couch a bit more. "Green beans?" He asked with a small laugh, wondering exactly how these sides went with grilled cheese. "Very healthy." Besides salad Derrick really wasn't a fan of vegetables. People always had a tough time getting her to eat them. His aunt used to say if he'd eat his veggies he'd become as strong as the green giant. Apparently that approach didn't do him much good as he thought his skin would also become a lovely shade of green as well, and he couldn't live with that.
Ava rolled her eyes. "No one told you that you had to eat them. No need to judge. You're the one who only has milk," she replied to him blankly before walking into the kitchen. She grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and brought it out to him. "If you want it over ice I'll get you a glass." She walked away again to help Jay. "We don't have a dining table so I hope you're happy with the couch," Jay said as he brought out a plate of food. "If you don't like it, don't eat it. No one will be offended. Just hand it to me and I'll eat it instead. Alright?" He gave him the plate and then took another one that Ava brought out to him before sitting on the other end of the couch with a shrug of his shoulders.
Ava sat on the floor facing the couch with her plate. "So, teach any classes today?" she asked before bringing her sandwich to her mouth. She ate in the most lady-like fashion that she could manage, which was not her usual means when she was at home. "Oh, and Jay is serious. If you don't eat your food, he will because he's like a human vacuum. He'll eat anything." She giggled lightly.
"I'm not judging." Derrick said quickly as she left the room. When she came back with the water he gave a small thanks before taking his time to unscrew the cap in order to preoccupy himself. The plate came out only seconds later and be balanced it on his lap as he set his water down ontop of a coaster from the table in front of him. It was only as Jay sat down at the opposite end of the couch and Ava took a seat on the floor that he felt the real awkwardness setting it. It was one thing to go over to a strangers house, and an entirely different thing to visit your mates who you were still unsure of and who were unsure of you. Seconds later when he heard Ava's giggle his shoulders eased up a little from his tense position and he took a bite from his grilled cheese. "It's great-," Derrick said around a mouthful of food before he eyed Jay, "And where does he fit all of this food he consumes?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. He also thought back to his classes. "Yeah, I just had my Ethics and Literature Class as well as my Shakespearian Literature class- which might I add is far more interesting then it sounds. Plus most of the kids in there aren't shy so I'm sure it'll go by quickly. I also sat in for Mrs.Jole's class, Introduction of Playwriting. She's going on maternity leave in two months so I'll have to pick up the class later in the semester..." He trailed off for a moment before taking another bite from his sandwich.
Jay shrugged his shoulders. "I'm 21 years old with the metabolism of a wolf, there's not where to put it. It melts off into the wind," he joked, though not in a very jovial tone of voice. He obviously still wasn't comfortable with this whole situation, and might not be for a while, particularly when he was being talked about in the third person. In any case, he would survive just eating his food. "I don't know how you manage to teach," Ava said, going back to their other part of the conversation. "I think it sounds horribly boring, despite what you said. Also, I hate almost all of the other students. Students are assholes." She continued on through her sandwich for a moment then looked up at him. "So what made you want to be a teacher in the first place? Life long dream or just something you fell into?"
Derrick continued to eat his sandwich as he listened to Jay's response and could practically feel the awkwardness hovering in the air around them.At mentions of him teaching he shrugged a bit. "I mean that's also what I said in high school. First I decided I wanted to be an English major. I promised myself I'd never become a teacher because of the assholes in my generation, never mind who would come next. Somewhere in my sophomore year though I started to question whether or not that was the right choice, and I'm not exactly sure when I decided but in my Junior year I also added Education to my major." He told her simply, "It's much easier teaching college students then high school students anyways. They're a bit more mature- not by much, but it's pretty significant. That and as a college professor you really don't have to give a shit whether or not a kid is failing. I mean as a person I do, but it's not like a requirement. I'm not the one who has to go chasing down students for missing work or try to set up appointments with them to discuss their plummeting grades, that's all on them." Derrick continued as he prodded the beans on his plate before taking a piece of bacon and crunching it between his teeth.
