Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The familiar large gates to Linkon Academy shine bright against Xavier’s blue eyes, here we are, he thinks to himself as both him and Tara silently walk towards it. Tara glances up at Xavier, ever since her slip up at the coffee shop Xavier has been eerily quiet, almost as if he was drowning in his thoughts. 

“Did you want to talk more about what happened before we take those steps into our new lives?” 

Xavier pauses for a moment, the sound of his footsteps slowing as he processes Tara’s question. He hadn’t realized how heavy his silence had become, how the weight of everything was slowly suffocating him. The gates of Linkon Academy loom before them, symbolic of this new chapter– yet, for Xavier, the threshold feels less like an opportunity and more like an unknown.

He glances at Tara, her expression soft with concern, waiting for him to open up. Xavier swallows, unsure whether he’s ready to lay bare everything that’s been swirling in his mind. After a long breath, he speaks, his voice quieter than usual.

“I didn’t realize how much Caleb's encounter affected me,” he admits, his gaze still fixed on the gates ahead. “I’m used to keeping people at arm’s length, to controlling what they see of me. But with him, it felt like all my walls crumbled in a split second.”

Tara steps closer, her shoulder brushing against his as they continue walking. She doesn’t interrupt, letting him speak his truth at his own pace.

“There was something in the way he looked at me. It wasn’t judgmental, but... like he was waiting for me to show him the truth. And it freaked me out.” He glances at her, eyes haunted with a vulnerability he rarely shows. “I’ve always been so careful, so guarded. But Caleb made me feel... exposed, like I was nothing more than a performance. It sounds stupid, right?”

Tara shakes her head, her voice gentle but firm. “No, it doesn’t sound stupid. You’re just human, Xavi. And Caleb wasn’t some random guy either. He’s the heir to EVER Industries– someone who probably has his own share of expectations and masks to wear. I can only imagine how much harder it must’ve been when you realized he was the one seeing behind yours,” she pauses, patting Xavier on the back, “but like I said earlier? You didn’t actually do anything wrong, you were just caught off guard is all.” 

Xavier lets out a short bitter laugh, “That's the problem Tara, I don't get caught off guard” 

Tara’s hand still rests on Xavier’s back, and she can feel the tension in him—an unease that wasn’t there before. She steps closer, a silent gesture to remind him she’s right there, steady.

“Maybe that’s the problem,” she says quietly, her voice almost a whisper against the backdrop of the academy’s gates. “You don’t let yourself get caught off guard. You’ve built all these walls around yourself so that nothing surprises you. But sometimes, life doesn’t give you a choice. Sometimes, you just have to react.”

Xavier doesn’t respond immediately, his jaw tightening as he tries to process her words. He hadn’t thought about it that way. He’d always prided himself on being in control—of his actions, his emotions, everything. Getting caught off guard felt like a loss of that control, like a failure of his own carefully constructed armor.

“Maybe it’s not about getting caught off guard,” Tara continues, her tone soft but persistent. “Maybe it’s about learning how to let go when it happens. It’s okay to feel vulnerable, Xavi. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to always have everything figured out. I know that’s hard for you, but you do have people who’ll stick by you when things aren’t perfect.”

Xavier turns his head slightly, catching her gaze. Her eyes are sincere, unwavering. There’s a softness there that he’s rarely seen in others– especially not in people who see him as an heir, a symbol, or even a facade. It’s just Tara , his closest friend, the one who’s always been there for him when everything else felt like it was too much to bear.

“You’re right,” he sighs, “I seriously don’t know where I’d be without you sometimes. Nobody can get me out of my head like you can.”

Tara’s smile softens at his words, her expression warm and understanding. She hadn’t expected to hear him say that, and a part of her feels like he’s letting her in more than he ever has before. It’s rare to hear Xavier admit that he struggles with something– anything, really.

“You don’t have to figure everything out alone,” she says quietly, almost like a reminder. Her hand rests gently on his arm, a small but grounded gesture. “And you don’t have to do it all perfectly , Xavi. I’ll be here- no matter what. Even when it feels like everything’s falling apart, I’ll still be around, okay?”

Xavier meets her gaze again, his chest tightening slightly, but not with anxiety this time. With something a little warmer, a little more comforting. He nods slowly, his lips curling into a small but genuine smile.

“I know,” he says softly. “And that means more to me than you’ll ever understand.”

They walk in silence for a moment, the familiar surroundings of Linkon Academy gradually coming into view as they approach the campus. The gates that once felt so daunting now feel less imposing, less like a barrier and more like an entry point into something new- a fresh start, one step at a time.

