Chapter Text
Being partnered with Beau was different than you had expected it to be.
The last two weeks you’d met in the library, he’d arrived on time and after that first meeting had started bringing you your preferred choice of coffee; which you’re not even entirely sure how he knew, certain that you hadn’t told him while also insisting that he didn’t need too.
He was also managing to do his fair share of work rather than leaving it all to you, which surprised you as you’d expected to do most of the work for this assignment.
Which led you to come to the conclusion that you’d misread Beau, misjudged him just by what you’ve heard and seen around campus. Something else which hadn’t taken you long to decide on was the fact that Beau genuinely reminded you of a golden retriever, and had you questioning where on earth he got his energy from.
Which on second thought, you’d rather not know.
But there was more to Beau than that golden retriever persona; had only caught glimpses of it so far, of who he is underneath and it wasn’t something you hated. In actual fact it only made you like Beau more.
There was something about him that you just couldn’t help but like.
The only downside to him and the two of you working on your assignment in the library was how many people came up to him to talk. Apparently they didn’t care about library etiquette when it involved the star quarterback of the football team.
You hadn’t minded at first, a part of you fully expecting it to happen however it was now starting to grate on you, the two of you barely managing to have a conversation without someone interrupting.
Another thing you’d noticed; which was apparently something you did now, give your undivided attention to Beau Maxwell. Was that the interruptions seemed to be annoying him too. Maybe you were reading too much into it or projecting your own feelings onto him, but his normally sweet, energetic demeanour was becoming more and more pissed judging by the furrow of his brow, the more people who came over to talk to him.
However there was something that you were completely oblivious to, despite how much attention you now gave Beau. You were unaware of the fact that Beau was utterly enamoured by you.
After class that day when your assignments were given out, he’d gone home to the frat house to stalk your instagram far more than what he’d ever admit too. And just last week he’d snuck into one of your skating sessions without you knowing. He’d thought you as otherworldly when you skated. Completely lost in your own world as he stood in the shadows, captivated by your elegance and beauty on the ice. There’d also been multiple times when he’d wanted to text you and then chickened out at the last minute, which wasn’t something that happened to Beau Maxwell.
So it was safe to say he was getting pissed at the disruptions, not wanting a single person to interrupt the already limited time he got to spend with you.
But also focusing hard on not letting his emotions show while he tried to get a reading on you. Because so far you hadn’t given him much to go on.
Finishing up for the day to go your separate ways, both of you needing to get to practice; but as you make your way out of the library you can’t help but say to Beau, “We don’t have to do our assignment at the library you know, especially given all the…” pausing, searching for the right word, “distractions.” You gesture, implying the near constant interruptions of people wanting to talk (flirt) with beau.
“I’m sorry about that,” he winces, fully aware of just how bad it’s been lately.
You begin walking together, despite needing to go in opposite directions; you to the rink and Beau to the field. But that doesn’t stop him from instinctively reaching out to carry your bag for you.
“Beau, I can carry my own bag.” You tell him, trying and failing to be stubborn, though it doesn’t stop you from feeling the warmth heat your cheeks at his gesture. Even more so when you look at him to see that grin of his spread across his lips.
“Babe, I’m being a gentleman. If you keep carrying this bag you’re going to end up walking lopsided from the weight.” He teases.
You roll your eyes at his comment, walking off in front of him while he catches up once again.
“What about Malone’s?” He asks, going back to your previous discussion.
“Do you really think Malone’s will be any quieter?” You question.
He sighs, “yeah, I see your point. I don’t suppose the frat house will be any less distracting.” Beau muses.
The silence settling for a moment before Beau speaks up again, “What about you? I’m assuming you’ve got a roommate?” He asks, curious to find out more about you given that so far, you hadn’t shared much.
“I do, but we don’t live in the dorms, we’re on Main Street, so…” you trail off, silently grateful for Beau walking you to the rink while also mentally preparing yourself for the next two hours stuck with a skating partner you don’t like who also doesn’t like you.
"You live on Main Street? Where?” Beau questions, practically buzzing over this piece of information you’ve given him.
“On the corner, above the coffee shop.” Taking a breath as you both stop at the top of the steps outside the rink. “So if you want, we can study at mine.”
“Are you sure?” Beau asks.
“Yeah, it’ll be fine, Lucy won’t mind.” You reply, before grabbing your bag from Beau’s shoulder, “thank you for walking me over here and for carrying my bag.” You smile at him.
“You don’t have to thank me for that.” He shrugs his shoulders as he answers, before he carefully yet quickly brushes a stray lock of your hair behind your ear.
“I should go,” you say, stepping back but not taking your eyes off of him, feeling the heat rise to the surface of your skin once again. “I’ll see you later.” You stutter out, turning as you make your way to the doors of the rink not waiting for Beau’s reply.