"Well I'm glad someone does it, because I sure as hell can't. I'd lose my mind. I love to write, but I don't have the patience to teach someone else how to do it. I barely even like learning it around other people who are learning it. I thiught about teaching so that I wouldn't be constantly struggling for money as I tried to get published, but I can't. think I'm going to prefer being a struggling writer with a menial labor job. So, I really appreciate what teachers do and respect their patience, but I can never understand it," Ava shook her head before finishing her food and pushing the plate aside. "What's your favorite thing to teach?" Jay asked. "From the classes you listed earlier I'm guessing more of a literature teacher, but you're also teaching a technique class, which Ava is in. Which do you prefer?"
"Yeah I was going to go into journalism initially as well, but that field is just getting smaller and smaller. That and one of my teachers just really inspired me to go into the teaching profession." If you'd asked college freshman Derrick if he ever pictured himself here today as a college professor he would've just laughed endlessly in your face. Now he couldn't really imagine anything different. "Do you have any plans for a novel?" He asked with a raised eyebrow wondering whethe she had plans for her future yet beyond being a struggling artist. Glancing over at Jay he answered quickly, his reply easy enough, "Mostly Literature classes. It's always interesting to see how people translate texts and what not, especially to see a new point of view. Although I think the class I have with Ava will be interesting besides lectures seeing what they have to write will be fun."
"I've already written a novel," Ava replied with a shrug. "The classes I take are to perfect it. It's ok now, but I want to the tools to make it into something better. I'll work on the next when the first is ready." Jay shook his head, "She won't tell you what it's about. If she won't tell me, she's not going to tell anybody. So, don't bother." He then directed the conversation back to the other topic. "I love to read. Classic literature is my favorite. I don't like writing though so I never liked lit classes. I wanted to read everything without having to try and my thoughts of it onto paper. I can talk for hours on a good book, but I've never been a talented writer. I wouldn't even call myself decent. Just above passing for literate would probably be my assessment. Ava, on the other hand, can write beautifully. It's the one thing we really differe on. She can't draw to save her life, and I can't write. Odd, isn't it?"
"This class I'm taking from you though, do you think it will actually help me, or should I transfer out? It's hard for me to focus, you know, considering I can't stop staring at the teacher," Ava picked up.
"Oh come on," Derrick said with a bit of a pout, "You can't tease an English professor about having finished a whole novel and then tell him nothing about it. That's not fair. But once you're ready I'd still love to hear about it. Maybe even read it." He'd had one student who went off to become an actual author and the guy had a pretty decent first novel, but he was afraid to publish his first work so he'd started some sort of mystery series instead and it had done well, and now he was probably scared to publish anything outside the genre. "Yeah, classics are great," he said, his eyes lighting up a bit with enthusiasm about a subject he loved so much. It had been such a spark that made him go into the field of English in the first place. Then again back in his own school days as a student he hadn't been a number one fan of the classics as he'd donned them as creations made my Satan and chosen specifically by teachers in order to torture kids in classrooms. Of course he didn't have that opinion anymore, but it still amused him how much he'd changed. "Then why aren't you taking one of my classes?" He asked with a grin before continuing, "Though I figure you've probably gotten all of your general studies credits considering you're seniors- so what classes are you taking?" As Jay mentioned art his thoughts strayed back to this morning, but he quickly pushed them away as he found himself falling into conversation more fluidly, his awkward edge beginning to leave. Hearing Ava he laughed softly. "Well the goal of the class is to make better writers and just improve their overall style however they can. I mean you've seen the course outline though, so if you feel it's not challenging enough there are always other courses you can taking outside of your comfort zone. Though since I'm such a distraction perhaps it'll be good for you to learn and work in such conditions." Derrick said in a bit of a questioning manner as he set his plate down on the coffee table in front of him, his plate completely empty of the grilled cheese and bacon that had only been there minutes ago.
Ava stuck her tongue out playfully at the man and then laid onto her back on the carpet, listening to the other two talk. "I'm not about to take any classes that require me to write essays," Jay replied with a shrug, "So I'm not about to take any english classes. Literature classes in particular always seem to have about a million essays, so I avoid them at all costs. My current classes are mostly different art history related, different eras and what not. I'm also taking a few business courses for my minor and one painting class. Nothing super exciting." Jay shrugged his shoulders.
