The Artist's Secrets : DaltonxReader
warning spoilers ahead.
pov: You and Dalton are in the same art class at the university, and you notice that he has been behaving strangely lately.
Dalton and [Name] were two classmates at the university, sharing a common interest in visual arts. They regularly attended art classes together with their demanding and passionate professor, Ms. Armagan. It was during these moments of creativity that they discovered each other, exchanging ideas, supporting and inspiring one another.
But one day, as they immersed themselves in their painting project during class, Dalton suddenly found his hand covered in blood. The pain was evident on his face, but he remained mysteriously silent. [Name], alerted by the situation, felt a wave of concern rising within her. She knew Dalton as an introspective and reserved person, but something seemed different this time. He appeared lost, adrift in a world she couldn't comprehend.
Approaching him discreetly, she gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Dalton, are you okay?" she murmured, her gaze filled with genuine concern.
Dalton averted his gaze, seeming hesitant to respond. Finally, in a calm but slightly trembling voice, he said, "It's nothing, just an accident."
However, [Name] could sense that there was more to it, something deeper troubling him. She knew it couldn't be just a mere accident.
"Dalton..." she replied softly, insisting that he share what was troubling him. "What's really going on? You can tell me. You know I can read you like a book."
"Just that..." he began, but was interrupted by their professor. "End of class. See you all tomorrow at the same time!" she announced, signaling for everyone to leave the room.
"Sorry, I have to go. See you tomorrow," said the troubled young man before hastily gathering his belongings and exiting the room.
[Name] let out a long sigh before gathering her own things and leaving the class.
_____________________________________
The next day, at the same time, as the visual arts class was coming to an end, Professor Armagan had left the room, leaving Dalton and [Name] alone. The room was calm and peaceful, bathed in the gentle light of the setting sun streaming through the large windows.
[Name] turned her mischievous gaze towards Dalton and remarked, "Well, Dalton, I didn't expect to see you at the frathouse party yesterday..."
Dalton, surprised, let out a genuine laugh. "Well, it was more of a friend who dragged me there... to make fun of them, you know. Anyway, if you saw me there, it means you were there too. So, any defense for yourself?"
[Name] shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "No, no, I'm not the kind of person who enjoys those kinds of parties. I was only there to pick up my brother. Believe me, I usually hate them. I'm relieved you didn't go there just to have fun with those people... so, how was it, then?"
Dalton seemed confused when [Name] asked about the fraternity party. His face briefly froze, revealing a hint of worry that she noticed immediately. Intrigued, she sought to learn more, wanting to understand what troubled him.
"Are you sure you're okay lately?" she asked in a gentle voice, her eyes scanning his for answers.
He averted his gaze, seeming hesitant to share the truth. "It's... it's complicated, [Name]. I'd really prefer not to talk about it."
The enigmatic tone of his response only heightened [Name]'s suspicions. She remembered the moment she had seen him with his hand covered in blood the day before. Perhaps there was a connection to what troubled him now.
"Dalton, I can't help but notice how distant you've been lately... Does it have something to do with what happened yesterday? I mean, I was genuinely concerned to see you like that, well, I mean, you've always been a weird guy, but not to this extent normally, so I'm a bit worried," she finished with a semi-smile.
Dalton felt a mix of surprise and concern reflected in [Name]'s expression. She had made a lighthearted remark earlier, but now she realized that something much more serious was troubling him. She approached him gently, placing her hand on his, seeking to reassure him.
"Dalton, I won't think you're crazy, believe me. I'm here for you, no matter what you have to say. You can trust me, and even though we haven't known each other for long, I have this strong feeling that you need support right now," she said in a comforting voice.
Dalton felt overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions as he watched [Name] provide such comforting support. A glimmer of relief began to spread within him, giving him the strength to continue.
"For some time now, I've been seeing... things," he began, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I know it may sound crazy, but I can't ignore it. Visions, apparitions... I'm not exactly sure what it is, but it frightens me."
[Name] held his hand in hers, offering silent support as she listened attentively. She understood that he was going through a period of confusion and uncertainty, and she was determined to help him understand what was happening.
"Dalton, please, I told you, I won't think you're crazy," she said gently. "There's always an explanation, even if it seems strange or hard to understand. Tell me more."
Dalton felt a surge of gratitude enveloping him as he listened to [Name]'s comforting words. He felt that he could trust her, even though they had only known each other for a short time. There was something reassuring and familiar about her presence.
"There's something else I need to tell you," Dalton continued, his voice filled with emotion. "I don't remember the year I turned ten. My parents claim I was in a coma, but... I no longer believe them. I have this feeling that there's more to the story."
[Name] tightened her grip on Dalton's hand, encouraging him to continue.
"I can see things that others can't," Dalton confessed, his voice slightly trembling. "I can travel to another world... a world where I can see the dead, I think. But I'm not completely sure about all of this."
As Dalton shared his most intimate thoughts, he felt the support and reassuring presence of [Name]. Her comforting gestures, like the gentle rubbing of his hand, eased the fears that plagued him.
"Listen, if you need me to accompany you, I can be there, okay? You seem like a genuinely good person, and on top of that, you're one of the few people I've really connected with since starting college," [Name] said with determination. "We'll search for answers, we'll understand what's happening. You're not alone, okay?"
The words from [Name] resonated deeply within Dalton. In this moment of shared vulnerability, he felt heard, understood, and supported.
"Thank you, but you don't have to," he replied.
"Hey, listen, I'll be there, okay? I'll give you my phone number, my room is not far from yours, and if there's anything, don't hesitate to send me a message or call. Let's say I'm a night owl!
