Ever After Fate| Vax'ildan x OC| College/Modern AU| The Legend of Vox Machina

Chapter 2

The professor in front of the classroom was rambling on about a project they would have as a final for the class. A presentation on the theories of a chosen sociologist of their choosing. Of course, they were rambling on about how they should start the beginnings of the projects within the next few weeks. Vax knew very well that this was something that he was not going to do until the last few weeks if he was being optimistic. In reality, probably not until the last few days before the final period especially for gen-ed.

The professor continued showing past examples from previous students. Vax had all but tuned him out. His pencil glided across the notebook paper as continued shading in the details of her hair. His standard #2 pencil was not dark enough to capture the actual color of her hair. Raven Black. Some parts are braided coming into a bun on the lower part of her head.

Despite only seeing her face for a moment, he could accurately draw all her features: the depths of her eyes, angles of her jawline, the curvature of her lips. He was already nearly done with the drawing deeming it worthy enough considering he didn't have the appropriate pencils and paper he preferred. He continued touching up a few of the areas as the professor discussed the rest of the syllabus that Vax had already tossed somewhere into the notebook.

A hand came across the paper snapping their fingers together. Vax turned his head toward the gnome sitting next to him running their fingers along the table harboring an annoyed expression.

"I have been trying to talk to you for the past few minutes," Pike angrily whispered.

"Sorry, I was distracted," he said looking back at the drawing. Pike and he decided to take sociology together as one of their required classes so that they didn't have to suffer alone through the boring shit. Mostly for Vax since this stuff was up more of Pike's alley since she was minoring in religion.

"I can see that," she softly chuckled peering over to the drawing to get a closer look at it. "It's very beautiful. You working on your portrait skills?"

"Uh?-" he nervously rubbed the back of his head, "Not exactly."

Pike raised an eyebrow at him. Vax could see the thought coming to her head as her expression changed to excitement. "Are you seeing someone?!"

The professor turned to the pair of them as well as the eyes of everyone else in the classroom. They both awkwardly grinned back hoping to help calm down the situation.

"Just talking about the final project and who were are going to do," Pike offered with a big smile swinging her arm playfully. The professor's eyes narrowed at her but decided to continue with the syllabus leaving the pair alone. The rest of the class turned their attention back to him or to whatever else they were doing. Pike turned back to Vax waiting for his explanation.

"It is not what you think it is," he whispered in a serious tone. He thought for a moment looking at his friend. Pike has always been a confidant for him. She was the next person he knew he could tell anything to after his sister. This was something he hadn't been able to tell Vex though.

She could tell from that tone that whatever it was troubling him. If Vax felt Pike's hand come done around his own. She gave a soft squeeze in support. "Hey, you know I'm always here for ya. So if you want to tell me, you can. If you don't feel comfortable then you don't."

"Thanks, Pickle," he smiled at her before turning back to the drawing contemplating. Her eyes stared back at him. He thought back to the moment once again before looking back at Pike. She was a follower of Everlight, one of the many gods that people worshipped on this plane. People have always carried tales of their deeds saying that the gods used to be heavily involved in the plane's endeavors. According to worshippers, they are not needed as much now so they don't make their presence known. Only in small moments such as rain from the Stormlord, the bright sun and harvest from the Dawnfather, and healing from the Everlight. Vax had never really believed in any of them because of that. However, he respected Pike very much and her beliefs.