the painter

“Uh, um,” he bit gnawed at his lower lip anxiously. “C-can we start with yours?” He asked shyly, a little nervous to show his work.

“Just pretend like we’re talking until the cops leave.”

“Uh-- okay.”

“I’m off the clock right now. I’d appreciate some privacy right now.” Vincent declared taking a sip of his drink, not bothering to look up to see who it was.  

“Oh-- uh, I was just wondering if I left my phone over here,” Sebastian explained. “I was sitting her a few minutes ago..”

    ❝ — yes I do understand what you are saying, but as admirable as this       attempt is I don’t see how this is relevant.  My time does not reside in        abundance, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. ❞ 

“Oh-- my bad,” Sebastian bit his lower lip. 

Fletch smiles softly, reassuringly. “I’m sure you will. I’m not much of a teacher either, but I do know my stuff. Now, I’d bet all of my money that you’re much the same. We can just show each other how we work around the styles, or exchange tips and tricks and stuff.” He shrugs like it’s not a big deal.

Sebastian smiled shyly. “I like that idea. I like it a lot.” Sebastian was almost envious of how nonchalant Fletch seemed, because Sebastian was having a hard time hold it together.

❝ Just a little bit, but it’s a’ight, no one’s going to hold it against you. Haven’t seen you ‘round here much, you new or just not really your scene? ❞ 

“Not my scene. I’ve lived here forever,” he laughed. “I’m Sebastian.”

Fletch grins widely when he sees the younger guy smile. “Awesome! I’m glad you think so. I bet we could teach each other a lot.” 

“I hope I have something to offer,” he shrugged. “I’m not much of a teacher.”

He nods slowly in acknowledgement. ❝ Micah. This your first time? ❞

“Yes. Is it that obvious?”

❝ Look at it this way, a lot of beautiful girls — or guys, whatever you’re into, I ain’t judging, come in here, so this, is a useful skill to have. Soon grasshopper, you’ll do more than just aim. ❞ He gives a quick wink and leans over to demonstrate. ❝ Didn’t catch your name by the way. ❞

Sebastian nodded, not really saying much at first. He could barely aim, let alone do anything that would impress anyone. “Oh, uh, I’m Sebastian,” he introduced him.

Fletcher’s smile grows the more Sebastian keeps talking. “Nah man, it’s not lame at all. Actually, it’s cool. It’s good to mess around with stuff like that, and test yourself. For the most part I work using abstraction, so for me, realism is a hard task. Maybe we could help each other.” He offers.

Sebastian tried to hide his excitement, “Sounds great! I’d love that.”

Sebastian had to be honest, reading in the middle of a antique shop wasn’t his best idea. “I’m sorry,” he bit his lip, “I didn’t think anyone would find me back here.”

“Yeah yeah.” The blonde rolled her eyes, glancing over at him before looking towards the cigarettes that were now in her possession. “Well, at least let me walk you to- wherever you’re going..” 

“I’m just heading to the library,” he replied, as he moved for the door. “By the way, I’m Sebastian.”

“Hmm… I think my cousin taught me that one a while back.” The girl let her fingers trail over the keys. “I play a little, maybe I can help.”

“Go for it,” he offered, moving over more, so she would have more room.