As they continue forward, Tara bumps her shoulder against his playfully, her voice bright with a shift in mood. “You know, just for the record, I’m not going to let you off the hook this easily,” she teases with a grin. “You think Caleb is good-looking!”

Xavier’s steps falter for a brief moment, his eyes widening in disbelief as he turns to look at Tara. The teasing smile on her face is too knowing, too mischievous, and his face immediately heats up in a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

“You can’t be serious,” he coughs, “It doesn’t mean anything if I say someone who is conventionally attractive is good-looking,” he shakes his head, “you’re the one who literally asked me if he was good-looking off camera and I just answered your question! That doesn’t mean anything!” 

Tara bursts out into a fit of laughter, hunching over, “A lot of defensive talk there Xavi!” 

Xavier crosses his arms, doing his best to maintain a serious face despite the heat creeping up his neck. “It’s not defensive,” he grumbles, his tone betraying him as his voice cracks slightly. 

T ara can barely catch her breath through her laughter, clutching her stomach. “Oh, you are so easy to read,” she manages between giggles. “Honestly, you’re like an open book. A very pretty, brooding book, but still. The pages are wide open, my friend.”

Xavier shoots her an exaggerated glare, though his lips twitch at the edges. “I am not a book,” he says, though the sparkle in his eyes gives him away. “And I’m definitely not letting you get away with this. You’re the one who practically begged me for my opinion. If I was gonna answer honestly, that’s on you , not me.”

Tara wipes her eyes, finally managing to calm down, though the grin on her face is impossible to hide. “You’re right,” she says, voice laced with amusement. “I asked, you answered. I’m not the one trying to pretend like he’s got no feelings, Xavi. You’re the one who got all flustered!” She nudges him again with her shoulder, her grin playful. “I mean, it’s cute that you’re in denial about it, but seriously? Just admit it. Caleb might’ve gotten to you.”

Xavier’s face falls into the most exaggerated frown he can manage. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mutters, though his tone is far less convincing than it should be, “let's just get to the dorms already.” 

...

As Xavier and Tara walk toward the dorms, the campus of Linkon Academy unfolds before them like a carefully curated landscape. The towering trees lining the walkways sway gently in the breeze. The air smells fresh, tinged with the scent of blooming flowers from nearby garden beds, adding a touch of sweetness to the coolness of the day.

The ground beneath their feet is paved with smooth cobblestones, worn by the steps of countless students over the years. Small patches of grass peek through the cracks, a soft contrast to the orderly nature of the campus. The wide, open courtyard between them and the dorms is framed by stone pillars and arches, with fountains bubbling quietly in the corners, their water shimmering in the sunlight.

As they walk, the tall buildings of Linkon Academy rise up ahead, their classic ivy-covered facades evoking a sense of tradition and history. The dorms themselves are just up ahead, four sets of three-story buildings with large windows, each one reflecting the soft golden light of the early afternoon. The brickwork is a rich red, accented by green vines that climb up the walls, weaving through the windows and giving the building a touch of life and character.

In the distance, the sound of laughter and conversation drifts over from a group of new students gathered by the dorm entrance, some unloading their belongings, others meeting their roommates for the first time. The campus feels alive with the promise of new beginnings, every corner bustling with anticipation and excitement for the year ahead.

Tara nudges Xavier lightly, breaking his focus on the scenery. "This is it," she says, her voice soft but full of excitement. "Our new home for the next four years."

Xavier nods quietly, his eyes scanning the surroundings, but there's a momentary flicker of something in his gaze—perhaps a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, tempered by the overwhelming feeling of change. The road ahead is unknown, but for the first time in a long time, he's walking it with someone who truly understands him.

Xavier and Tara slow their pace as they approach the staff member, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. She stands near a small table, where a few more staff members are sorting through papers and handing out keycards to new students.

“Dorms are split by gender, girls to the right and boys to the left,” the woman explains, her voice bright and welcoming. She gestures with a sweeping motion to the path that leads up to the two separate sides of the courtyard, each clearly marked with signs. To the right, the girls’ dorm is adorned with light pastel colors, and the left side, where the boys’ dorms are located, features more neutral, darker tones.

Tara nods enthusiastically. "Thanks!" she says, flashing a quick smile. She starts walking toward the right side, her gaze glancing over her shoulder at Xavier, who’s still standing, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket as he processes the information, “I guess this is where we split for now Xavi.” 

Xavier pauses for a moment longer, his eyes scanning the left side of the building, where the boys' dorms are. The large, arched windows catch the fading light, casting long shadows across the grass. He exhales slowly, “Yeah.” 

