Paint Drops - Xavier Thorpe x Reader

Chapter 3: Getting Settled

For the rest of the day, Devyn helped me unpack and get settled into the new room. They stood back looking at their handiwork, "so how do you think you're going to decorate it?"

In all honesty, I hadn't put much thought into it. "I guess just doing what I normally do, I mean, my room is one of my favorite parts of my home so I guess I'll try and create that here."

My room was one of the places I felt the most safe in. Just being around stuff that was mine and familiar was comforting. At least I have some of it here.

Devyn went back to their side, tidying up their bed and going to their desk, packing their bag for tomorrow. "So what do you think of Laertes Hall so far?"

I was confused to say the least, Devyn turned around and seemed to notice. "It's the name of our dormitory hall, it mainly houses werewolves, vampires and psychics."

I hummed now understanding. "I think it's beautiful here, I love the overall architecture and aesthetics of this place." Devyn nodded, "this place is just beautiful in general, the amount of history here is insane, plus, it's a safe haven here for us."

Devyn stopped packing their bag and leaned against their desk to face me, "not trying to be rude, (y/n), but what made you come here?"

I shifted around uncomfortably and my roommate quickly took notice, "it's okay if you're not comfortable answering! No pressure, okay?"

I sat on my bed to face them on the opposite side of the room, smoothing out my clothes of any wrinkles. "Honestly, after hearing about how unsafe things have been lately, my family decided to send me here." Devyn now was sitting on their desk, listening intently. "Principal Weems and my family are old friends so she really just did this as a giant favor."

Devyn looked at the floor lost in thought, "so, you're a normie?" I knew exactly what Devyn was trying to get at and nodded. They smiled as they made eye contact with me, "I like that, you're nothing like other normies I've met or encountered."

I looked at them, puzzled, "what do you mean?"

They gave me a sad smile in return, diverting their gaze to the floor, "people in Jericho don't really like us. Even the sight of our uniform fills them with disgust and anger, it's why this place was built, for people like us. It's a safe haven for, well, the peculiar."

When thinking of Nevermore Academy and all its students, it made sense as to why a place like this would exist. Then again, the world is never understanding or willing to take the time. We're too impatient.

I smiled at Devyn, "from what I've seen and encountered so far, is that you guys aren't disgusting at all." I got up and began to make my mattress, "you're kind, considerate, and most of all, welcoming."

I finished making my covers, only leaving the pillows to be made, and sat back down. "Just being here today, I learned you embrace your differences and who you are." I couldn't help but smile to myself, sounding far too much like a character from a children's tv series.

"Granted, you're the only person I've somewhat gotten to know from here." I looked up at them, giving them a soft smile, "but yeah."

Devyn opened their mouth to speak but instead of their voice, a knock was heard. As we both looked at the door, a woman who had auburn hair and glasses that framed her face perfectly walked in.

"Good evening, sorry about the mud," she looked down at her red muddy boots. "But I came to check in on (y/n)."

I saw Devyn slump their shoulders as the woman spoke. I stood up and nodded, "Devyn has been doing a great job helping me, they've made me feel right at home."