Ava stayed quiet for the time being, thinking about whether or not she would want to stay in Derrick's class, but not really wanting to discuss the matter with him any further. She got so lost in thought though, she kind of forgot that she was supposed to be participating in conversation, as she sometimes did.
"I mean, the most you write a semester is 1-3 essays in my classes. Unless it's a writing course, like the one Ava is in, but generally people who sign up for those already know it's a lot of essays. Art history? I'd find that to be a bit boring, though I've never been fond of history classes anyways. It was all readig textbooks and then spitting back as many facts as you could retain. In college though I did take a class on Chinese Architecture and Art. I mean maybe the course would've been good if we had a better teacher who wasn't so dry." Derrick said with a shrug of his shoulders as he recalled the little old lady who'd taught the class and looked as though she was on deaths doorstep. And anytime someone had a question she'd ignore their raises hand or even if they spoke up in class. Nevermind that, because they didn't even have a textbook to follow along with the eras that she spoke of - it was purely a lecture class. "Ah, so you're in business and art? Or is business a safety net?" Derrick asked unsurely while wondering how he could possibl be taking only one painting class when he planned to major in art, but he guessed the art history courses were included considering what his sister had said he'd wanted to do as he got older. Briefly his eyes flickered towards Ava who had no taken the position of laying down on the floor. His eyes softened a bit as they rolled over her features before staying there for a while. Before he was noticed he looked back towards the wall in front of her and took a sip of water.
"Business is just the little boost I'll need to get myself a job in the art field. I'll hopefully find a job in an art gallery of some kind and work my way to director. I'll work on my own painting in my free time, sell what I can to galleries and collectors. All the art history classes are boring, but they'll give me the knowledge I need to talk about all the different styles and time periods that surround art," Jay replied. "Plus, most of the actual painting classes are actually workshops that you can attend if you do choose, like the one you ran out of this morning." Ava finally pulled herself out of her little trance to look over at them. "We're not going to talk about that," she informed them, her tone indicating that the matter was not up for debate. "Let's talk about some things that don't involve school. Come on. Ask us anything. We're open books."
"Do you plan to work in an art gallery around her or someplace else?" Derrick asked, trying to recall if there were any around. Of course he couldn't, though, considering the short time he'd been here and the few places he did know of didn't carry art. He rolled his eyes at the point of this morning being brought up, and he had to wonder if Jay's tone was accusing. He was still having trouble really understanding why it was such a big deal, and if it wasn't for Ava jumping in he would've said just that but instead he let it slide while silently wondering if it would be brought up ever again. Or tonight. When he was told to ask them anything Derrick felt a little on the spot. In the last five years he'd only had to talk with people interested in English and those who were professor. His relationships were fleeting and he generally skipped the "getting to know you" stage altogether. "Uh.." He trailed off for a moment before thinking of something pretty basic, "Where are you two from?"
"We're from here and we've lived here our entire lives. At least, we've lived in this city and surrounding cities in this state. We haven't decided if we're going to stay or go yet. It just depends what the future brings," Ava replied with a soft sigh and shrug of her shoulders. "It can get pretty boring, living in one place for your whole life. We've never even really gotten the chance to travel anywhere. Our parents were rooted here, there parents were rooted here, and now we're basically rooted here. It might be nice to leave some day." "They do have some pretty amazing art galleries right outside of town though," Jay picked up, "I don't know how you actually feel about art but if you're ever bored you should go check them out. They're always having activities and things centered around the galleries. It's pretty cool."
"Where are you from, though?" Ava asked, because he seemed like he was new in town, and they obviously weren't about to get into any deeper questions.