The stone path beneath his feet leads him forward, with the rhythmic sound of his footsteps joining the murmurs of other students. For a brief moment, he wonders what kind of people he'll meet here, what his year at Linkon Academy will bring. Despite his earlier unease, there’s a certain calm that washes over him as he approaches the building, the weight of everything outside the gates of the academy feeling just a little lighter.

As Xavier walks toward the boys' dorms, the soft crunch of the gravel path underfoot is almost meditative, giving him a moment of peace amidst the swirl of new faces and unfamiliar surroundings. The towering structure looms ahead, its dark stone facade contrasting sharply with the lush greenery that surrounds it. There’s a slight breeze in the air, carrying the scent of fresh-cut grass and the faint smell of rain, though the sky remains clear.

The boys' dormitory is massive, its architecture traditional yet imposing, with heavy wooden doors at the entrance and wrought-iron balconies on the upper floors. The ivy crawling up the brick gives it a feeling of age, as though this place has seen countless students come and go over the years, each leaving their mark in their own way. There’s a sense of history here, and as Xavier steps closer, he feels the weight of it pressing in, as though the building itself is silently observing him.

He glances around as other new students make their way inside, some with their families, others with just their duffel bags and backpacks. The chatter of greetings and introductions fills the air, but Xavier feels oddly distant from it all, his mind still occupied with his conversation with Tara and the strange vulnerability he’s been grappling with. Even amidst the noise, there’s a quietness to him, a focus on the next step rather than the people around him.

The lobby is bright and airy, with high ceilings and an open, welcoming feel. The walls are decorated with large portraits of past students, some in formal attire, others in more casual poses, each one frozen in time as though to say, you’re a part of something bigger than yourself now. The air smells faintly of wood polish, mixed with the faint hum of a few nearby air conditioners.

A friendly-looking student at the front desk greets him with a cheerful smile. “Hey there! Welcome to the boys' dorms. You’ll be getting settled in soon?”

Xavier nods, offering a small smile in return, his voice steady as he responds, “Yeah. Just looking for where I’m staying.”

“Give me one second here,” The student behind the desk taps away at the computer, their fingers moving quickly across the keyboard. Xavier watches the screen light up, a momentary distraction as his eyes dart around the lobby, catching the portraits of students past. He can almost feel their gazes on him, as though they're silently assessing his place in the long line of those who’ve lived here before him.

"Got it," the student says, giving a nod as they pull a small keycard from a pile. “Room 203, second floor. You’re all set. Just follow the hallway down to the right, it’s at the end of the hall. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Xavier accepts the keycard with a polite nod, tucking it into his pocket. "Thanks."

He turns and heads toward the hallway, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the spacious lobby as he makes his way to the stairs. The sense of unfamiliarity still clings to him, the newness of everything, but there's also a strange comfort in the orderliness of it all. The routine of getting settled into a new place is familiar, even if the place itself is not.

As he climbs the stairs, he can hear the distant murmur of voices from other rooms, the hum of conversations, laughter, and the occasional thud of a door closing. The second floor feels just as lively, and as he walks down the hallway, Xavier begins to notice the smaller details—the framed pictures of campus events, the hand-painted signs directing him to different wings.

When he reaches Room 203, he pauses for a moment, his hand resting on the doorknob. The door feels heavy under his grip, and the sound of the keycard clicking into place seems to resonate more than it should. He pushes the door open and steps inside, the room offering a quiet, calm space amidst the flurry of activity just outside.

The room is spacious, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that contrasts the bustling energy just outside. The walls are painted a soft, neutral beige that complements the light wooden floors, making the space feel open and airy. The high ceilings give the room an expansive feel, as if it stretches beyond its four corners, and a large window, framed by simple white curtains, allows daylight to spill inside, casting a gentle glow across the room.

“You must be my roommate then,” Xavier jumps at the voice, quickly turning around to see who was talking. 

The man’s features are striking, almost ethereal, as though he stepped out of a dream. His hair, a rich shade of deep brown, falls in loose, natural curls that seem to shimmer with the light, as if each strand holds a secret. It frames his face perfectly, slightly tousled, giving him a relaxed, effortless look. He stands with a laid-back confidence, his posture casual but assured, as if he’s perfectly at ease in his space. 

There’s something magnetic about him, an energy that fills the room without him needing to say much. His presence is both calming and electrifying, making it hard for Xavier to focus on anything else but the strange feeling of having just met someone who seems both familiar and completely foreign.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” the man says with a small smile, his voice smooth and warm, like a melody. He steps forward slightly, offering his hand in a friendly gesture. “I’m Rafayel. Looks like we’re roommates.”

