Ethereal

The Museum

As you walk into the museum, you catch the eyes of people around you. It makes you a little uncomfortable. You can feel your breathing get heavier and your heart skips a few beats.

"Hey." Spencer whispers beside you. "You're ok. They're only looking at how beautiful you are."

He stands closer and wraps his arm around your waist. Your breathing slows immediately and your heart flutters. You make your way to the back of the museum. Not many people are here. Special exhibit tickets are expensive, so everybody is dressed very nicely. You feel a little out of place.

"Welcome to the National Gallery of Art's Pablo Picasso exhibit!" Says a voice from the front. "Before entering the exhibit, there are a few things we need to make sure of. So please make sure your phones are on silent, try to keep a low volume, and no flash photography. Thank you so much  and enjoy the art!"

The doors open and you can see the paintings on the walls. They're illuminated by lights from above. Everyone shuffles inside, and after a minute you and Spencer are free to walk around. First you stop at the painting called "Girl With Mandolin".

"What made you stop at this one?" Whispers Spencer. His face is very close to your ear, causing you to feel his hot breath again.

"It reminds me of my grandma. She played the mandolin." You say.

"Do you play any instruments?" He asks.

"Sadly no, but I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano."

He nods and walks away. Hm... that's a little strange. Why does he look strangely secretive? You ignore it and look back at the painting. You like how the woman's body is portrayed with shapes instead of smooth lines. Your eyes track the sides of her figure. Then you look over and see Spencer gazing at a painting of two adults and a boy on the shore. You walk behind him and glance at his eyes. He looks very focused, and a little bit sad. You grab his hand and rub your thumb on the back of it. He looks down and then back at you, smiling.

"What's this one called?" You ask.

"The Tragedy. It's from Picasso's blue period." He says. "He painted it on the beach to mirror nature. He wanted to point out man's personal weakness, failure, and moral evil."

You like that he knows so much about art. Why wouldn't he? You know Cecilia is going to love him.

You two walk throughout the rest of the exhibit holding hands. His is warm and soft. You like the feeling of his fingers interlocking with yours.

"What were your favorites?" Spencer asks you reach the end of the exhibit.

"I really liked the Girl with Mandolin, La Vie, and the Old Guitarist. What about you?"

"The Tragedy has always been one of my favorite paintings, but I also enjoyed Reading at a Table and the Absinthe Drinker."

"I liked those ones too. Is Picasso your favorite artist?" You ask.

"I like his work, but he's not my favorite. I've never been the biggest fan of art but I appreciate it."

You like that he's so open minded about things. You walk out of the museum and feel the cold air on your skin. Spencer untangles his hand from yours and drapes his jacket over your shoulders. He quickly puts his hand back in yours. How sweet.

"Did you know Pablo Picasso's full name was actually Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz Picasso?" Says Spencer. He says the name so fast that you don't even understand half the names he said.

"I didn't. But a lot of artists had super long names right? Like Van Gogh and Michelangelo?" You say.

"Yes, but Van Gogh and Michelangelo are from the 19th and 15th century when it was more common. Picasso died in April of 1973."

You actually didn't know that. You knew Picasso was a more recent artist, but not that recent.

"Very interesting. I thought he died in like 1920 or something." You say

"No, but he was born in 1883."

You smile as you walk back to Spencer's car. You're still holding hands and you look at him out of the corner of your eye. His lips are lifted slightly and he scrunches his nose.

"I had a really good time tonight, y/n." He says.

"Good, because I did too." You say in response. You want to see him again soon. Not next week,more  like tomorrow.

"Are you free tomorrow night?" You blurt out. He furrows his eyebrows and looks down at you.

"I should be. Why?" He asks.

"Would you want to come over to my apartment and make pizza?" You ask. He smiles.

"I would love that. What's your address?"

"1342 West 23rd Street. I live in apartment 306." You say.

He looks down and seems a little downcast.

"I really hope I can make it, but if I have a case I'm sorry." He says.

"You don't have to apologize. We talked about this, saving somebody's life is more important than making me happy." You say.

"But your happiness is still important to me." He says. His lips are down turned and he's making eye contact with you. You smile and look back at him.

"Thank you, but you shouldn't feel bad for doing your job because it might disappoint me. I would much rather you use that magnificent mind of yours on a case then you use it making homemade dough with me."

He smirks. "What if I would rather make homemade dough with you?" He says.

"Maybe I could be persuaded." You say.

You two laugh as you arrive at his car. He opens the passengers door for you and then climbs into the drivers seat. He turns on the radio and Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" plays. You hum the tune and Spencer hums along. You look at him as he's grinning slightly with his hand on the steering wheel. He looks really hot right now.

Soon you're back at the Jefferson and you step out of the car. He steps out with you and walks to your car door with you.

"Thank you for such a terrific night." He says.

"Anytime, doctor." You say. "Tomorrow, my house at 5:00 sharp."

"I'll be there." He says.

You stand on your toes and plant a soft kiss on his cheek. You see him blush and show a cute smile. He walks back to his car and you smirk when he turns away. You climb into your seat and start the engine. You turn on the car's bluetooth and play "Tiny Dancer" all the way home.

•••••

Spencer humming Tiny Dancer is something I think about a lot... and other things 😏
But I hope you guys like this one, because the next chapter is even better. Can't wait to post it!