Derrick's thoughts almost grew panicked at the thought of them leaving. He'd just settled down her, the job was beyond great, the pay was more than he had at his previous residency, the- he stopped his thoughts right there in their tracks before they could so much as solidify in their form. Yeah, maybe he was trying to build something, or doing his best not to be an asshole, but it wasn't like he was going to tie them down to stay here forever. Visibly he shook his head as he pulled himself away from thoughts of a future and back to the present. "Ah," He began when the question was redirected back at him. "I grew up in Texas with my dad, it's a pretty nice area I guess. Don't really plan on going back anytime soon. For college I went abroad to the UK- pretty dreary there but absolutely beautiful. I actually got my first teaching gig there as well, but eventually I was pulled back to the states." Derrick said, finishing his statement with a shrug of his shoulders. There were a few gaps of where he'd been and when, but it hardly seemed to matter given the circumstances.
"As for the art galleries I'd love to go sometime. Though you'd have to go with me or else I doubt it would be nearly as fun." He suggested with a look towards Jay.
Sure he'd been to museums with art in them but he'd never really been all that invested in the history of them. It was more himself and his friends laughing among paintings and throwing jokes towards each other while doing their best to work on assignments in college.
Jay chuckled, but his tail would have been wagging like wild if he has been in his other form. “Well if you’re wanting comedic commentary then you’ll want Ava to tag along too. We could banter about art forever honestly. She’s more judgemental though. She prefers to be the art, rather than enjoy it. Being an art major myself, I could go look at it forever and actually enjoy it, but Ava makes it more fun for other people. Last time she insulted everything in Shakesperean insults.” Ava shrugged her shoulders. “Live art is more fun, so if it’s going to be still I’m going to make fun of it somehow. If you’re trying to ask my brother out though, I approve.” She winked playfully. Sure it would suck if this guy chose her brother over herself, but it wouldn’t be the first time and she would survive. She was used to Jay being the more universally likeable twin, while she was the outspoken, abrasive twin. She knew the sting would be worse this time though, considering how much the wolf in her wanted this one.
"Is that so?" Derrick asked with a soft breathless laugh when the other winked at him from her position on the floor. He sucked in a bit of a breath though when she began to talk about her approval of asking Jay out. Was that what he was doing? For the billionth time that day he tried not to overthink such simple things. "Honestly I can't take art too seriously either, so comedic relief would definitely make it better. I've done a few sketches over the years, mostly just of landscapes or random shit but nothing too serious, or at least nothing that doesn't end up in the trash." He continued with a shrug of his shoulders.
Following this he tried to think of a number of basic ass questions you asked people when getting to know them but his mind was going blank and he just reached forward to take another sip from his water.
Jay punched Ava in the leg and shot her a glare for even making such a comment. "She was just joking anyway. I'm fully aware no one was asking anyone out," he said in an attempt to try and clear that awkward air. He would have to hash that one out with his sister later though, because she was always pulling that garbage and it was obvious that Derrick wasn't having it. Ava just shrugged off the punch and got more comfortable where she sat. "Well, we're not very good at this getting to know each other thing, are we?" she asked after a moment of silence. Well, not even a moment, but she just couldn't handle that dead air. "I know it can be uncomfortable for people to hang out with the both of us, considering we're so close and all. You're actually doing better than I thought you would be. You'll only look a little like you want to run away, and not entirely yet."
Jay sighed and shot her another glare. "Maybe if you didn't point out how awkward people are around us, they would be less awkward around us. Anyway, I hope that we're not keeping you too late Derrick. If we're not thought, maybe you'd consider going down to the lake with us? I know it's dark, but that's when it looks best."
Ava was shocked that Jay was inviting Derrick anywhere, but she wasn't going to protest. Plus, she loved the lake, particularly when the water felt warm enough to swim in.
"It's alright." Derrick said with a bit of a pause as his grip tightened just a bit on the water bottle that he rested against his knee. "It's probably just because you two know each other so well and I practically know nothing about either of you." It was easier to employ the excuse after he had been given one. Really it was just odd to talk to the two knowing they were his mates and that his wolf wanted to form a relationship with them whereas his human-self Nodding his head he got to his feet, "Sure let's do it." It didn't take too much prompting and it sounded way better than sitting in here and trying his best to small talk with the two.