Xavier, still processing the sight before him, shakes Rafayel’s hand, a bit caught off guard by the natural ease with which he holds himself. He offers a tight smile, still trying to get used to this new, unexpected dynamic. "Xavier," he says, his voice a little rougher than he intended, the nerves just beneath the surface.

Rafayel’s smile widens, and there’s a knowing glint in his eyes as he looks around the room. “I was wondering who my roommate was, never saw you once yet, your side of the room is completely set up.” His gaze lingers on Xavier for a beat too long, almost as if he's sizing him up, but the moment quickly passes, and he steps back to let Xavier into the room, “I’m still moving my stuff with the help of a friend, hope you don't mind.” 

Xavier steps more into the room, his mind still trying to process the surreal feeling of meeting someone like Rafayel. It’s not just the man's striking looks or the calm yet electrifying energy he exudes, but the fact that there’s something about him that feels almost... timeless, as if he doesn’t quite belong to this place- or maybe he belongs to every place.

“No problem,” Xavier says quickly, trying to shake off the unease that settles in his stomach. He glances around, noticing that Rafayel’s side of the room is still in the process of being unpacked. A few boxes are stacked against the wall, and there are clothes draped over the back of a chair, a sign that things are still in flux. But it’s clear Rafayel’s style is evident already– simple yet with a certain edge, an effortless coolness that makes everything look intentional.

Xavier’s gaze lingers on his side of the room, noting the order imposed on the space. His bed is made to military precision, each corner tucked neatly under the mattress. His desk is organized with a minimalist approach– books stacked just so, a notebook and pen positioned in an exact alignment, and a bottle of water beside them, perfectly placed. There’s something about the meticulousness of it all that gives the room a sense of stillness, as if every item in it is positioned to maintain a controlled balance.

I’m sure mother set this up, Xavier thinks, a flicker of disappointment rising within him, quickly buried under a practiced layer of indifference.

He can almost picture her in his mind now– her gentle but unyielding voice instructing him on the importance of order, of keeping things neat and perfect. It’s what she’s always done, always expected. The thought stings in a way he’s come to expect but tries to push aside. His mother’s presence, always so carefully controlling, has followed him into this new space, making it feel less like his own and more like an extension of the life he’s tried so hard to escape.

The room, while perfect, feels more like a reminder of expectations than a place to truly settle into, to make his own. It’s not his fault; he never asked for this kind of perfection, never asked for his world to be shaped so deliberately by someone else’s hand. But it’s there, and no matter how much he wants to break free, there’s always that underlying weight, the constant pressure to be flawless, to maintain the image others expect of him.

Xavier’s gaze snaps back to the door at the sound of the loud bang. His heart skips a beat, startled by the sudden noise. He looks over just in time to see Rafayel swing the door open, a wide grin on his face as he laughs.

“I told you it was heavy!” Rafayel says, his voice light, filled with amusement.

Xavier raises an eyebrow as he watches the scene unfold, his tension easing slightly at the sight of Rafayel’s easy going demeanor. But before he can respond, another voice, familiar yet unexpected, follows.

“Yeah, when you said ‘heavy,’ I thought you meant like max 50 pounds,” the voice pants, followed by a small groan. “This? This is at least double– no, triple that!”

Xavier’s eyes widen as the second person steps into view. His chocolate brown hair tousled from the exertion, Caleb’s broad shoulders fill the doorway, and his warm, confident grin is unmistakable. But it’s his eyes that catch Xavier off guard, a glint of recognition flashing in their depths as they meet Xavier’s gaze.

“Caleb,” Xavier’s voice barely rises above a whisper, thick with disbelief.

For a brief moment, everything around them seems to slow. The noise of the hallway fades, the bustling voices dim, and all Xavier can hear is the pounding of his own heart. He didn’t expect to see Caleb here.

Caleb’s gaze flickers over Xavier, his smile faltering just slightly, but it doesn’t fully disappear. Instead, his lips curl into a small, almost rueful grin as if he’s surprised but not entirely shocked.

“Xavier,” Caleb says, his voice low, smooth, but with a hint of something that Xavier can’t quite read. “I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Xavier stands frozen, his mind scrambling for the right thing to say, but before he can respond, Rafayel steps forward, effortlessly bridging the distance between them.

“Well, looks like we don't need any introductions then,” Rafayel jokes, his tone playful and light, though there’s a slight flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he looks between Xavier and Caleb. “Small world, huh?”

Xavier swallows, his throat dry as he tries to keep his voice steady. What are the odds? The universe seems to be forcing their paths to cross again. Caleb, right here, in the same space. It feels like a twist of fate, one that Xavier isn’t entirely sure he’s prepared for.