The Last Architects

Chapter Eleven.

Admittedly, my life had gone to shit. Not even just a little.

For the third time, I had found myself pinned against Skyler, remembering as each occurrence landed him more and more flustered. It was ridiculous.

And while keeping up with our constant disputes and physical altercations, I had managed to get myself involved even deeper with Professor Rand. A shameful thing to admit, but it had to be done. I was stuck, with two guys I both thought were anything but attracted to men, seemingly interested in me, I had no idea what to do.

I couldn't even tell Heidi, so it's not like I wasn't aware it was wrong... But it also wasn't my fault for getting mixed up with them!

Dealing with Skyler on such a frequent basis had me searching for an outlet to calm down with, and why that had to be my art teacher, was beyond me.

. . .

Having fallen asleep in Cameron's class was my first biggest embarrassment. Not that I was worried he'd be mad, but surely disappointed. To sleep through my so-called 'favorite class'. He'd think I lied about it... But when my eyes opened sorely to the light, and I checked the time on my watch, I was surprised to see him still in the classroom. A new anxiousness built in my gut that he wanted to talk about how shameful it was...

I stood quickly, minding the sudden dizziness as I got my bag, Professor Rand meeting me at the bottom of the steps, and I quickly lowered my head. "I'm so sorry, Professor. I didn't realize how tired I was until I sat down- and I don't even remember falling asleep... I promise it has nothing to do with how you taught the class!"

"It's alright, are you doing well?" Huh? I felt my body tense up at the feeling of his hand moving against my jaw, lifting my gaze to his, which was full of un-blanketed concern. "What happened?"

"...Uh- I-," I wasn't one for stuttering ever, but when it came to him, I felt like a child, "I got into a small altercation... The nurse said it should be fine, so you don't have to worry..." I managed a smile, but I could feel myself beginning to turn red at his gentle hold on my face.

"Small...?" He frowned, and I moved my hand over his, "are you sure you are fine? Have you been able to get some rest?"

"I'm really fine, Sir. I've only had bad sleep because I've been staying up working on a presentation. I promise I won't let it get in the way of my studies with you again..." I could hardly keep my eyes open, in all honesty, and the warmth of his hand against my skin certainly wasn't helping. "...Did you wait for me to wake up?"

"Yes, do you have class after mine? If not, stay and rest. I insist." He brought me to his desk, and I couldn't stop staring...

"Uh... I do... But maybe..." I paused at the realization that just a question could get him fired. So I kept it to myself. "I should get going, it's a class I'm not very good at, so it would make my life harder to miss it." I moved my hand to his shoulder for just a moment before taking a step past him.

"What subject is it?" He looked at me and I stopped at the door.

"Mathematics. So unfortunately, it is important- Professor?" Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it.

"Yes, Ema?" Cameron leaned against his desk, and when his eyes still held concern, I smiled.

"Would you say yes to going out sometime? I had fun the other night..." Oh, kill yourself. I looked away from him, my breathing, turning shaky at just the thought of him saying no.

"Sure. I don't see why not. No drinking is my one rule." I was quick to look at him, his smile already shining, "speaking of," Leaning off his desk, I watched as he proceeded to look for something in his bag, walking over to me once he held the piece of paper, "there's a showing of art and ballet this upcoming Saturday, and I have the permission to bring a plus one, would you like to be that one?"

I was completely in shock. Not only did he say yes, but to invite me of all people to such a fancy event? What was I doing!? "I- woah- aha- are you serious? Don't you have anyone more- I dunno, important, to invite? I would love to go with you! Don't get me wrong, it's just that- that seems like a big deal, no?" I bit my lip, leaning back against the door as I looked up at him.

"Well, my brother isn't as interested in the arts to have the want to go, and he's the only other I'd consider taking." He shrugged, "so, will you accept?" I leaned forward when he extended the invitation to me, looking it over for a moment before I was unable to control my smile.

"Thank you, Professor! That's very exciting and I'm happy you asked me!" I tried to control my emotions, but shamefully enough, I was basically just asked out on a date by one of the more attractive people I knew. "You can message me the time, and I'll be there..."

"Wonderful! I look forward to it. I'll send you the digital invitation, all the information should be on there." He lifted his hand in what I thought would be a stretch, but when it fell gently on my head, I was in awe. Even when he stepped away, something about the whole ordeal taking place in a classroom, left me flustered. "If you ever need to take a nap, you can tell any teacher I kept you behind to finish an assignment." His wink was the only thing that brought me back to focus, and I slowly brought my hand to my mouth.

"Thank you, I- Aha, I'm kinda forgetting what to say... But I'll see you tomorrow, and of course, Saturday!" I couldn't stop looking at him.

"I look forward to both." He smiled and I was losing my mind, "have an amazing rest of your day, Ema."

"You as well, Professor..." fuck.

. . .

With the number of things going on in my life, I genuinely had no room for whatever the hell was happening between Skyler and I.

He was clearly the most homophobic gay kid in the entire academy, and I needed to put an end to any miscommunication. But as I opened the door to our dorm room, I was insanely amused to see the once tape line now built up into a floor to ceiling cardboard divider. Only making way to the bathroom, but apart from that, it was pure segregation.

I could see him for a moment when I first opened the door, but the minute we both failed to make eye contact for more than a second, it was clear that what he'd made was necessary. "...And here I thought you only had stupid ideas." I yawned, tapping the cardboard before falling back against my mattress.

"Just don't fuck with it." He sounded annoyed as he moved around but I really thought this was a good thing. "How far along are you on the drawing?" Skyler asked, and I listened as he tacked things to our new wall.

"Mmm, not quite finished, I need to draw over it once the paint dries, then work on the interior, I'll get it done soon, don't worry." I sighed, sitting up when I knew it was going to be another long night. "What about you?"

"Almost done. How good are you at memorizing?"

"Good, when I'm not exhausted, why?" I sighed as I moved to my desk, turning on the lamp and record player before kicking my jeans off.

"I have some paragraphs for you, since I've worked out what materials to use and on the inner design." My attention fell on the floor when a folder slipped from underneath.

"Ohh, how exciting. I'll read it tomorrow. I'm too tired to multitask right now." I groaned, opening our window from the half I got, wrapping myself in a blanket to avoid the freezing wind as I got my supplies.

"As long as you know what to say on the day of the presentation." I glanced back as he went to the bathroom, going back to my drawings shortly after.