“Well we are open books. Really, ask anything and you’ll get an honest answer, not that that you’ll always like the answer,” Ava replied as she gathered up their mess from dinner and put it all away. “Oh, and I don’t know how well you deal with cold, but the lake is an absolutely beautiful place to swim. Well, skinny dip. Not that we’re doing that tonight, but just so you know for future reference.” She tipped him another wink. “Ava, seriously? Not everyone’s first thought is being naked,” Jay scolded her, though it was obvious she didn’t care. She didn’t seem to care about most things, really. Whatever words came to her mind just spilled out and Jay was left to pick up the pieces. It had been that way practically since birth.
“Just ignore her, honestly. She’ll just keep saying things like that if you get uncomfortable. She’s a child,” Jay said, before realizing that Derrick probably thought they were both children, compared to himself. Not that it was their fault that his wolf wanted a couple of students.
"So is skinny dipping an assured thing for the future?" Derrick couldn't help but to tease back as she goaded him with that wink. He wiped his hand on his pants - using the action as more of something to do with his hands than anything else.
He acknowledged Jay's following statements with a simple nod. "Do you need help cleaning anything up?" Derrick asked after another pause of silence, feeling like he should do something to help them instead of just standing there like a dunce. In the same manner he edged a bit towards the kitchen where Ava was as he took it all in. "I could wash the dishes or something before we leave."
"You would never have to ask me twice to go skinny dipping. I'd go in the freezing cold. I have in the past. The last time you saw me naked didn't go so well though, so I'll spare you the horror," Ava said with a devilish smirk. "And no, you don't need to help clean up. You're a guest. We're not even going to finish right now, I just didn't want anything sitting around in the living room." She wiped off her own hands then slipped on her shoes over by the front door. Jay put his shoes on as well and then dug his hands deep into his pockets. "We usually just walk, so I hope that that's alright. It's only about ten minutes from here and we've literally never seen anyone else at this lake, just in case you do decide to strip down."
He opened the door and walked out without much more warning. He couldn't get a read on this guy and it was starting to get under his skin. How was this supposed to be his mate when he couldn't even decide if he liked him? It was an uncomfortable situation.
"Aye, I didn't even get to see anything though." Derrick said holding up a finger as he denied her claims. Besides, even if she wasn't his mate and his eyes had landed on her body in some shape or form he'd probably would've just stared at her until someone in the room called him out for being a pervert or something. Yup, he was still holding the stance that leaving that scene was the best decision he could've made. "And going in the freezing cold sounds like a sure way to get sick." Derrick had been to the beach on a number of occasions since he'd moved to Maine and he could easily say that even when it was a blistering summer day that shit was way too cold. He mumbled an okay as she denied his offer before he stood to the side a bit. Already having everything he needed on him he waited a moment for the two to slip on their toes and gather their things together to leave.
"Walking is perfectly fine with me." Derrick replied as he followed Jay out the door. "
"Now, now, I know you want to see me strip down, but personally I don't think you'd survive the experience." He said, slipping into his usual teasing nature far too easily as he followed behind him.
"Survive? You think you're that sexy, huh? So sexy that the sight of you would literally kill me?" Jay retorted, glancing over his shoulder at the other man. "I mean, I'll admit that you're a good looking guy but I just don't think it's anything I'm going to drop dead over. Unless you're meaning the stripping itself, in which case I'll have you know that I was a stripper myself for a few years. I made quite a chunk of money too." "He's not lying," Ava agreed, "It was my idea. He thought I was insane, and maybe I am, but he made us the money we needed for that apartment. Don't worry though, it was a very nice establishment." She rolled her eyes, then giggled. The place had actually been one of the shadiest places on earth, which was why Jay had only been there for such a short time in the first place.
Derrick simply chuckled a bit towards the other's words and he bent his head down- the laughter itself was short lived though as soon as Jay brought up his stripping career. My, it did seem as if he had a couple of nudists on his hands. The idea of Jay stripping for cash didn't sit entirely well with the possessive side of him that came from the wolf, but he did his best to roll the idea off of himself. People did worse things for money, and it clearly had helped them out in the financial department. "I'm sure." Derrick said in Ava's direction- not entirely believing that it was such a nice establishment if her later giggle said anything about it.
