waking up

“There are more frightening things in my life than a spider bite. This, sadly, doesn’t faze me.”

“You maybe right, but they’re still nasty little things.” 

He was seeking silence in the one room he never really visited–the study. Not that the designated ‘Study Room’ was anything fancier than a few tables, leather chairs and a small wall full of books, but it was less noisy than before. Lifting his head slightly when he heard the ever growing salsa music from the poolside, Cecil silently noted what day it was. Thirsty Thursday, the blonde mused, drawing his gaze over the page he was lazily skimming before a sharp bang jolted him. Pulling his earbuds out, his blue eyes found the stranger’s, who froze in his place before he dove down to gather his papers.  “Oh–” He managed to say, but instinct quickly took over as he walked closer and scooped up a few pens and pencils that rolled farther away, “Wow, good thing that table wasn’t a person. You’ve got a nice pimp hand, you know that?”

Matthew couldn’t help the small laugh that left his lips at the stranger’s comment and for a short second it had erased the negativity in his head, but only for a second. “I’ll keep that in mind if I ever want a new profession.” He grumbled out standing up once he had recovered all of his supplies. “Thank you for the help, I didn’t realize how much stuff I had brought with me...”

“I can’t, it’s horribly embarrassing.” Plus, how she she admit to a total stranger that spending many hours in his presence sounded nice. Thus why she was grateful for the slight change in subject. “Sure, anytime. I don’t often share my work with others, as they…tend to laugh. Just let me know when you’d want to see.” The fact that she was so willing to share her work surprised her, she usually hated others judging her.

“Then I suppose I can let it pass this time only if you make it up to me with coffee?” Matthew didn’t have time to even process what he was saying before he had asked the woman out on a small date. He was shocked at his own words, he was never forward with people unless it was in business, yet this stranger was bringing out parts of him he didn’t think he had anymore. “That’s quite rude, I’m sure they’re nothing to laugh at and they’re just blind to art. People can be so inconsiderate.” He muttered out shaking his head. He didn’t understand why he felt the sudden need to defend her, but it was like a second nature almost. “What about right now? Unless you have something else to do?”

“That would be a spider.” He flicked it away easily. “That was a spider.”

“At least it didn’t bite you, right?” Matt asked hoping he didn’t warn the male too late.

Dakota had been attempting to write formulas and theorems, ones he knew easily, but in his frustration at life couldn’t think of. Hearing the crash in front of him he picked up his head in shock. All he saw was papers scattering, and he immediately got up to attempt to help the other man. Grabbing a few rogue papers off the ground he stood and put them in Matt’s hands. “No, man, you’re ok. We all have those days.”

Letting out a small huff of appreciation Matthew closed his eyes, willing himself to not rant the strangers ears off with his problems. “They’re not so much fun that’s for sure-- Thank you though normally I think people would run the other way when they see a small breakdown, not help.”

“Then you help me land the guy- they’re both attractive, don’t worry about it. I’m more than willing to bring either one of them home with me,” she said simply, pulling away and taking his hand, tugging him in the direction of the scuba diving building. “You act like I don’t want to just take both of them home with me, too. I’m always up for a three-way.”

Matthew knew he shouldn’t have asked the question as soon as Amber gave him her reasoning. “Of course you wouldn’t.” He lightly teased rolling his eyes while begrudgingly following behind her. “Everyone needs some loving so I guess it’s good you’re not too picky. Do you know if they’re single or not though?”

There was something in his smile that brought a rosy hue back to her cheeks. Lacey tried her best to ignore it, but after a few moments she tilted her chin down and allowed her hair to cover it up. “Can’t say I would mind…” Catching herself before finishing the sentence, she covered her mouth with her fingers. “I can’t believe I almost said that. Wow, ok. Anyway. Yes, I love it. My favorite part is actually getting to physically draw my subject first. It’s a step I think a lot of people skip, because actual art is more difficult, but it’s where I can easily be most creative.”

Cocking his head to the side with a genuine smile that only widened when she hid her face from his eyes. “Oh no way, now you have to say what you weren’t going to.” He teased  crossing his arms over his chest while it shook with laughter. “It probably is the part that’s the most important if you think about it. I’d love to see what you’ve done though? I’m not much of an artist unless it involves building something then I can draw you a layout out.”