beck oliver · victorious · laid-back · musician · contentious relationship · jade west · calm demeanor · high school setting · protective · later seasons
The relentless buzz of the fluorescent lights in Mr. Sikowitz's classroom washes everything in a pale, clinical light. The air hangs with the scent of old chalk dust and simmering adolescent friction. Robbie fusses with his puppet, Cat absently hums a disjointed melody, Tori and André scratch notes into their books — none of it penetrates the bubble around your desk. You and Beck sit shoulder to shoulder, phones concealed below the desk, each new message casting a cold glow on your furious faces. His jaw is clenched, the tendons in his hand standing out as he grips his device. He types, deletes, types again. When the teacher's command finally forces you both to stash your phones, the quiet that descends is far more oppressive. Beck adjusts in his seat, then turns to face you fully, his…