As if Ava had read his mind, and maybe she had sensed some of it in his body language, she sobered up her attitude a little bit. "I know we seem like a couple of nudists, but honestly we're just comfortable with our bodies. You know the saying: if you've got it, flaunt it. To be fair though, I only occasionally pose for art projects and Jay only stripped because we were absolutely desperate when our parents kicked us out. We don't just go streak through the streets at night. So, lighten up a little, will you? Don't judge us for our past and we won't judge you." Jay elbowed Ava in the ribs a little after her last comment. He was worried that she was going to run him off just by trying to explain and keep him from running. It all came back to Derrick being unreadable. Joking one moment and obviously concerned the next. It was just so different from the constant that he was used to, Ava.
Derrick held up his hands outward and in front of himself as if in a defensive position. "Hey, I didn't say anything about it. I completely agree, if you've got it flaunt it." He said with a bit of a huff at the sudden attack of sorts. If he didn't have his dead grandmother's money to support him in college he doubted he'd really be much of anything at the moment. While he'd never really been at a point in his life where he was in need of money he could only imagine the things he would've done with his friends if he had been. The one thing he particularly caught onto was the mention of their parents kicking them out. Sure he wanted to ask why and they had already told him they were entirely open books but he simply didn't figure it was his place to ask. Besides, he never really wanted to bring up his own family drama either so he figured it was best to avoid the topic for now, or for forever.
The fighter in Ava wanted to continue the argument but she could feel Jay giving her that look telling her she better not. It was hard to push away the urge, but she managed. Instead she just crossed her arms over her chest and walked up ahead of the boys a bit. It was better than her mouth opening and causing more problems. They already were getting off on very shaky ground. Jay sighed softly under his breath. Every time things started to look up there would be another downward dip. Thus far, having a mate was not what he had imagined it would be. All those childhood stories about how magical it was and here they were. Luckily, they had finally made it to the lake.
They slipped through some bushes and then stood near the edge of a beautiful lake. The moon was shining on the still water and there was the unmistakable smell of grass surrounding them. It was a beautiful scene that could soften anyone, except maybe Ava who still stood with her arms crossed.
"So here we are," Jay said softly, "Oh of our little hide outs. We'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else about it, but you're free to come here any time you want."
Derrick watched quietly as Ava suddenly took the lead on the walk to the lake and they all fell into another moment of silence. It wasn't exactly a comfortable silence, either, by any means but he wasn't entirely keen to break either. So, he simply kept to himself, biting his lower lip to keep himself from saying something stupid, which seemed to be a reoccurring event that happened when he was around the two. Humming to himself he thought of other things to preoccupy his brain before they had to step through some bushes to reach the lake. Raising an eyebrow he looked around at the area and took in the scenery as well as the fresh scent of grass. Walking closer towards the waters edge he crouched down to grab a rock. Weighing it in his hands he gave it a quick toss in the air as a measurement before he threw it into the water. Derrick concentrated carefully, watching the rock in the reflection of the light on the water that was provided by the moon as the rock skipped across the surface a few times before it stopped and sank to the bottom.
"Oh, I'll be sure to invite all of my little teacher friends here right away." He said back over his shoulder, his words carrying their sarcastic edge as he looked upwards at the twins with a bit of a sideways smirk.
That little comment earned Derrick a heavy eye roll from Ava and a shrug from Jay. "Don't pretend like you have friends," Ava snapped back, her own smirk starting to pull at the corner of her lips, her arms finally unfolding and falling down at her sides. She sighed softly then plopped herself down in the soft grass that surrounded the edge of the lake. She spread out her legs and rested backwards on her hands. "Seriously though, we don't need any more lame teachers in our lives. One is enough, so behave yourself. It's a secret," she teased. Jay shook his head and kicked off his shoes so that he could put his bare toes into the cool grass. It wasn't cold outside by any means, but any breeze would make it chilly. It was quite nice, and the only thing that dampened it was the fact that they were all battling this awkward relationship. Part of Jay wanted to just give up on it, but the other, more desperate part, wanted him to fight tooth and nail for Derrick's affection. It made him feel pathetic.
