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[wanderingsin]

Sin huddles under the shelter of the bus stop, keeping his violin case under his jacket as much as he can as he thumbs through his phone to text Athelstan back.

The piece looks amazing. Thank you for letting me see it before you submit your portfolio. If you're in town, would you like to catch up for coffee? Just leaving uni now

Although Athelstan was technically a client, he was also the nearest thing Sin had to a friend. And he felt rattled enough to need a friend right now.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

He doesn't have to wait too long for an answer.

I'm in town. Usual place?

[wanderingsin]

Where else? :)

Sin shuffles his way through the crowd, case clasped to his chest both as a shield and to protect it from careless knocks, making his way to the little cafe they favour.

He smiles to see Athelstan, joining him at the corner table. "Artista."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Hello", he says with a smile in return, standing to greet his friend.

[wanderingsin]

Sin shies away from the traditional cheek kisses, never quite comfortable with it but clasps Athelstan's shoulder warmly before sitting, ordering a coffee with a quick flash of a smile to the waitress.

"Thank you for sending me that photos. The painting came out wonderfully. You must be pleased."

[athelstanthescribe]

He smiles a little at the compliment.

"I had a good sitter."

[wanderingsin]

Complements from Athelstan, he knows how to deal with. He answers with a slightly theatrical bow. "You're too kind. I just hope your assessors like it as much as I do."

He sips his coffee as if clinging to a lifeline. "It has been such a strange day. I think this might only my second cup for the day."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan peers at him, frowning slightly.

"Why? What's happened?"

[wanderingsin]

Sin smoothes his hair back, avoiding that frown for a moment. "You took art history last year, didn't you? Did you every see Doctor Roman Fell from the Palazzo Capponi lecture?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Dr Fell... yeah, I think I do remember him. He spoke very well."

[wanderingsin]

"I was taking a detour through the Arts building on my way back from recital. I happen to catch his lecture on Caravaggio. You're right, he speaks very well." There's something a little awestruck in Sin's tone.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks at him sidelong.

"You met him, didn't you?"

[wanderingsin]

Sinric gives a half sheepish little laugh. "I, quite literally, bumped into him on my way out of the lecture theatre. We... he walked with me out to the quad."

He frowns, trying to find words to explain why it threw him so badly. "He was very..."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan doesn't rush him. listening patiently for him to find his words.

[wanderingsin]

Sin shakes his head with a dismissive gesture. "He complemented me. From anyone else it would have sounded like a cheap pick up line but the way he said it... And those eyes..." He stares into his coffee.

[athelstanthescribe]

"What did he say?" he asks gently.

[wanderingsin]

"That I looked familiar, perhaps from a Botticelli painting." He blushes a little at the memory.

[athelstanthescribe]

" - well, it's not just any guy that would say that. But he sounded sincere?"

[wanderingsin]

"Deeply sincere but unreadability so. He's... hypnotic." He gives a helpless little shrug. "And I just stood there like a deer in the headlights."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Hm." He leans back. "I can see why that would throw you."

[wanderingsin]

Sin pushes his hair back, giving up on the messy frizz and deftly frees the rest from the once neat braid. "What I need to do it get the whole thing out of my head and move on. For all I know, he's just another perv with a smoother than average patter. And the last thing I need is a distraction right now. My composition still needs work."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods, letting it go.

"How's that going? Almost done?"

[wanderingsin]

"I think so. I can feel the last movement. I just can't seem to write it out so it sounds the same as it does in my head." He shakes his head and sips his coffee. "How's the portfolio coming along?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Getting there", he says easily. "I need a few more still lifes, I think."

[wanderingsin]

He reaches across the table to gently pat his friend's hand. "You'll find your inspiration. Are you coming to the biennale masked ball next week?"

[athelstanthescribe]

He shrugs slightly.

"I might. Are you?"

[wanderingsin]

"Only if you'll be my wing man." He teases warmly. Neither of them are the sort to put themselves out there in the way so many do during the biennale.

"I want to. There is a quartet coming from Venice I've been dying to hear play. I'll go to see them, even if I'm not much one for the dancing or drinking."

[athelstanthescribe]

"That sounds like a once in a lifetime chance", he agrees. "No telling when they'll next be back in the States."

[wanderingsin]

"Just so." He smiles, glancing to the cafe's door and the sound of rolling thunder. "I should get home before the storm gets worse. Thank you for meeting up with me. Your company is always so calming."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I try. Can I get you a cab, in case the rain starts up before you get there?"

[wanderingsin]

Sin smiles. It's so sweet of Athelstan to offer but he always feels like he's taking advantage of Athelstan's generosity. And he's a little ashamed of how close he lives to destitution. There's a reason he always sits for Athelstan at Athelstan's bright and lovely studio.

"Thank you but I don't have that far to go. I'm sure I'll be fine." He palms a few coins to cover the coffees. "When did you want me to come over next?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Whenever you're free", he suggests. "Maybe at the weekend?"

[wanderingsin]

"Whenever suits you, Artista." He smiles. "But the weekend would be perfect for me. Just text me with a time and I'll meet you at your studio?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'll let you know exactly when, then", he agrees.

[wanderingsin]

Sin rises, giving his friend another gentle shoulder squeeze. Funny how fast he's become so comfortable around Athelstan. After all, they've only known each other since the start of the year.

"Thanks for your company. Travel safely, my friend." He picks up his case and heads for the door.